The Board of County Commissioners today approved a budget modification to fund 174 new preschool seats and 13 locations to the Preschool for All program beginning next year. The addition of 174 seats will increase the total number of preschool spots from 2,070 at the start of the 2024-25 school year to 2,244.
Under the mid-year expansion, five current providers will expand to new locations. The program is also adding seven new providers, including one with two locations. The new locations will be added to the Preschool for All family application in November and children will start in January 2025.
This decision marks a shift in how the program manages growth. Previously, new preschool seats were added on an annual basis. The new approach, allowing for mid-year expansions, will enable the Preschool & Early Learning Division to be more nimble as it progresses towards achieving universal preschool by 2030.
There are currently more than 2,000 Preschool for All students who receive free early childhood education at over 120 locations across Multnomah County. The program is on track to reach the County’s goal to provide free preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds in Multnomah County, a seat for every student who wants one by 2030.
The program also successfully supported over 250 early educators with professional development and higher education opportunities this year, trained more than 60 career coaches in early childhood education, recruited 74 providers into the program and funded several millions of dollars in investments in new facilities.
Today’s vote authorizes the use of $3.9M from the program’s contingency funds to cover the costs associated with these new seats, including start-up expenses, transportation, and funds to stabilize infant and toddler care.
“For each of the more than 2,000 families with a preschool seat this year, Preschool for All is their chance to start on a path of early learning we know will make a huge difference in the years to come,” said Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. “Building a program that works well for families takes a nimble, collaborative approach to growth. We promised voters we’d achieve universal preschool access in 2030 and these additional seats will help us stay on track to achieve this milestone.”
For more information about Preschool for All and upcoming developments, please visit multco.us/preschool.