Charles EstherIn 2024, Tram Gonzalez fulfilled a lifelong dream.
She opened Color Wings Preschool in her home in Portland, Oregon.
Of the 15 children enrolled, 10 attend for free, thanks to Multnomah County’s Preschool for All initiative.
The program, funded by a voter-approved income tax on high-earning residents in 2020, aims to provide free preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds in the area by 2030.
And it’s already changing lives — for children, parents, and educators.
Opening Doors for Families and Educators
Gonzalez credits much of her success to the initiative.
It provided crucial startup grants and consistent tuition reimbursements, giving her the financial stability to grow quickly and confidently.
“Preschool for All has opened up so many doors for families,” she says.
Her tuition rates, necessary to cover costs, would have made enrollment tough for many families without the program.
But thanks to Preschool for All, her program is thriving.
A Model for Universal Preschool
Since its inception, Preschool for All has been hailed as a potential national blueprint.
Experts, including GG Weisenfeld from the National Institute for Early Education Research, say the program is doing nearly everything right — from equitable pay structures to intentional implementation.
“They did not cut corners,” Weisenfeld says.
“They’re still pushing for high quality.
They’re still pushing for equity.
It’s impressive.”
Unlike many universal pre-K programs that downplay the role of home-based providers or fail to support assistant teachers, Multnomah County’s program offers robust, inclusive support.
It’s a system built to last — one that embraces a mixed-delivery model and acknowledges the full scope of early childhood education.
Balancing Expansion With Sustainability
Leslee Barnes, director of Multnomah County’s Preschool and Early Learning Division, leads the initiative.
While some local residents and media have expressed impatience, Barnes stands by the program’s intentional, phased approach.
“We’re doing a real intentional rollout,” she says.
“People don’t understand how much work goes into building a system like this.”
By moving slowly, the program protects infant and toddler care, builds preschool capacity, and supports workforce development — all while maintaining quality and equity.
Progress by the Numbers
The initiative is already exceeding expectations.
In the current school year, it supports at least 2,225 preschool seats — surpassing its goal of 2,000.
Of those, 800 are brand-new seats created since the program began.
By fall 2025, the county expects to have 3,500 seats, plus another 300 by January.
The ultimate goal?
11,000 seats by 2030 — enough to serve every eligible 3- and 4-year-old in the county.
Investing in Infrastructure and Innovation
Preschool for All isn’t just about seats.
It’s about sustainable infrastructure.
In 2023-24, the program awarded $9.5 million to 22 programs through grants and loans.
This year, 25 projects are receiving $5.5 million in funding.
Gonzalez used her $26,000 grant to build an obstacle course, paint her garage, and start a garden.
“It’s such a dream come true,” she says.
The kids love it — and she designed it all herself.
Transforming the Early Education Workforce
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the initiative is its commitment to fair compensation.
Lead teachers with a bachelor’s degree must now earn at least $29.42 per hour, with the goal of reaching $39.23.
Assistant teachers earn a minimum of $22 an hour.
Teachers also gain access to health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid time off — rare perks in early education.
“We want to match what school districts offer,” Barnes explains.
“This way, preschool teachers won’t feel they have to leave the field to make a living.”
A Sustainable Business Model for Providers
Every month, Gonzalez receives a direct deposit from the county — about $1,800 per participating child.
It covers payroll, operations, and allows her to earn a profit.
She plans to open a center-based preschool with three classrooms within five years — a timeline that would’ve taken twice as long without the program.
“I got to open my own program, which is a dream come true,” she says.
“They really helped make that happen.”
Looking Ahead With Confidence
Multnomah County’s Preschool for All initiative isn’t perfect — no program is.
But it’s already a national standout.
By focusing on quality, equity, and sustainability, the program is creating a better future for Portland’s children and early educators alike.
It may take time, but it’s building something strong.
And for people like Tram Gonzalez, that makes all the difference.
