Multnomah County announced on April 23 that it is extending the application deadline for its Preschool for All program to Thursday, May 14, 2026. The original deadline was set for April 30, but families will now have an additional two weeks to apply for the upcoming school year.
The extension is intended to give more families a chance to participate in the program, which offers free preschool options through community-based programs, school-based classrooms, and home-based care. For the 2026-27 school year, over 7,000 seats are confirmed—marking the largest number of available spots since the program began.
Preschool for All was approved by voters in Multnomah County in November 2020 and launched in fall of 2022. The program aims to provide stability and a strong educational foundation while saving families thousands of dollars each year on childcare costs. By reducing these expenses and increasing parents’ earning potential, household income can be redirected into other areas of the local economy.
“This is our biggest year yet, and we want to ensure every family has the opportunity to participate,” said Danisa McLean, Director of the County’s Preschool & Early Learning Division. “By extending the deadline to May 14, we are making sure that busy families have the extra time they need to explore their options and apply for high-quality, free preschool.”
To raise awareness about this expanded application window—the largest expansion since its inception—the Morrison Bridge will be illuminated in Preschool for All’s signature colors from April 23 through April 25. Additional outreach efforts include digital campaigns and TriMet bus advertisements as well as direct engagement with eligible families throughout Multnomah County.
Families can apply online by ranking up to eight preferred preschool sites. Most placements will be determined by a spring lottery process with further opportunities later in the year. Free one-on-one support from trained Family Navigators is also available in multiple languages.
Preschool for All aims at universal access by 2030 while supporting small businesses and paying educators above-average wages compared with state levels.
