Family Application Status
The Preschool for All family application for the 2024-25 school year is now closed. Please view our Other Preschool & Child Care Resources page for additional resources.
The Preschool for All application for the 2025-26 school year will open on April 2. Sign up here to be notified when the application opens.
If your child is currently enrolled in a PFA seat and will be 4 years old on September 1, you do not need to apply again.
Our Frequently Asked Questions include more information about the application process. If you need help submitting an application, you can contact a Family Navigator.
We encourage families planning to apply to research preschool sites to determine which locations might be a good fit for your family. More sites will be added when the 2025-26 family application opens. Learn more about choosing a preschool here.
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.
- When you are ready to apply, please visit pfa.multco.us.
- Our Frequently Asked Questions include more information about the application process.
- If you are unable to submit an online application and need help applying, a Family Navigator can assist you.
Eligibility
There are just two eligibility requirements for PFA. Children must:
- Be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1 of the preschool year, and
- Have a parent or legal guardian living in Multnomah County
There are no income eligibility requirements for Preschool for All.
Children who currently have the least access to high-quality early learning experiences are prioritized in our outreach and application processes.
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.