Preschool programs can significantly shape a child’s future, but for many families, affordability remains a major hurdle. The recent developments in Multnomah County’s Preschool for All initiative promise to change that, making quality early education accessible to more families.

## Growth of Preschool for All

James Hunter and his wife, Anita, co-founders of Family Cares, have seen firsthand how important preschool can be for young children. They operate multiple preschool locations in Multnomah County, emphasizing that early education fosters essential social-emotional skills and prepares kids for school. The Preschool for All program has allowed them and other providers to expand, increasing the number of available tuition-free preschool seats to over 7,000 for this coming school year.

This year has been a turning point. The number of participating providers has almost doubled, allowing more families to receive placement offers. On June 3, a record number of applicants from Multnomah County were successfully enrolled in preschool programs. Hunter acknowledges the importance of Preschool for All in making education more affordable and supportive of providers’ growth.

## Importance of Fair Wages

The Preschool for All program not only benefits children and families but also prioritizes fair compensation for educators. Recent wage requirements stipulate that assistant teachers earn at least $22.22 an hour, while lead teachers make a minimum of $22.67. As Oregon’s average for childcare workers was about $19.13 in 2025, these rates represent a significant improvement. With additional increases planned for the next school year, educators can expect to see their wages rise even further.

Hunter emphasizes how this financial support has helped them enhance their operations and retain staff. Many providers have reported that timely funding is one of the program’s greatest advantages. With a stable income, they can create better work environments, hire more qualified staff, and even open new locations. Family Cares plans to expand to an eighth location soon, illustrating the ripple effects of financial security in the education sector.

## Placement Offers and Enrollment Process

Families applying to the Preschool for All program received emails on June 3 notifying them of their placement offers. Approximately 88% of all applicants will be placed immediately, which is a significant achievement given the high number of families seeking enrollment. However, enrollment is also impacted by family choices; applicants can select up to eight preschools.

Families who are waitlisted may face various challenges. If their top choice is full or if none of their selected schools have available spots, they’ll be placed on a waitlist. Multnomah County attempts to work with them to find alternative options in those cases.

Moreover, the enrollment process includes a secondary application period, starting June 16, where additional spots may become available for those who missed the original deadline. Families can customize their applications to include more choices, enhancing their chances of securing a spot for their child.

## The Vision for the Future

Preschool for All aims for universal access to preschool education by 2030. Started after local voter support, this initiative is not just about filling seats; it’s about creating safe, engaging learning environments for children. The program supports small businesses and values educated staff, ensuring the quality of education remains high.

Family Cares, among other providers, is a shining example of how community-focused programs can have a transformative impact. As they expand operations and services, it’s clear that affordable education has the potential to change lives.

## What this means for you

If you’re considering enrolling your child in preschool, keep an eye on local programs like Preschool for All that offer financial assistance and resources. Make sure to review any application or placement documents thoroughly before signing. If you ever need to review preschool enrollment documents, legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>AI legalese decoder can translate them into plain English in seconds. Understanding these documents can help you make informed decisions for your child’s education.

Source: https://multco.us/news/news-release-more-1-4-preschool-all-providers-expanded-their-small-business-year