About Portland Parks Preschool
Portland Parks Preschool is based on the developmental philosophy that children develop and grow at their own rate. Years of research on children's learning and development document the many benefits of play and exploration on a child's intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and language development. To grow, children must play by exploring and manipulating their environment. They learn using their senses. Play is an important avenue for learning. As children imitate what goes on around them, they begin to understand how things work and how they are used. Initially, this is a process of trial and error. However, with time and repetition, they use new information to increase their understanding of the world around them.
Preschool for All
Portland Parks Preschool is proud to be a Preschool for All Provider for the 2025-2026 school year!
Preschool for All resulted from a two-year community planning process in which more than 100 people came together to create a vision for Multnomah County children and their families. On November 3, 2020, voters in Multnomah County overwhelmingly supported the Preschool for All ballot measure, with 64 percent of voters approving the measure.
Preschool for All (PFA) connects 3 and 4-year-olds in Multnomah County to free, culturally responsive, inclusive preschool experiences. The program was designed to grow over time, increasing the number of children and families served each year. In 2030, all interested families will have access to free preschool.
Learn more about Preschool for All by viewing the Multnomah Parent - Preschool for All FAQ for Families (link) 25-26.
Equity in Service
Portland Parks & Recreation is committed to equity in service. As part of our Parks Levy commitment, we are working to improve access for underserved communities, which include but are not limited to people of color, seniors, teens, households experiencing poverty, immigrants and refugees, and people living with disabilities.
Preschool for All partners with “Family Navigator Organizations” that can support families to register for the upcoming school year.
How to Register
Registration is based on a lottery managed through Multnomah County's Preschool For All program.2025-2026 school yearapplications are now closed. Learn more about Preschool for All.
Locations and Program Times
Below is a list of locations for Portland Parks Preschool.
East Portland
- East Portland Community Center
Monday-Friday | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm - Montavilla Community Center
Monday-Friday | 8:45 am - 2:45 pm
North Portland
- Charles Jordan Community Center
Monday-Friday | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm - Peninsula Park Community Center
Monday-Friday | 9:15 am - 3:15 pm - St. Johns Community Center
Monday-Friday | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Northeast Portland
- Matt Dishman Community Center
Monday-Friday | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Southeast Portland
- Mt. Scott Community Center
Monday-Friday | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm - Woodstock Community Center
Monday-Friday | 8:45 am - 2:45 pm
Southwest Portland
- Southwest Community Center
Monday-Friday | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When can I see the classroom and meet the teacher?
A: Our program will begin offering tours in March. Some sites will offer group tours, that are pre-scheduled. Individual tours may be scheduled after class time. Contact the Site Coordinator for more information.
Q: What age does my child need to be to participate? Can age exceptions be made?
A: Children must be 3 years old by September 1, 2025, to participate. Children who are 5 on or before September 1, 2025, are eligible for kindergarten and not eligible to participate in a Preschool for All program. PFA cannot make age exceptions for children who fall outside of these age requirements.
Q: Can my child attend part-time?
A: All PFA slots are full-time, and families enrolling should intend to participate 5 days a week. If a family indicates they only want part-time (less than 5 days/week), they cannot enroll in a PFA spot. Ideally, children should get 6 hours of daily early learning experiences. For families who need to work up to 6 hours, our team can be flexible and responsive to families' individual needs.
Q: Is food provided? Can I bring my own food? My child has food allergies.
A: Portland Parks Preschool provides 2 snacks and 1 lunch to all participants at no additional charge. Families who wish to bring their own snacks and/or food are welcome to do so and are asked to inform our team in advance. Children with allergies can be accommodated in the meals they receive from school.
Q: Will there be a rest/nap period? Does my child have to take a nap?
A: Some Sites will offer a rest or nap period. Detailed information on what this looks like for each location will be shared in March. When rest/nap periods are offered, children will be given the opportunity to lie down on a cot or mat. If children are unable to sleep after 30 minutes, alternative quiet activities will be provided.
Q: Can you accommodate children with disabilities?
A: Portland Parks Preschool is an inclusive program that proactively plans for inclusion and is responsive to all participants. Our team works with families and specialists to meet the needs of all children enrolled, including children with delays and disabilities. Portland Parks & Recreation's Inclusion Services program establishes individual support plans for people with disabilities participating in registered recreation activities. Once a family is enrolled, and if they believe their child will need accommodations to participate, they may contact Inclusion Services to begin the intake process.
Q: Does my child have to be potty trained to participate?
A: Children do not have to be potty trained to participate. Staff will teach skills around using the restroom, take multiple group bathroom breaks throughout the day, and allow use of the restroom whenever children request it. Children who come to school in pull-ups, or have an accident, will be supported in changing soiled clothes. Our team will work with families to support their children with potty training goals at school and home.
Q: Will transportation be available to the Preschool program
A: Portland Parks Preschool will not offer transportation to our program for the 2025-2026 school year.There are other Preschool for All Providers who will offer transportation as well as extended care. A full list of PFA Providers will be updated on the Multnomah County website in March.
Q: Where can I learn more about Portland Parks Preschool and other Preschool for All Providers?
A: PFA Provider information will be updated to the Multnomah County Preschool for All website Provider Portal in March.