Preschool Promise School At a Glance
- Serves children 3-4 years old (on Sept 1st)
- Works with Early Childhood CARES
-
18 children or fewer
1 teacher for every 10 students - Free meals and supplies
Know Before You Apply
When to Apply
You can apply anytime, but we encourage families to start the process in spring or early summer for the best chance of getting a spot before the school year begins.
Lottery Placement
Being eligible does not mean your child is guaranteed a spot, since spaces are filled through a lottery system. Lotteries run as long as there are spots available, and the deadlines are updated regularly.
More Than One Child?
If you have more than one child applying for Preschool Promise, a separate application is required for each child.
After Enrollment
Your child can stay in the Preschool Promise program until they start kindergarten. You do not need to reapply again each year unless you decide to leave the program.
Enrolled, but want to transfer to another school?
Contact the Preschool Promise team—you do not need to reapply.
Summer Closures
Some preschools close during the summer months. If your child is placed during the summer, you may not immediately hear back from the preschool. Make sure to schedule your preschool visits before they close for summer break!
Review the 4 step process below to begin!
Let's Get Started
See If You’re Eligible
If your family meets the age, residency, and income requirements, you can apply to Preschool Promise. You will need to provide documentation that shows your family meets these requirements.
Age
Child must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1, of the school year you want to enroll them. If your child turns 5 after September 1, they are eligible!
Income
INCOME CATEGORY 1
Families who fit into the categories below are automatically income eligible for Preschool Promise:
- Receive TANF or SNAP
- Receive ERDC (eligible ONLY if copay is $25 or less)
- Parent/Caregiver on OHP, OHP Bridge, or OHP CWM “emergency medical” or “emergency Medicaid”
- Child is in active foster/resource care (not guardianship)
You will need to provide documentation when you apply.
If option 1 applies to you, proceed to Step 2.
INCOME CATEGORY 2
If you do not fit into Category 1, use the chart below to see if your total household income before taxes meets the income requirement for Preschool Promise.
| Household Size Size includes parent(s)/legal guardian(s) of applicant child & other relative dependents living in the house. | Maximum Annual Income Income maximum does not apply to children living in foster care. |
|---|---|
| 2 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $100,080 |
| 8 | $111,440 |
Excessive housing costs may allow for an income adjustment.
Learn About Housing Cost AdjustmentSome income sources DO NOT count toward your annual income.
Find Out What Doesn’t ApplyIf your family meets the age, residency, and either income option, you should apply to Preschool Promise! The next step is to find a preschool.
Find a Preschool Provider
When you apply, you can list up to three preschool choices in order of preference. Browse the Preschool Promise Directory to explore your options — you’ll find photos, locations, and information about each program.
Did you know you can visit preschools before applying?
We recommend scheduling a visit to see the classrooms you are most interested in. These visits are a great opportunity to meet teachers and see if the classroom is a good fit for your child.
Once you have chosen your top three providers, you’re ready to apply for Preschool Promise.
Submit an Application
You can apply for Preschool Promise by submitting an online or paper application. Apply by the deadline above to be included in the next lottery. Don’t worry if you miss it — applications are accepted year-round and lotteries happen whenever spots are available.
Online Application
Apply or Log Back In
Paper Application
Need a paper application? Pick one up at United Way of Lane County, download it online, or reach out ask us to mail one to you.
Mail completed applications or drop off through a secure mail slot to the left of the front door:
United Way of Lane County Attn: Preschool Promise
3171 Gateway Loop, Springfield, OR 97477
Once your application and documents are received, you will be entered in the lottery.
Once your application is approved, it goes into the lottery. Preschool Promise uses an online lottery system to fill open spots. Some applications have a better chance of being picked based on lottery priorities.
You can log in to your application portal at any time to check the status of your application. To make changes, please call the Preschool Promise Enrollment Team at 541-741-6000, ext. 201 to unlock your application.
Accept Placement
After the lottery, you’ll get an email from Preschool Promise telling you if your child was offered a spot.
If you receive an offer, you have 10 business days to accept or decline it in the application portal. If you don’t respond in time, the offer expires and cannot be given back.
Preschool Summer Closure
Some preschools close during the summer months. Make sure to schedule your preschool visits before they close for summer break! If your child is placed during the summer, you may not immediately hear back from the preschool.
If you were not selected for a spot, your application remains active and in the lottery pool as long as the child is eligible.
There may be openings at other preschool sites that might be a great fit! Call the Preschool Promise Enrollment Team at 541-741-6000, ext 201 (in English/Spanish) to find out what sites have open spots.
If your application to Preschool Promise was declined, you can appeal the decision. Send a written request to preschoolpromise@unitedwaylane.org. Preschool Promise will review your appeal and respond within 10 business days.
If you disagree with their decision, you can email a second appeal to the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care at pspenrollment@delc.oregon.gov.
To file a complaint about a child care provider in Oregon, fill out the Online Complaint Form or call the Office of Child Care at 1-800-556-6616. A compliance specialist will collect your information and follow up. You may also contact your provider’s Licensing Specialist, who will forward your complaint.
