For Providers | Preschool for All

The Preschool for All (PFA) Provider Application will open March 27, 2026 and close April 28, 2026.

Learn about becoming a PFA Provider at these information sessions:

Tuesday, March 10, 6:00PM - 7:00PM

• This session will be in English with interpretation available
• Virtual on Zoom: Register for Tuesday, March 10

Saturday, March 14, 10:00AM - 11:00AM

• Sessions will be held in English and Spanish, and interpretation for other languages is available by request
• In-Person: Register for English or Register for Spanish
• Rockwood Market Hall, 2nd floor conference rooms
  458 SE 185th Ave, Portland, OR 97233

Tuesday, March 24, 6:00PM - 7:00PM

• This session will be in English with interpretation available
• Virtual on Zoom: Register for Tuesday, March 24  

Get help with the Provider Application

Staff are available to talk with you about becoming a Preschool for All provider and assist with the application process. 

• Get help in English about becoming a Provider
• Get help in Spanish about becoming a Provider

How to become a PFA provider

Apply to become a PFA provider

Step 1: Review eligibility requirements

Ensure your program meets the requirements. This includes having an active childcare license.

Step 2: Submit an application

The provider application is open twice each year, typically in late winter/early spring and summer. Visit apply to be a PFA Provider for the application as well as more details on the process.

Step 3: Applications are reviewed and scored 

Providers whose applications score 70% or higher become qualified. Qualified providers stay eligible for five years and will be considered for slot allocations each year.

We also review:

• Your experience managing an early learning program
• Your licensing history
• How your program aligns with PFA program expectations

Step 4: Providers are contacted

All providers are notified via email whether their application has been accepted or not.

Qualified providers who meet the years of experience, licensing expectations, program hour requirements, and who are committed to following PFA policies continue in the process. 

Step 5: Slots are allocated to qualified providers

The Preschool & Early Learning Division (PEL) allocates slots to PFA providers based on several factors, including geographic distribution and community needs. 

Why be a Provider with Preschool for All?

As a PFA provider, you can access:

• Stable, predictable funding
• Resources to help you build and sustain your early learning staff, even in your infant/toddler classrooms
• Professional development and coaching to strengthen teaching and staff practices
• Inclusion support for children with a wide range of learning and development needs
• Access to funding to help expand or improve facilities

Providers are at the heart of early learning. Preschool for All depends on the experience, cultural responsiveness, and dedication of local providers. Families need programs that reflect their culture and community, and providers make that possible every day.

What partnering with PFA looks like

Joining PFA means working together to serve children and families. As a PFA provider, you can expect to:

• Connect with many families during the application season
• Welcome children matched with your program
• Serve children with a wide range of strengths and support needs
• Work with partners and specialists who may visit your site
• Provide meals and snacks to children
• Stay in regular contact with PEL staff and partners

Other ways to partner with PFA

Community Preschool Expansion Program 

Do you work for a community-based organization that would like to offer preschool? The Community Preschool Expansion Program (CPEP) will support your organization to create a new preschool program. CPEP participants can engage in training and educational opportunities, program development, peer networks, and individualized consultation. Support will be tailored to the strengths and needs of each organization. 

Not ready to become a PFA Provider yet? The Pathways Program can help

The Pathways Program supports providers who want to join PFA but don’t yet meet all requirements. You’ll work with a Child Care Resource & Referrals (CCR&R) Pathways Coordinator to reach milestones and strengthen your program.

Pathways participants do not receive preschool slots yet, but they receive guidance and support to prepare for future participation.