September 2025 Newsletter | | News and Updates from the Multnomah County Preschool & Early Learning Division | | |
Dear Preschool for All Community,
As we step into this new program year, I want to take a moment to recognize both the continuity and the changes taking place in this important work. It is an honor to serve as Interim Director of the Preschool & Early Learning Division during this transition, and to help guide Preschool for All forward while we launch a national search for our next permanent director. We will continue to share updates as this search moves forward, and I look forward to welcoming new leadership that will carry our community’s vision into its next stage.
At the same time, much remains steady. Our commitment to children, families, and providers is as strong as ever, and our team remains deeply dedicated to building a program that will work for our community long into the future.
This summer, the Board of County Commissioners engaged deeply in conversations about PFA’s path to universality. There is more discussion to come, and I am heartened by the level of public support and advocacy that has been expressed for this program at every step, as well as the opportunity to hear from the community about ways this program can change and improve.
Now, as children step into classrooms this fall and begin their preschool journeys, we enter our fourth year of implementation with a great deal to celebrate!
This year, more than 3,800 children will attend Preschool for All programs at over 200 sites across Multnomah County. That’s a remarkable accomplishment in just a few short years, and it reflects the shared vision and hard work of providers, educators, families, and community members. Each new classroom represents joy, learning, and opportunity for children, and continued progress toward our goal of universal preschool in Multnomah County by 2030.
Preschool for All has always been built by and for our community. Thank you for the many ways you contribute to this effort, whether in classrooms, at the policy table, or through your advocacy and support. Together, we are creating something that will last for generations to come.
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Rachel Pearl
Interim Director
Preschool & Early Learning Division
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Multnomah County is No Longer a Child Care Desert!
According to the latest Child Care Deserts Report from Oregon State University’s Oregon Child Care Research Partnership, Multnomah County is now one of only two counties in the state that no longer qualifies as a child care desert for infants and toddlers. We’re also still not a desert for preschool! This progress reflects years of investment in preschool and child care access, and we’re excited to keep building on it.
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PFA at the Board of County Commissioners
This summer, the Board of County Commissioners has been actively engaged in discussions about PFA’s future. Commissioners heard from staff in a presentation about the path to universal preschool, key cost drivers, and the economic benefits of expanding access. They also received powerful testimony from community members during a public hearing, underscoring the strong support for PFA across Multnomah County.
The Board will continue these conversations in the months ahead, including future discussions about long-term funding and a proposal to index the tax to inflation. We’ll continue to share updates as new dates and decisions are scheduled.
Planning for the Long-Term Future of PFA
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Preschool for All is being built to grow with our community and to last for generations. A key part of that vision is making sure the program’s funding stays strong and sustainable.
To help guide this work, the County Chair has convened a Technical Advisory Group (TAG). This group brings together experts in economics, early learning, and business to look closely at PFA’s funding model – including a planned tax increase in 2027 – and explore potential adjustments.
Through focus groups, interviews, and surveys, Lara Media has been gathering input from families, educators, providers, and community partners. These perspectives will help the TAG understand what matters most to the community.
The TAG will meet regularly through March of 2026, and will make formal recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners at the conclusion of their work.
You can learn more about the TAG on our website.
| | Growing Access: Preschool for All in Year Four | | |
This fall, PFA enters its fourth year with more seats, more providers, and more classrooms open to families across Multnomah County. Thousands of children are stepping into joyful, high-quality preschool programs – many for the very first time – thanks to the dedication of our community of providers and educators!
We’ve added new sites and providers this year, building a strong foundation of more than 200 PFA site locations countywide. Already, so many children have the chance to learn, play, and thrive in preschool as we move toward universal access by 2030!
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We’re Hiring Our Next Director
The Preschool & Early Learning Division is searching for its next director! The director will guide PFA into its next phase of growth and sustainability, working alongside our fantastic team, community partners, and County leaders.
View and share the job posting.
| | Important Dates & Upcoming Events | | |
The PFA Family Application is open through January ‘26!
Families who didn’t apply in the spring can apply now through January 2026 to fill available PFA seats or join the waitlist. Learn more and apply online!
Families who applied in the spring and would like to update their preschool choices can contact pfa.support@multco.us or 503-988-7818.
PFA Advisory Committee Meeting: Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 6:30pm. Learn more.
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Show Your Support for Preschool for All with a Sign!
