Children who participate in preschool are better prepared for the next steps in life:
Qualifying families can take advantage of
free preschool in
Marion & Polk counties
NEED HELP? Check out our Guide to Choosing a Preschool or fill out this interest form and we'll contact you.
Find a preschool that’s right for your family:
Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency Head Start (MWVCAA):
- Some locations offer preschool and/or Early Head Start.
- Some locations have half-day option.
- Does not provide transportation.
- Does not have extended hours
Salem-Keizer Early Learning:
- Conveniently located in local schools. Schedule is the same as the school district.
- Does not offer transportation.
- Multiple options: Head Start, Preschool Promise, Title I, and tuition based.
Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub (MPELH):
- Preschool Promise offered in different settings including in-home, center-based, and school-based.
- Options such as Monday - Friday or Monday - Thursday.
- Some locations offer extended hours (private pay).
Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC):
- Multiple locations in the region
- Some offer transportation
- Multiple options: Oregon Pre-K, Preschool Promise, Migrant programs, and Early Head Start
Grand Ronde Tribal Preschool Program:
- Offers after hours
- Offers Preschool Promise and Head Start
- Must be a member of a federally recognized tribe
Siletz Head Start:
- Locations in Salem, Siletz, Portland, and Lincoln City
- Do not have to be Native American to attend
- Transportation available
Free Preschool Eligibility
2026 Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
Gross Income Limits:
Household Size |
200% |
|---|---|
| 2 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $100,080 |
| 8 | $111,440 |
- Families with incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level or children in foster care may be eligible for free preschool.
- If your annual family income is more than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, you can get help finding preschool by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting findchildcareoregon.org.
- Regardless of income, if your child will be 4 years old on Sept. 10 and you live in certain elementary school neighborhoods in Salem and Keizer, you may be eligible for free preschool through Title I.