Why join PFA?
Our community believes that all families in Multnomah County should have access to free early education. Preschool for All (PFA) is creating a new early learning system and we want you to be a part of it!
Partnering with Preschool for All means:
- Stable, predictable funding
- Support for higher wages and pay equity (even in your infant/toddler classrooms!)
- Professional development and coaching
- Inclusion support for diverse learner needs
- Access to funding for facilities improvements or expansion
Preschool for All is a mixed-delivery system, which means that families can choose the type of preschool setting that is right for their child. That includes family child care, schools, and child care centers. Providers in these different settings follow the same expectations and receive the same funding.
Becoming a PFA provider
We want to partner with providers who are committed to delivering high-quality, inclusive early learning experiences!
Here's how you can apply to join Preschool for All:
- Review Eligibility Requirements: Ensure your program meets the requirements, including holding an active child care license and having at least three years of operational experience.
- Submit an Application: Applications are accepted twice a year, typically in late winter/early spring and summer.
All applications are scored, and those scoring 70% or above become qualified PFA providers. Qualified PFA providers remain eligible for five years and will be considered for slot allocations as they become available. The Preschool & Early Learning Division allocates slots based on various factors, including geographic distribution and community needs.
For detailed information on the application process and to access the application form, please visit the Apply to be a PFA Provider page.
If you’re interested in becoming a PFA provider but don’t currently meet the requirements, you may be a good candidate for the Pathways program. Learn more about this opportunity at our Pathways Program page.
Becoming part of Preschool for All may mean changes for your program. These changes might include:
- Being responsive to a large number of interested families when the Preschool for All application is open in the spring
- Welcoming all families that apply for and are matched with your program
- Serving children who have a wide range of behaviors and needs
- Working closely with partners, such as the Multnomah Early Childhood Program and Child Care Resource and Referral, and welcoming them into your facility
- Providing free meals and snacks to children
- Communicating frequently with Preschool & Early Learning Division staff and other key partners via email and phone
We encourage you to learn more about Preschool for All by exploring the information on our website. If you have additional questions that aren’t answered here, please email preschoolforall@multco.us.
Additional opportunities
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 community-based organizations to create new preschool programs or expand current ones. CPEP participants can engage in training and educational opportunities, program development, peer networks, and individualized consultation. Supports will be tailored to the strengths and needs of each organization. Learn more about CPEP here.
Pathways Program
The Pathways Program is designed to help providers who want to apply for Preschool For All, but do not meet eligibility requirements. Pathways helps your program meet the requirements. Providers join a cohort and work with a CCR&R Pathways Coordinator to achieve milestones and improve their early learning setting.
Participants in the Pathways Program do not receive contracted slots or the same benefits as PFA providers.
Learn more and apply on the Pathways Program page!