One of the best things about Preschool for All (PFA) is our community’s strong investment in it! Families, caregivers, preschool providers, and neighbors across Multnomah County want this program to succeed. And they have fantastic ideas about how to make it even better.
This year, nearly 2,000 people shared their thoughts in a countywide survey led by Lara Media, and dozens more joined focus groups to talk about their children, their hopes, and their ideas. Their voices remind us that PFA is a shared vision and project that belongs to all of us. The survey will inform the work of the Technical Advisory Group. This group will create recommendations for the Board of County Commissioners about the PFA tax.
The themes that came through in this work are shaping the way the program grows. Here are some of the biggest things we heard:
Families Want a Preschool System That Works for Real Life
One of the clearest messages we heard was that preschool should fit the realities of modern family life. Families told us what kinds of preschool experiences support them most. They need programs close to home or work; flexible schedules or part-time options; and programs that reflect their language, culture, and values.
Feedback like this helps us understand where new PFA preschool seats can make the biggest impact, and we respond! For example, early in PFA’s rollout, families shared the need for more preschool locations downtown. PFA worked with providers to open new classrooms in downtown and Old Town, and families are already benefiting!
As the program grows, we’ll keep using community insight, enrollment data, and demographic trends to meet families where they are.
Families and Providers Want to Stay Connected to PEL
Another strong theme we heard is that people want to hear from the Preschool & Early Learning Division (PEL) about our progress. Families want updates about enrollment and new opportunities, and providers want to be part of shaping policy and sharing what they see in their classrooms.
To support that, PFA is expanding how families and providers can stay engaged. This fall, a new Provider Engagement Committee held its first meeting. This group brings together both PFA and non-PFA preschool providers from across the county to help PEL strengthen policies, communication, and support systems. Providers and educators are the heart of early learning. Their perspectives will continue to guide how we refine and improve the program.
A similar effort is now taking shape for families. In early 2026, PFA will launch a new Family Engagement Committee. This group will include families currently participating in PFA as well as families who aren’t. The committee will give caregivers a way to share their experiences and ideas, so family voice stays central to the decisions we make.
Together with the PFA Advisory Committee, these groups will create more ways for the people who care most about early childhood to shape PFA’s future. We look forward to sharing more about their work in the months ahead.
There’s Strong Support for Educators and Providers
Families deeply value the people who teach and care for their children. And providers shared thoughtful ideas about how PFA could continue strengthening support.
Many suggestions focused on making participation easier and more sustainable for providers. People pointed to the need for clearer, simpler processes for including children with disabilities; more opportunities for collaboration; creative ways to reduce costs and administrative burdens; and continued attention to Family Child Care and culturally specific providers.
PEL is hard at work on these priorities! We’re refining inclusion policies, exploring insurance cost reductions with the state, and ensuring that diverse provider voices are part of program decisions.
Families Are Thinking About Well-Being and Mental Health
Families and educators both told us they want more support for children’s social and emotional health. Preschool is not only about learning letters and numbers. It’s also about learning to make friends, solve problems, and feel safe and connected!
PFA already partners with the Multnomah County Health Department to provide early childhood mental health consultation, and we’re exploring what other resources might be possible in collaboration with local experts.
A Community-Built Program, Growing With Community Guidance
Our community cares deeply about Preschool for All. Families, educators, and community members want PFA to thrive, and they’re ready to share their ideas to help get us there!
We’re grateful for every person who took time to fill out a survey or join a conversation. Their experiences help us stay grounded, stay curious, and stay connected to the people PFA exists to serve.
As Preschool for All continues to grow, we will keep listening, keep learning, and keep building a preschool system that reflects the hopes and strengths of our community. When we build something together, it’s always stronger!