Multnomah County, OR – Entering its fourth school year, the Preschool for All (PFA) program shared a progress update, sharing that they will serve up to 3,800 families in the 2025-2026 school year, quadrupling the children served since its launch in 2022. Applications are being accepted from April 2 to April 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. for all children who have a parent or guardian living in Multnomah County and who are 3 or 4 years old before Sept. 1, 2025.
After the first seats opened in 2022, PFA adjusted its initial enrollment targets due to COVID's impact on providers. The program is now showing strong growth and exceeding our current goals.
“We are pleased to serve up to 1,600 additional children in the 2025-2026 school year, providing more choices for families and growth opportunities for providers,” said Leslee Barnes, director of Preschool & Early Learning Division at Multnomah County. “We appreciate our educators who create welcoming, developmentally appropriate learning environments. Providers in the program receive extensive support, including coaching, professional development, and funding to build and expand child care facilities.”
As of today, 128 providers, including more than 50 new providers, will serve children at nearly 220 locations in 2025-2026, more than quadrupling the number of children served since its launch. In the 2024-2025 school year, 80 providers served 2,225 children at 133 locations. PFA will also launch a Provider Advisory Group during the 2025-2026 school year, incorporating feedback to enhance program effectiveness.
Program Growth and Long-Term Vision
The program has grown from 728 children in 2022-2023 to 3,800 in 2025-2026. This growth provides more options for working families and aims for universal preschool in Multnomah County by 2030, in collaboration with other state and federal programs like Preschool Promise and Head Start.
The Preschool for All Family Survey Findings, conducted by external research partners (Curenton, S. M. et al.) indicate families find real value in the program: 97% are satisfied or highly satisfied with their PFA experience; 97% of seats are enrolled; 99% feel welcomed; 95% feel comfortable discussing problems with educators; and 100% believe providers help children feel comfortable sharing about home life. In addition, 65% of programs offer a 10-hour preschool day for families.
Kelly Wirth, a parent of two kids said: "As a mom, having access to Preschool for All has been life-changing for our family. My daughter is not only learning her ABCs, but she’s building confidence, making friends, and developing a love for learning. It’s given her a strong start—and given me peace of mind knowing she’s in a safe, nurturing environment every day. I encourage every family to apply. This program is a gift, and every child deserves the chance to thrive from the very beginning."
The county says it’s reaching the populations that have historically had the least access to preschool. As of February 2025:
- 71% of families have low incomes
- 65% of children identify as Black, Indigenous, or Children of Color
- 4% live with foster parents or legal guardians
- 5% are from families experiencing homelessness
- 30% speak a language other than English at home
- 61 different languages are represented
More Providers, More Locations
PFA is investing in vital child care infrastructure, including increased wages for early educators, coaching and professional development for child care workers, funding to stabilize infant and toddler care, investments in recruitment and retention of a skilled and diverse workforce, and support for the expansion of child care facilities across the county. PFA says provider interest in the program remains high for a couple of reasons
- Financial support. Reimbursement was up to $24,000 per enrolled child in the 2024-2025 school year, and will increase for the 2025-2026 school year. This fosters sustainable funding for small businesses. Through a partnership with BuildUp Oregon, PFA awarded over $16.4 million in funding to 44 projects to expand and improve preschool facilities since 2024 and is requesting over $17 million in Fiscal Year 2026.
- Competitive wages. Assistant teachers are paid a minimum of $21.68 per hour and the goal salary for a lead teacher with a BA or Step 10 is $39.23 per hour, compared to the state median income for a child care worker at about $3,000 a month.
- Business opportunities for all. Over 75% of small centers and family early learning sites are led by owners or directors identifying as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. Over half of providers are small businesses.
- Hands-on support. Every provider has access to coaches, Inclusion Coordinators, and early childhood mental health consultants to prevent child suspension or expulsion. The program invested $8 million in 2024-25 for college navigators, scholarship programs, coaching, and professional development opportunities to recruit educators in the field and retain great teachers.
“The PFA program supports providers. You’re not doing this alone,” said Dee Hayward, director of Early Steps, a new center that launched with $1 million in PFA funding. “Yes, joining the program means partnering on some shared standards, like welcoming all children and creating inclusive classrooms. But providers are supported every step of the way—with coaching, staffing funds, and tools to keep every child in care. You keep your identity as a provider, and now you’ve got a team behind you.”
“We are proud to help invest in the infrastructure needed to help Multnomah County deliver universal preschool by 2030. All children deserve a welcoming, supportive facility that supports their growth and learning," said Rachel Langford, the Craft3 Early Care and Education Program Manager for BuildUp Oregon. "Through our partnership with PFA, we have committed $16.4 million to help providers expand and improve the quality of their programs.”
Small Investment, High ROI
PFA is a small but impactful investment, with fewer than 10% of tax filers meeting the income threshold. Joint filers with a taxable income of approximately $212,000 per year may pay about $15 per month in the PFA tax in 2025. Research shows that every dollar spent on high-quality preschool returns between $7 and $12 to the community, reducing inequality and strengthening the social fabric.
Open Enrollment
Families can apply through April 30 and choose up to six preschool programs on their application, including schools, home-based and center-based care. Most seats will be filled during the spring. Later in the summer, the application reopens for new applicants to apply for remaining seats or to be placed on a waiting list. To learn more or apply, visit pfa.multco.us.
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About Preschool for All
Preschool for All (PFA) is a locally funded program offering free preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds in Multnomah County. It provides joyful, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate preschool experiences through various programs. Launched in fall of 2022 after Multnomah County residents’ broad support in November of 2020, PFA aims to be culturally responsive and supports families with multiple preschool options. Learn more at pfa.multco.us.