Now more than ever, it's crucial to show strong community support for initiatives that benefit everyone. You can easily demonstrate your commitment to Preschool for All by planting a PFA supporter sign in your yard or window, or sharing them in your neighborhood.
These signs are a great way to visibly advocate for accessible early childhood education throughout the county. If you'd like one, or several to distribute, please fill out this form to help us coordinate the best way to get them to you.
And if you spot a PFA sign in your community, snap a picture and share it on Instagram! Be sure to tag us @multcopreschoolforall!
First Day of Preschool Pics? Tag Us!
We’d love to celebrate the early days of preschool with you! Share your photos by tagging @multcopreschoolforall on Instagram and help us spread the joy of this big milestone!
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Tell Your PFA Story
Have you and your child participated in Preschool for All? We’re looking for stories from families to help show the impact of the program, and to inspire others to join! Whether it’s a favorite classroom moment, a meaningful connection with a teacher, or how PFA supported your family’s journey, we’d love to hear from you.
Share your story here.
Start a Career in Early Learning
Are you looking for a rewarding job that helps young children grow? There are many exciting opportunities to become an early childhood educator! Our Early Learning Works initiative with Worksystems offers training, career coaching, and even paid opportunities to help you start or grow your career in this important field.
Learn more about becoming an early childhood educator!
| | Building Belonging: Accessible Preschool Playgrounds in David Douglas School District | | |
With support from the PFA Facilities Fund, David Douglas School District has created preschool playgrounds designed so every child can join the fun! These updated spaces are built with accessibility at the center, giving children of all abilities the chance to learn, play, and build friendships together. It’s just one example of the ways PFA Facilities Fund investments are shaping joyful, inclusive learning environments across the county.
Read more about the project on our blog.
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PFA is a National Model in Incorporating Family Child Care
A recent article from New America highlights the crucial role of family child care providers in creating a robust and flexible early care system. It shares successful strategies for including these providers in public preschool programs, citing Multnomah County’s Preschool for All initiative as a case study! Learn how our program's efforts are part of a national movement to build a more inclusive early care and education system.
Read the article.
When Expansion Gets Complicated: How BuildUp Oregon Helps Providers Overcome Challenges
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BuildUp Oregon recently shared a blog post about their work administering PFA's Facilities Fund.
The post explains how BuildUp Oregon was able to help TCA Creative Minds – a PFA provider – open a second location. Even with many challenges, this small business owner successfully opened their new center thanks to help and money from the PFA Facilities Fund, creating 10 new child care spots for the community.
Read the full story!
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Richmond Learning Academy Expands Its Reach
Another recent blog post from our Facilities Fund partner, BuildUp Oregon, tells the inspiring story of how Richmond Learning Academy owner, Shaquoya Richmond, was able to turn a vacant and vandalized property into a new child care center. Thanks to technical help and funding from the PFA Facilities Fund, this expansion is adding 77 new child care spots and 8-10 new jobs to the community!
Read this story!
On KGW’s The Story: A Community Legacy Expands with PFA
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Friendly House has been serving Northwest Portland since 1930, welcoming everyone from preschoolers to seniors. This fall, 15 children attend preschool at Friendly House through Preschool for All, and the center has big plans to expand!
With community support and funding from the PFA Facilities Fund, Friendly House will renovate a nearby building to create dedicated classrooms – tripling preschool enrollment while freeing up space for more adult programming in the community center.
Watch the story on KATU or read our blog post!
| | PFA Explained: Working Together with State-Funded Programs to Build a Stronger System | | |
Preschool for All is a key part of a larger network of publicly funded preschool programs in Multnomah County. Families can also find high-quality, no-cost preschool through Head Start, OPK, and Preschool Promise.
Each of these programs has its own history, funding source, and enrollment process – but what they all share is a commitment to giving every child access to a high-quality early learning experience!
PFA has been designed to work alongside these existing programs, not to replace them. This program fills critical gaps by being open to all families regardless of income, and by providing flexible, full-day schedules that better serve working parents.
Our PFA team works closely with our state partners to ensure families have clear choices and providers have the support they need. This close collaboration helps expand access without duplicating efforts, making sure that resources reach the children and communities who will benefit most.
Together, we’re building a foundation for a universal system where every 3- and 4-year-old in Multnomah County can attend preschool, regardless of their family’s income or background.
Learn more about how these programs are working together to build a universal preschool system for our community on our website!
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We'd love to hear from you!
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