Preschool Promise is established state investment in publicly funded preschools. It funds more high-quality preschool options for families who haven’t had them before.
Low-income children and children of color are less likely to have the chance to attend a high-quality preschool—so they’re often less prepared for success in school and life. That’s why ELM invests Preschool Promise funds in programs that serve children of color, implement culturally relevant practices, and prioritize family engagement. It is the intent that Preschool Promise enrollment not be first-come first-served, to support our equity goals to focus public funding towards communities that have been historically under-served and those who may have not had ready access to services.
ELM is working with culturally relevant providers in a variety of settings, including schools, childcare programs, and Head Starts to offer local, high-quality preschool to families.
Openings in Preschool Promise are available to:
- Families with children ages 3 and 4
- Children currently on waiting lists for other publicly funded preschool options
- Families served by DHS (TANF and child welfare)
- Low-income families and families of color living at or below 200% Federal Poverty Level
Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for 2024–2025
| Household size | Household income |
|---|---|
| 2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
We are accepting applications for the 2024–2025 School Year.
You will need to create an account on our online application portal and answer the questions there. You will receive a confirmation email with information about your eligibility and additional resources.
You can return to this site to find providers that best suits your family. You will need to contact providers directly to ask them about enrolment.
Find a Preschool Promise provider
Having questions about Preschool Promise? Email support: PSPCE@unitedway-pdx.org
Preschool Marketplace is a one-stop webpage to find reduced-cost preschools near you. Preschool Marketplace provides information about preschool programs all in one place such as contact information, location, the hours of a program, if they provide transportation, and other information that helps you make the best decision for your child and family.
The Preschool Marketplace website has a database and interactive map of Portland-area preschool programs.