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Public commenters and commissioners press Multnomah County on Preschool for All continuity-of-care policy
Summary
Public testimony urged the county to revise Preschool for All application and continuity rules after a parent said the program’s lottery threatened her grandson’s placement; a commissioner signaled the board will consider using infant–toddler stabilization funds to preserve slots for priority families.
A public commenter told the Multnomah County Board that the county’s Preschool for All (PFA) selection process — including the weighted lottery used for Continuity of Care (COC) slots — could force a three‑year‑old to leave a stable early‑learning placement, potentially disrupting development. The speaker urged the county to let families report special medical needs and individual circumstances on the PFA application and said county ombudsperson resources and parent interaction were critical to improving the program.
The board addressed those concerns later in non‑agenda comments. A commissioner said the county is beginning conversations about how to use infant‑toddler stabilization funds to purchase slots for priority populations, with the goal of enabling children to start in one setting and remain there through early childhood. County staff noted the PFA continuity policy has changed over time as the program and enrollment needs evolved; they said staff will review updated population data and policy implications as part of that work.
Board members emphasized competing priorities: increasing equitable access to high‑quality programs while minimizing disruption to families. The county said it would continue conversations with departments and community partners to explore policy adjustments and funding mechanisms that could reduce involuntary moves for enrolled children.
What happens next: Commissioners indicated the topic will return for further discussion with department staff; no formal policy change or vote occurred during the meeting.
