For Families | Preschool for All

Applying for a Preschool for All seat, choosing a provider, family FAQs, and more.

On this page

  1. Family Application Status
  2. Family Application Process
  3. Preschool for All Information for Families
  4. Eligibility
  5. PFA Priority Populations
  6. Choosing a Preschool
Family at preschool graduation

Family Application Status

The Preschool for All family application for the 2025-26 school year is now closed

Missed the deadline to apply?

We will re-open the family application for the 2025-26 school year this summer. New applicants will likely be placed on a waitlist. Complete this form to be notified of the re-opening.
If you are looking for a preschool placement for the 2025-26 school year, please view our Other Preschool & Child Care Resources page for resources and additional preschool options.

Already submitted an application? What happens next?

  • We will notify families by email about application decisions in early June 2025.
  • If you don’t receive a placement offer, you will be waitlisted at all the preschool choices on your application.
  • If you receive a placement offer, you can ‘accept’ or ‘decline’ by logging into your account by the due date.
  • If you receive a placement offer that is not your top choice, you will remain waitlisted at all the preschools you ranked higher. For example, if your placement offer is for your 2nd choice, you will remain waitlisted at your 1st choice.
  • If you accept your placement offer, you will receive instructions via email on how to enroll.

Have questions or need support?

Please contact us at pfa.support@multco.us or call 503-988-7818. Our team will respond during business hours Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PST).

Review our Frequently Asked Questions and the video below for more information about the application process.

Family Application Process

Learn more about how the family application process works in this quick video! 
This video is also available in Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

cartoon family at computer

Preschool for All Information for Families

On November 3rd, 2020 voters overwhelmingly supported the PFA ballot measure. PFA connects families in Multnomah County to free, inclusive, culturally responsive early education.

Preschool for All began with 728 preschool seats in the 2022-23 year and now has over 2,200 seats for the 2024-25 year. The program will continue to grow each year. In 2030 there will be a free preschool seat available for all interested families.

We are excited that you are considering a PFA site for your child. We know that choosing the right preschool is an important decision. 

Eligibility

There are just two eligibility requirements for PFA. Children must:

  1. Be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1 of the preschool year, and
  2. Have a parent or legal guardian living in Multnomah County

Check eligibility here.

There are no income eligibility requirements for Preschool for All.

PFA Priority Populations

Children who currently have the least access to high-quality early learning experiences are prioritized in our outreach. Children whose families experience barriers accessing preschool include:

  • Black, Brown, Native American Indigenous, and all Children of Color;
  • Children who speak languages other than English;
  • Children with developmental delays and disabilities;
  • Children living in or at risk of placement in foster care;
  • Children from families with low incomes; and
  • Children experiencing homelessness.

Choosing a Preschool

It is important to research your preschool options and to choose programs that will work well for you and your child. Families can choose up to six preschools on their application and will only be matched with the sites on their list. We highly encourage families to visit preschool sites before including them on their application. 

You can find more detailed information about choosing a preschool in our application portal.

When considering preschool options that meet your needs, please keep in mind that all partnering programs use a curriculum that aligns with the Oregon Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines and employ staff who are committed to professional development and receive ongoing support. In addition, our preschool partners have agreed to:

  • Create an environment of safety, trust, and belonging for all children and families, with a specific focus on the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and Families of Color
  • Follow Preschool for All’s policy of no suspensions or expulsions of children
  • Fully include children with disabilities and/or special health needs
  • Pay staff competitive wages and provide staff benefits
  • Be licensed by the State of Oregon Office of Child Care (when required)

More information and a searchable map of Preschool for All locations can be found on our application portal. 

Two Preschool for All partners are not included in the PFA application portal and have separate application processes. Families that are interested in preschool at Portland Public Schools or KairosPDX should apply directly with those organizations. 

You can also download a full list of Preschool for All locations.

Last reviewed May 1, 2025

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