Family Application Status
The Preschool for All 2025-26 family application is open!
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are open through April 30, 2025. Programs will begin in September 2025. Visit pfa.multco.us to apply!
Preschool for All (PFA) connects 3- and 4-year olds in Multnomah County to free preschool! Families choose and rank up to six participating preschool programs on their applications. We encourage families to research and tour preschools. Take your time to make sure your choices work best for your family. Apply anytime from April 2 to April 30.
Who is eligible?
Children who are 3 or 4 on or before September 1, 2025, and have a parent or legal guardian living in Multnomah County.
Need help?
For application questions or technical support, email pfa.support@multco.us or call 503-988-7818.
If you need help completing the application, you can request help from a Family Navigator.
Review our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about the application process.
Family Application Process
Learn more about how the family application process works in this quick video!
This video is also available in Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
Preschool for All Information for Families
On November 3rd, 2020 voters overwhelmingly supported the PFA ballot measure. PFA connects families in Multnomah County to free, inclusive, culturally responsive early education.
Preschool for All began with 728 preschool seats in the 2022-23 year and now has over 2,200 seats for the 2024-25 year. The program will continue to grow each year. In 2030 there will be a free preschool seat available for all interested families.
We are excited that you are considering a PFA site for your child. We know that choosing the right preschool is an important decision.
- When you are ready to apply, please visit pfa.multco.us.
- Our Frequently Asked Questions include more information about the application process.
- If you are unable to submit an online application and need help applying, a Family Navigator can assist you.
Eligibility
There are just two eligibility requirements for PFA. Children must:
- Be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1 of the preschool year, and
- Have a parent or legal guardian living in Multnomah County
There are no income eligibility requirements for Preschool for All.
PFA Priority Populations
Children who currently have the least access to high-quality early learning experiences are prioritized in our outreach. Children whose families experience barriers accessing preschool include:
- Black, Brown, Native American Indigenous, and all Children of Color;
- Children who speak languages other than English;
- Children with developmental delays and disabilities;
- Children living in or at risk of placement in foster care;
- Children from families with low incomes; and
- Children experiencing homelessness.
Choosing a Preschool
It is important to research your preschool options and to choose programs that will work well for you and your child. Families can choose up to six preschools on their application and will only be matched with the sites on their list. We highly encourage families to visit preschool sites before including them on their application.
You can find more detailed information about choosing a preschool in our application portal.
When considering preschool options that meet your needs, please keep in mind that all partnering programs use a curriculum that aligns with the Oregon Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines and employ staff who are committed to professional development and receive ongoing support. In addition, our preschool partners have agreed to:
- Create an environment of safety, trust, and belonging for all children and families, with a specific focus on the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and Families of Color
- Follow Preschool for All’s policy of no suspensions or expulsions of children
- Fully include children with disabilities and/or special health needs
- Pay staff competitive wages and provide staff benefits
- Be licensed by the State of Oregon Office of Child Care (when required)
More information and a searchable map of Preschool for All locations can be found on our application portal.
Two Preschool for All partners are not included in the PFA application portal and have separate application processes. Families that are interested in preschool at Portland Public Schools or KairosPDX should apply directly with those organizations.
You can also download a full list of Preschool for All locations.