The Preschool for All family application for the 2025-2026 school year is closed.
The family application for the 2026-2027 school year will open on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 10AM. Sign up to be notified about the 2026-2027 family application opening.
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 2022-23 and is funding over 3,800 seats for 2025-26. The program will continue to grow each year. In 2030 there will be a free preschool seat available for all interested families.
We're 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 to participate in Preschool for All. Children must:
1. Be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1 of the preschool year, and
2. Have a parent or legal guardian living in Multnomah County.
There are no income eligibility requirements to apply for Preschool for All.
Children who are 5 years old on or before September 1 do not qualify 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 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 information about choosing a preschool in our application portal. You can also learn more about it in this quick video! This video is also available in: Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
When choosing a preschool, remember that all our partner programs follow the Oregon Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines in their teaching. Their staff also commit to professional development and get ongoing support. All our preschool partners have also 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. Portland Public Schools and KairosPDX have separate application processes. If you are interested in a seat at either of those programs, you can apply directly with those organizations.
You can also download a full list of Preschool for All locations.