Preschool for All Expands to 3,800 Children

Increased Support for Young Learners

Photo courtesy of Preschool for All – Multnomah County

Entering its fourth school year, the Preschool for All (PFA) program announced it will serve up to 3,800 families in the 2025–2026 school year—quadrupling the number of children served since its launch in 2022. Applications are open from April 2 to April 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., for children who are 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2025, and have a parent or guardian living in Multnomah County. Families can apply at pfa.multco.us.

“We are pleased to serve up to 1,600 additional children in the 2025–2026 school year, providing more choices for families and growth opportunities for providers,” said Leslee Barnes, director of the Preschool & Early Learning Division at Multnomah County. “We appreciate our educators who create welcoming, developmentally appropriate learning environments. Providers in the program receive extensive support, including coaching, professional development, and funding to build and expand child care facilities.”

In 2025–2026, 128 providers—including over 50 new ones—will serve children at nearly 220 locations. This expansion builds on the previous year, when 80 providers served 2,225 children at 133 sites. PFA will also launch a Provider Advisory Group to gather feedback and continue improving program effectiveness.

The program has grown from 728 children in 2022-2023 to 3,800 in 2025-2026. This growth provides more options for working families and aims for universal preschool in Multnomah County by 2030, in collaboration with other state and federal programs like Preschool Promise and Head Start. 

The Preschool for All Family Survey Findings, conducted by external research partners (Curenton, S. M. et al.) indicate families find real value in the program: 97% are satisfied or highly satisfied with their PFA experience; 97% of seats are enrolled; 99% feel welcomed; 95% feel comfortable discussing problems with educators; and 100% believe providers help children feel comfortable sharing about home life. In addition, 65% of programs offer a 10-hour preschool day for families.

Kelly Wirth, a parent of two kids said: "As a mom, having access to Preschool for All has been life-changing for our family. My daughter is not only learning her ABCs, but she’s building confidence, making friends, and developing a love for learning. It’s given her a strong start—and given me peace of mind knowing she’s in a safe, nurturing environment every day. I encourage every family to apply. This program is a gift, and every child deserves the chance to thrive from the very beginning."

The county reports that Preschool for All is successfully reaching populations that have historically had the least access to preschool. As of February 2025, 71% of participating families have low incomes, and 65% of children identify as Black, Indigenous, or Children of Color. Additionally, 4% of children live with foster parents or legal guardians, 5% are from families experiencing homelessness, and 30% speak a language other than English at home. In total, 61 different languages are represented among enrolled families.

Families can apply through April 30 and choose up to six preschool programs on their application, including schools, home-based and center-based care. Most seats will be filled during the spring. Later in the summer, the application reopens for new applicants to apply for remaining seats or to be placed on a waiting list. To learn more or apply, visit pfa.multco.us