"Multnomah County expects its universal preschool program to see a significant boost in enrollment, starting next fall. On Thursday morning, the county announced plans to offer more than 7,400 Preschool for All seats to early education providers for the 2026-27 school year. If providers take the county up on the offer, it will nearly double Preschool for All's current enrollment capacity of roughly 3,800 seats, placing the program in a strong position to meet its goal of universal preschool access by 2030."
"The county's announcement should come as much-needed good news for Preschool for All, which has faced heightened scrutiny in recent months. The program, which was approved by nearly two-thirds of county voters in 2020, is funded through a tax on high-earning residents. The tax has raked in more than initial projections predicted, but the county has been slow to get money out the door, despite significant demand for preschool seats."
Multnomah County will offer more than 7,400 Preschool for All seats to early education providers for the 2026-27 school year. If providers accept the seats, the program's enrollment capacity will nearly double from roughly 3,800 seats. The expansion positions the program to pursue universal preschool access by 2030. The program is funded by a marginal income tax on high earners approved by voters in 2020. Revenues have exceeded projections, but the county has been slow to distribute funds despite strong demand. Political backlash and concerns about the tax's effect on wealthy residents have generated scrutiny and legislative pressure.
Read at Portland Mercury
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