Launched in 2016 as a small, regional pilot, the program expanded in 2020 statewide and now serves more than 5,200 children across all 36 counties
SALEM — The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) marked a major milestone in its commitment to Oregon’s youngest learners: five years of statewide implementation of Preschool Promise, on of Oregon’s free, state-funded preschool program. DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee welcomed families, providers, and partners to celebrate the program’s growth and impact across Oregon’s communities at a Preschool Promise event hosted at North Salem High School’s Early Learning Center.
“We are proud to celebrate five years of keeping our bold promise to Oregon’s children and families,” said Chatterjee. “Preschool Promise has grown from a small pilot into a transformative statewide program rooted in equity, family choice, and community partnership.”
Preschool Promise serves Oregon’s three- and four-year-olds from families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Since launching statewide in 2020, the program has expanded to serve more than 5,200 children annually at nearly 330 locations across all 36 Oregon counties. Of the slots awarded by the Oregon Legislature, 96% of slots were filled in the 2024-2025 school year, a figure that has grown steadily since the program expanded statewide.
Built on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive—regardless of income or zip code—Preschool Promise offers families a choice of home-based, center-based, school-based, and culturally specific early learning settings that reflect their values, language, and culture.
Preschool Promise is also strengthening Oregon’s early learning workforce by supporting competitive pay with kindergarten teachers and promoting the professionalization of the workforce. Many providers are women, people of color and emerging small businesses. A recent shift to awarding grants directly from the state helps providers thrive and build quality, sustainable programs.
Families remain at the heart of Preschool Promise, which prioritizes family choice, inclusive practices, nutritious meals, high-quality curriculum, and dual-language instruction that honors families’ home languages.
“Each day, we get to spend quality time with children–most of whom may not have had access to preschool prior to Preschool Promise,” said Stephanie Whetzel, Director of Early Learning Programs, Salem-Keizer Public Schools. “We see the benefits and hear that our students we teach are more prepared for kindergarten.”
Preschool Promise’s success is powered by strong partnerships with 16 regional Early Learning Hubs across and 220 grantees statewide. The agency now uses local data to assign slots where they are most needed. As part of the agency’s commitment to transparency, the agency launched a public dashboard last year, and continues to make ongoing investments in provider tools and systems to improve efficiency and quality.
State leaders shared that Preschool Promise has evolved into a cornerstone of Oregon’s vision for a more just and equitable education system. The agency, which became a standalone agency in 2023, remains committed to improving access, supporting providers, and ensuring that every child in Oregon has the opportunity to succeed. Learn more at oregon.gov/delc.
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