Multnomah County, Ore. (May 26, 2026) — On the same day Multnomah County announced record-breaking demand for Preschool for All’s upcoming school year, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Thursday, May 21, that recognizes and guides the program’s final push toward universal preschool access for every 3- and 4-year-old in the County.
Sponsored by Commissioners Meghan Moyer and Julia Brim-Edwards, the resolution directs the Preschool & Early Learning Division to continue its ongoing analysis to identify any remaining obstacles between the program’s current enrollment and full universality. The division will then produce a concrete plan to address those barriers by February 2027. The program has already completed the study’s first phase.
“We are getting closer to ensuring every 3- and 4-year-old has the opportunity to attend free preschool, and as we enter this final stage we will need to be intentional in making sure that there are preschools in all our neighborhoods across the County, offering different hours and types of preschools,” said Commissioner Brim-Edwards. “As a mom of three who worked when my kids were in preschool, I know how important getting a good preschool match is in terms of location, hours, and flexibility that meets families’ needs.”
Preschool for All has received more than 6,000 applications for the 2026-27 school year so far, the highest in program history, while the County also nearly doubled capacity from the prior year, offering more than 7,000 seats, exceeding this year’s seat goal by 58%. With rapid expansion well under way, demographic data shows the County could reach universality sooner than the program’s original 2030 goal. The ongoing analysis is designed to ensure the program’s final stage of growth is intentional and equitable.
“We are in the final push to full implementation of Preschool for All. This analysis is necessary to ensure families are offered a range of preschool options that meet their needs,” said Commissioner Moyer. “That is the intention of this resolution.”
As Preschool for All grows, more families struggling to endure a national and local affordability crisis will have the opportunity to re-join the local workforce and more working families will be able to afford to stay in Portland. Employers benefit from a larger hiring pool, and increased wages for employees reduce expensive turnover of employees.
Preschool for All saves families an average of $18,600 per child per year. In the upcoming school year, the program is able to offer County families more than $130 million in combined savings. Families will be able to reinvest those savings in Multnomah County’s economy, supporting small businesses and generating funding for crucial public services.
“Universal tuition-free preschool is nearly here, and we must continue to roll out the final seats as thoughtfully as possible,” said Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. “I am happy to join my colleagues in affirming the work underway to make sure Preschool for All is in the best position to serve more children during this exciting stage of growth.”
“I appreciate the hard work that PEL has put into their gap analysis,” said Commissioner Shannon Singleton. “It is absolutely vital that we hear from the trades and other professionals who have non-traditional work hours about their needs. We may not be able to meet every need, but it is important that we strive to serve every family in the county, and not just those who work a traditional 9-5.”
“I’m excited to see more families served in East County, an area with priority populations for this program,” said Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon. “I’m looking forward to the future of Preschool for All as it grows throughout the County.”
The analysis by Preschool for All is structured into four phases:
- Phase one (completed): Analyze geographic and demographic distribution of current seats and application, along with qualitative feedback gathered from families during the current operating year.
- Phase two (under way): Evaluate waitlist, cross-reference other publicly funded early learning programs in the region, and review alternative hours and non-traditional provider programming schedules to identify families not yet captured in standard enrollment systems.
- Phase three (Fall 2026): Conduct qualitative interviews with families who declined a Preschool for All placement offer to better understand structural barriers such as language, transportation or scheduling conflicts.
- Phase four (Fall 2026): Complete findings and make recommendations to improve application and seat allocations for fiscal year 2027-28.
The Board’s action complements a series of steps and decisions aimed at ensuring the program grows successfully. In April, the Board received the final report from an independent Technical Advisory Group, assessing the program’s long-term financial sustainability.
In addition to this analysis, Commissioners Moyer and Brim-Edwards brought forward a proposal to develop a True Cost of Care Fiscal Modeling Tool to better support future forecasting of funding needed to sustainably support universal preschool. The Board approved that proposal Feb. 5, 2026.
The Board will receive a full briefing on the Gap Analysis by Dec. 31, 2026, with a final implementation roadmap due by Feb. 27, 2027.
About Preschool for All
Preschool for All is a locally funded program offering free, high-quality preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds in Multnomah County. Launched in fall 2022 following support from voters in November 2020, Preschool for All aims for universal access by 2030. The program supports small businesses, pays educators wages above the state average, and ensures children have safe, engaging spaces to learn and grow. Learn more at pfa.multco.us.
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