Multnomah County has extended the application deadline for its Preschool for All program to May 14, giving families additional time to apply for free preschool for the 2026-27 school year.
The deadline was originally set for April 30. County officials said the extension will allow more families to explore their options and complete applications for what is expected to be the program’s largest expansion to date.
Preschool for All is on track to offer more than 7,000 seats next school year, providing free early education through community-based programs, school classrooms and home-based care.
“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 and 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.”
The extension comes as many families continue to face high child care costs and limited access to affordable early learning options. Programs like Preschool for All are designed to ease that burden by expanding access to free preschool, particularly for working families who may otherwise struggle to find affordable care.
For many families, the program helps reduce the cost of child care while expanding access to early learning opportunities for 3- and 4-year-olds. County officials say increasing access to preschool can also support working parents and help children build a strong educational foundation.
Families can apply online and rank up to eight preschool sites that meet their needs. Most placements will be determined through a spring lottery, with additional opportunities available later in the year.
Free, one-on-one assistance is also available through Family Navigators, who can help families understand their options and complete applications in multiple languages.
The program, approved by voters in 2020, launched in 2022 and aims to provide universal access to preschool in Multnomah County by 2030.
More information and applications are available at pfa.multco.us.
