MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OR, MAY 2, 2022 – Interest in Multnomah County’s Preschool for All program has already exceeded the number of available slots, in just the first few weeks it’s been open.
For its first year, Preschool For All has 677 slots available for 3- and 4-year-olds in Multnomah County this fall. So far, Multnomah County Preschool and Early Learning Director Leslee Barnes said they’ve received a little over 800 applications.
“Parents are really showing us that this is something they really need, and are looking forward to,” Barnes said. Barnes said about 70% of applications identify with groups that historically have the least access to preschool, including families of color and families experiencing homelessness. Children in those groups are given priority to the preschool programs.
Last summer, providers signed up to be in the Preschool For All system as a “pilot site” to offer spots and contract with the county to offer free preschool. Read more.