About Preschool for All
What is Preschool for All?
Universal preschool is one of the most profound ways a society can give its children a good start in life, and the U.S. is one of the few wealthy nations where this common-sense start is not guaranteed.
How is it paid for?
The ballot measure passed in 2020 provides free, high-quality, culturally responsive and inclusive preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds in Multnomah County, funded by a progressive income tax on the estimated top 7% of county income earners.
What’s the timeline?
Multnomah County began to roll out the program, launching the first seats in the 2022-2023 school year. The COVID-19 pandemic added some obstacles to the initial goals, but the adjusted plan continues to add more sites, teachers, and families every year. Despite multiple challenges, PFA is catching up quickly, with a clear path to universal access by 2030 — free preschool for every child who wants it.
More information
Click on the View Plan button to go to the official county PFA website. You can see links to the PFA plan details, job postings, family applications, and FAQs with information for parents, providers, and childcare workers.
The Story of Universal Preschool in Multnomah County
In November 2020, voters in Multnomah County, Oregon (including Portland) approved a ballot measure creating universal preschool — funded by taxing about the highest 8% of incomes in the county. This video from November 2020 shows how we got there.
About Friends of Preschool for All
Friends of Preschool for All is dedicated to preserving and strengthening Multnomah County’s landmark universal preschool program.
Friends of Preschool for All is a group of volunteers focused on engaging with the implementation of the Multnomah County Preschool for All ballot measure passed by voters in November 2020. The Committee holds virtual or hybrid evening meetings for ninety minutes twice a month.
Goals of the Committee:
- To keep childcare workers and small-business providers informed about the status of implementation;
- To encourage and support coalition members, childcare workers, family members, and allied stakeholders to to apply for advisory or staff positions for Preschool For All at the county level.
- To invite community members to join us in anticipation of possible pressure campaigns and/or testimony to address future changes to the program, proposed legislation, needs for additional funding, or other actions.
- To keep this ballot measure accountable to the will of the voters as the program takes form and expands to full universality by Fall 2030:
- Prioritizing the needs and wants of families with accessible & sufficient scheduling options (ex: year-round care, weekend care, 10 hour care days, etc.);
- Culturally relevant and specific care options;
- Appropriate compensation for providers and staff;
- Opportunities for professional development;
- Worker access to union organizing if they choose, without resistance from their employers.
- To provide oversight and accountability to make sure that adequate tax revenue is collected to meet the goals of the program.