News and Updates from the Multnomah County Preschool & Early Learning Division | | |
Dear Preschool for All Community,
As we close out another school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on where we've been – and where we're resolutely headed.
PFA began as a bold vision, overwhelmingly approved by Multnomah County voters in 2020. It was a groundbreaking milestone for early childhood education, both nationally and right here in our community. Thanks to the families, providers, educators, and community leaders who have helped bring it to life, that vision is becoming reality.
We are now serving thousands of children across Multnomah County, with more to come: In Fiscal Year 2026, we expect to fund over 3,800 seats at 220 sites, including new providers and expanded classrooms in communities that need them most.
Our shared success is profound. Preschool is a research-backed investment in kindergarten readiness, educational equity, and long-term economic outcomes for children and families. For every public dollar invested, we see $7-12 in community benefits. Our commitment to delivering these opportunities remains steadfast, even as the state and federal funding landscape presents new challenges.
As we move out of the pilot phase, our team is focused on building systems that are strong, transparent, and sustainable. That means making changes based on what we hear from families and providers, adjusting timelines and tools in response to feedback, or improving how we support inclusion and access. Responsiveness is not a side effort; it's how we grow.
You may be aware that discussions around the PFA tax are currently underway at the state level. These conversations are particularly important as we navigate state and federal cuts in other early learning programs like Head Start and Preschool Promise. We want to assure you that the fiscal stability of Preschool for All is one of our highest priorities. We are committed to being responsible stewards of this program that supports so many families, children, providers, early childhood educators, and learning communities.
Preschool for All is working. Like all new programs, we have faced challenges, and we are incredibly grateful for your input and support as we continue to improve PFA. We are filling a crucial need for early childhood education, meeting the needs of those who have historically lacked access, and providing the infrastructure to maintain a high standard of education for our children and future generations.
In this newsletter, you’ll find updates about our facilities investments, workforce partnerships, and stories of PFA’s impact across our community. You’ll also see how we're preparing for the future, with continued enrollment outreach, upcoming provider applications, and a community-informed process to review the program’s long-term funding.
Thank you for being part of this vital work. Whether you're a PFA family, a potential provider, a partner organization, or someone who simply believes in the importance of early learning, we're grateful you're on this journey with us.
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Leslee Barnes
Preschool & Early Learning Division Director
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What We’re Learning from This Year’s Applications
During the primary application period this spring, we received over 3,300 applications for Preschool for All. The data shows we’re continuing to reach our priority populations:
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- 56% of applicants are below the self-sufficiency standard
- 13% are for children with developmental delays or disabilities
- 55% are for children of color
- 20% speak a language other than English at home
91% of families reported feeling satisfied or highly satisfied with the application process!
We’re proud of these results, and always working to reach even more families. We filled the majority of PFA seats for next fall and there are still openings available. Families who didn’t apply during the spring can apply now at https://pfa.multco.us/.
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FY26 Budget: Investing in Early Learning
Each year, Multnomah County goes through a months-long budgeting process, with input from departments, leadership, and the public. This year, Preschool for All presented our FY26 budget to the Board of County Commissioners in May. The adopted budget continues to invest in expanding access to preschool, supporting providers, and strengthening inclusive, community-driven infrastructure.
Watch the budget presentation.
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One Year In: How the PFA Facilities Fund is Helping Build a Better Future for Preschool Access
Since its rollout in March of 2024, the Preschool for All Facilities Fund has helped transform early learning spaces across Multnomah County, and has invested over $23 million in grants, loans, and support for local providers. From classroom renovations to playground upgrades, these projects are creating the kind of beautiful, inclusive spaces every child deserves.
The fund, administered by BuildUp Oregon, provides access to capital dollars and technical assistance. It helps small businesses historically overlooked by traditional lenders. It’s already launched new preschool centers, improved accessibility, and even co-located classrooms in affordable housing developments.
So far, these investments will create over 800 new PFA seats, improve more than 500 more seats, and preserve programs that might otherwise have closed.
This is infrastructure for equity – and it’s just the beginning!
Read the full story on our blog.
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Partnering with Worksystems to Grow the ECE Workforce
Preschool for All is partnering with Worksystems through the Early Learning Works initiative to support a strong, community-rooted early childhood workforce.
This partnership connects people to job training, coaching, professional development, and support with costs like supplies and transportation.
Together, we’re working to remove barriers and open doors, because a thriving preschool system depends on thriving educators.
Read more about Early Learning Works on our blog!
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Listening to Families, Improving Preschool for All
Why do some families decline their PFA placement offer, and what can we learn from them? That’s the question behind the Decline Study, a research project led by PEL’s Mario Olivares, Laura Rodriguez, and Xia Zhang, who were recently honored with Multnomah County’s 2025 DEI Award.
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Their work combined surveys and in-depth interviews to understand what families need from our system, especially Black and African American families, families with children with disabilities, and those with lower incomes.
The team’s findings are already helping us improve how we communicate, support inclusion, and center family voice in every part of the process.
