What if every family was guaranteed high-quality preschool, regardless of their ability to pay?
Would it transform your life, or that of someone you know? This can be a reality — from Washington, D.C. to New York City to Chicago, universal preschool programs are being successfully implemented nationwide. And with your support, Multnomah County can vote for universal preschool in November 2020!
Providing young children with quality care and education is the best way to raise high school graduation rates, lower incarceration rates, and reduce unemployment. But many families are burdened with monthly childcare costs as high as their rent or mortgage payment, just for one child. Meanwhile, childcare workers report wages so low that they can't afford to send their own children to preschool.
Our vision for universal preschool builds on existing programs to allow all parents in our community to choose what's best for their families. Starting in the highest-need neighborhoods, within five years we can roll out a program for every 3- and 4-year-old in Multnomah County that is:
- Play-based, culturally-responsive preschool in the parents' choice of setting
- Free to enroll in at no cost, regardless of family income
- Guaranteed to pay preschool caregivers and teachers a living wage
- Sustainably funded with new revenue from a tax on very high incomes
- Funded with NO tax increases for at least 95% of households
All children deserve the opportunity to thrive. Whether you're a parent, childcare worker, or just someone who wants to live in a happier, more prosperous community, join us in making Multnomah County the best it can be!
