How to Apply
Preschool Promise is a free, high-quality preschool program for eligible Oregon families. The program serves children ages 3 and 4 and is available in a variety of settings, including preschool centers, family child care homes, school districts, and community-based programs.
Families with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify, along with children who meet other eligibility requirements established by the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care.
How to Apply
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Step 1:
Find out if your child may qualify.
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Step 2:
Review available programs and select up to three preschool choices.
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Step 3:
Complete your application online, by email, or by mail.
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Step 4:
Application Review
Our team reviews your information and may contact you if additional information is needed.
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Step 5:
Lottery and Placement Process
Preschool Promise placements are not offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Placements are determined through a randomized, computer-generated lottery process.
Families who selected a program that is full will be placed on the program’s waitlist. As spaces become available, additional lotteries may be held to fill open placements.
Gather your information:
Attach a copy of the following documents as proof of age, income, and that you reside/live in Oregon.
To verify your child’s age, attach one of following:
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Child’s Birth Certificate
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Health Record
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Immunization Record
To prove you Live in Oregon and in Washington County attach one of the following:
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Driver’s License
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ID Card
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Utility Bill
To verify your Household Income, attach one of the following:
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Most recent federal tax return (Form 1040 or 1040A) OR three most recent concurrent pay stubs or employer letter
*If you live with another adult family member whose income is part of your household, we may need their income information too.
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Other wasy to verify income:
We also accept some public assistance documents, including: SNAP or Adult Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Benefit Letters dated within the last 12 months, showing the names of benefit recipients.
Housing Cost Adjustment for Income Eligibility
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Is your family slightly over the income limit?
You can use the Housing Cost Adjustment Calculator to see if you may qualify.
If the calculator shows your family may qualify, go ahead and apply. We will let you know if we need additional proof of your housing costs or current household income.
Submit your application
Choose the application option that works best for your family.
We’re here to help!
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Applying online is the quickest way to submit your Preschool Promise application. Simply create an account to get started.
We are now accepting applications for the 2026/2027 School Year!
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Submit a Paper Application by Mail or Email
If you prefer, you can complete a paper application:
DOWNLOAD ENGLISH APPLICATION >
DESCARGAR LA SOLICITUD EN ESPAÑOL >
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**Please note: We do not have an in- person office for application drop-off. **
You may submit your completed application and documents by:
Mail
Early Learning Washington County
ATTN: Preschool Promise Application
155 N. First Avenue, MS 6
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Or by Email
Scan your completed application and supporting documents and email them to: elwc.enrollment.psp@unitedway-pdx.org
Frequently Asked Questions
General
The Preschool Promise Program is a high quality, publicly funded, preschool program that serves children ages three (3) and four (4) in families living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, children in foster care, and families experiencing homelessness. Eligible children must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1 and must reside in Oregon. The Preschool Promise Program is delivered in a variety of settings including centers, homes, and schools.
Applicants may apply at any time throughout the year.
Yes. All applicants who are not currently attending a Preschool Promise program need to reapply.
Applying does not automatically enroll your child or secure a spot.
The Early Learning Washington County hub is responsible for working together with Preschool Promise providers and applicants to determine eligibility for participation in the program. Visit our portal to complete the application form.
The easiest way to apply for the program is through the Early Learning Washington County Preschool Promise Program online coordinated enrollment process. Begin the enrollment.
Application materials may also be downloaded, printed, completed and returned via mail:
155 N. 1st Ave.
Mail Stop # 6
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Most Preschool Promise programs do not provide transportation. Preschool Promise providers will identify transportation in their profile if provided. Applicants will have the opportunity to prioritize their choice of providers based on their needs and preferences.
Preschool Promise providers will list their schedules in their provider profiles. To review a list of providers and determine which provider(s) are the best fit, please see our provider profiles posted in our Provider Directory.
Yes, some sites offer dual language learning opportunities as well as having staff and directors that speak more than one language. There are currently providers and staff that speak Spanish and Somali.
This will vary by provider. However, Preschool Promise provider guidance requires that children receive a developmental screening and ongoing assessment so that each child is receiving individualized support.
Yes! There are multiple other programs including Early Head Start, Head Start, and Oregon Pre-Kindergarten. Both organizations below provide these services in Washington County:
- If you wish to enroll your child/children with the Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC), visit: http://www.ocdc.net/apply-to-enroll/
- If you wish to enroll your child/children with Community Action (CAO), visit: https://caowash.org/programs/early-childhood-development/head-start.html
More information on other early learning services, resources, and support opportunities in our comprehensive flyer around early childhood services in Washington County.
School District enrollment is sometimes associated with "Catchment Area", otherwise known as where you live compared to the address of the School District and classes. Below is the link(s) for the maps related to the school district(s). If you believe this may affect your eligibility, please call the school district and request eligibility information around your catchment area.
Early Learning Washington County
Email: ELWC.Enrollment.PSP@unitedway-pdx.org
Phone: 503-226-9306
School Year 2025-2026
- Age verification: Child birth certificate, hospital record OR immunization records.
- Income verification: 2024 income tax form 1040 or 1040A, 2023 form W-2, OR pay stubs for the last 12 months of employment*.
- Oregon residency verification: Copy of driver’s license, ID card, OR utility bill.
*Please note that children in foster care are categorically eligible for Preschool Promise.