Read more about the study and the team behind it!
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Learning and Improving Through Audit Feedback
Earlier this year, Preschool for All was the focus of a routine performance audit by the Multnomah County Auditor’s Office. We welcomed the feedback as an opportunity to grow, and have already taken action on many of the recommendations.
We’re now piloting income verification processes that balance accuracy with simplicity, giving families more information about the availability of seats at each site, updating our website with additional provider resources, and launching a new Provider Advisory Group to help shape policy going forward. Many of these improvements were already underway, and the audit helped us focus and accelerate them.
Read the full audit report and read our written response.
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EdSurge Lauds PFA’s Early Progress as a National Model
A national education news outlet takes a close look at PFA’s journey from voter-approved initiative to large-scale implementation. The piece highlights what’s working, and how our thoughtful rollout offers lessons for other regions hoping to create universal preschool. Read the article.
Early Learning Works Provides a Fresh Start for Ukrainian Refugees
Worksystems recently compiled a roundup of media coverage about how our shared workforce development initiatives are making a difference in the lives of Ukrainian refugee families. Read more!
National Recognition from New America
Preschool for All was recently highlighted by New America for its community-driven approach to building early childhood policy. The article explores how PFA centers family and provider voices in program design, and why that matters for long-term systems change. Read the brief.
A Model for Expanding Preschool and Protecting Infant/Toddler Care
The Children's Funding Project is lifting up PFA’s innovative approach to expanding preschool access while safeguarding space for infant and toddler care – a challenge faced by many communities. Explore the update.
| | Important Dates & Upcoming Events | | |
July 11, 2025: Provider Applications Open
Are you an early learning provider interested in joining Preschool for All? The next application window opens soon! Learn more and apply.
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.
June 28 and 29, 2025: Come Say Hi at Good in the Hood!
We’ve been out meeting families at over 90 events around the county this year, and we’re not done yet! Visit our table in the Kids’ Space at the Good in the Hood Music & Food Festival on Saturday and Sunday, June 28 - 29!
June 30, 2025: CPEP Applications Close
PFA’s new Community Preschool Expansion Program (CPEP), which supports community-based organizations in Multnomah County to create or expand preschool programs, is accepting applications through June 30. Learn more and apply!
July 2, 2025: Bienestar La Familia Mercado
The Mercado is a monthly event hosted by Bienestar de la Familia with a goal of providing nutritious food to communities in need of extra support. It happens on the first Thursday of every month. PFA will be tabling from 9-11:30am on July 2. Find us there at 6736 NE Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97218!
July 18, 2025: City Nite Out Resource Event in Wood Village
Come find the PFA table at Wood Village's City Nite Out on Friday, July 18 from 5-8 pm. From free cotton candy and hot dogs to dunk tanks and bouncy houses, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family!
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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 survey 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 social media! Be sure to tag us @multcopreschoolforall on Instagram or Facebook so we can share!
Tell Your PFA Story
Have you or 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 new Early Learning Works initiative offers training, career coaching, and even paid opportunities to help you start or grow your career in this important field.
Learn more about joining the early childhood education field.
| | Friendly House Leverages PFA Facilities Funds to Build on a Century of Service | | |
For nearly 100 years, Friendly House has served Northwest Portland with compassion and purpose. Now, with support from the PFA Facilities Fund, they’re preparing for a big transformation! A $1 million investment will help renovate their aging building, add four new classrooms, and create 40 new PFA preschool seats – doubling their early learning capacity.
What started with a small pre-development grant is now a full-scale renovation, powered by community, partnership, and a deep belief in what’s possible for children and families. Read more on our blog.
Preschoolers Growing Food & Community
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At Solid Foundation, a PFA site in SE Portland, preschoolers are teaming up with middle school mentors and learning how to grow their own food thanks to a hands-on partnership with Grow Portland.
In this short video, site director and PFA Advisory Committee member Dominique Garcia shares how the garden project supports children’s confidence, curiosity, and connection to the natural world. Watch the KATU coverage!
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PFA Explained:
Planning a Sustainable Funding Model
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Preschool for All was designed to grow over time, and to last! One of the ways we’re making that possible is by focusing on responsible and sustainable funding. As part of the plan approved by voters, the Multnomah County Chair is convening a group of experts to help guide the program’s long-term financial future.
This Technical Advisory Group (TAG) includes people with experience in economics, early learning, and business. They’ll look at how PFA is currently funded, including a planned tax increase in 2027, and will develop recommendations for the Board of County Commissioners about potential updates to the tax or funding model.
To inform this work, a community engagement process is underway. Through focus groups, interviews, and surveys, we’re gathering insights from families, educators, providers, and community organizations. These conversations will help the TAG understand what people value most about PFA, as well as community opinions on universal preschool and the PFA tax mechanism.
The TAG's work is part of our broader commitment to building a preschool system that reflects community values and is strong enough to serve families for generations!
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Feedback or ideas for our upcoming newsletter issues?
We'd love to hear from you!
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