For Families | Preschool for All

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

The Preschool for All family application for the 2024-25 school year is open through January 27, 2025

Family at preschool graduation

While the majority of the 2024-25 Preschool for All seats were filled during the Spring 2024 application window, there are limited seats available at new preschool sites that have recently been added to PFA. Visit pfa.multco.us to apply! Depending on your preschool choices and seat availability, you may receive a preschool placement or be placed on a waitlist. If you need assistance, you can request help from a Family Navigator during the application process. Only families who did not apply in the spring should submit a new application. 

Please consider that there are a limited number of seats currently available at some locations for the 2024-25 school year. If you haven’t already applied, you can submit a new application for any participating PFA program; however, you may want to prioritize programs with current openings for 2024-25 on your application. Placements are not guaranteed and are dependent on the number of applicants and available seats. 

Before submitting your application, please take the time to learn more about your preschool choices. In the application, you will be asked to choose and rank (in order of preference) up to 6 participating programs. Our Frequently Asked Questions include more information about the application process.


Preschool for All Information for Families

On November 3rd, 2020 voters in Multnomah County overwhelmingly supported the Preschool for All ballot measure. Preschool for All (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 over time, increasing the number of providers and families, until there is a free preschool seat available to all interested Multnomah County families in 2030.

We are excited that you are considering preschool programs available through Preschool for All for your child. We know that choosing the right preschool is an important decision. 

Eligibility

There are just two eligibility requirements to participate. 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.

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

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. 

For informational purposes, you can download a full list of Preschool for All locations.

Last reviewed December 11, 2024
Check Eligibility for 2024-25 School Year

Use this form if you are unsure about your child's eligibility.