Families at the Center: PFA's Outreach Strategy Keeps Classrooms Full
Preschool for All (PFA) is about more than preschool seats. It’s about making sure families in Multnomah County can find a program that’s right for their child. To do this, we partner with trusted community groups called Family Connector Organizations (FCOs).
What are Family Connector Organizations?
Family Connector Organizations employ Family Navigators who provide free, one-on-one support to families. Navigators can:
- Help families complete the Preschool for All application
- Support families as they move through the placement and enrollment process
- Connect families to other community resources, such as food, housing, or health supports
- Offer information in a family’s preferred language whenever possible
Because FCOs are culturally specific organizations, they have strong relationships and a deep understanding of the people they serve. They make sure that families from our priority communities – including families of color, families experiencing low incomes, and families who speak languages other than English – can navigate the preschool system with confidence.
In a time when many culturally specific organizations are navigating significant pressures – from shifting policies to limited resources – we are especially grateful for their unwavering commitment to this work!
Outreach in the 2024–25 School Year
This past school year, our FCO partners helped us reach families at community events across the county – from neighborhood libraries to cultural festivals, block parties to powwows.
Together, we participated in 108 outreach events, meeting families where they are and making preschool information more accessible than ever. Events included:
- The NAYA Neerchokikoo Powwow, where families learned about PFA during a cultural celebration
- Good in the Hood, where PFA Navigators and PEL staff connected with hundreds of community members
- IRCO’s resource fairs and Latino Network’s family events, which brought preschool sign-ups into trusted spaces families already use
This strong outreach has been key to keeping Preschool for All classrooms full – with an enrollment rate of 97% last year! By directly connecting with families in trusted community spaces, our FCO partners ensure seats are filled quickly.
Welcoming Black Parent Initiative
We’re proud to share that the Black Parent Initiative (BPI) has joined PFA as our newest Family Connector Organization this fall!
BPI has long been a leader in supporting Black families in Multnomah County. By joining the FCO network, they bring their strong community ties and expertise to ensure families have the resources and support needed to access Preschool for All.
Meet Our Family Connector Organizations
Families can reach out to any of our four FCO partners for free help with applications, placement, and enrollment:
- Black Parent Initiative
- Latino Network
- NAYA Family Center
- Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO)
Learn more about our FCOs and read the Family Navigators’ bios on our website! The most up-to-date contact information for each FCO is always available on our family application portal.
Looking Ahead
Preschool for All classrooms are full in large part due to the outreach and support provided by partnerships like these! As PFA continues to grow, Family Connector Organizations remain central to our vision: preschool opportunities that are welcoming, culturally responsive, and available to families across our community.