Child care and preschool help in Oregon

Child care help in Oregon is bigger than most parents know. ERDC pays most of the cost of care while you work or go to school. Head Start and Preschool for All are free. Multnomah County's Preschool for All is universal — eligibility is about your kid's age and county, not just income.

Not sure which of these fit you? Answer a few questionsand we’ll rank all of them for your household.

7 programs

• Employment Related Day Care (ERDC)

  Child care subsidy

  For: Homes making under about $2,660 a month (for 1 person), and families with kids — parents who are working, in school, or in job training, with a child under 13 · verified 2026-07-06

• Head Start & Early Head Start

  Free early childhood education plus health, nutrition, and family support for children from birth to age 5.

  For: Homes making under about $1,330 a month (for 1 person) or people who already have tanf cash help or ssi — families with a child under 5 (kids in foster care, homeless, or on tanf/ssi qualify regardless of income) · verified 2026-07-06

• Preschool for All (Multnomah County)

  Free preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds, no matter your income, with free help choosing a provider in many languages.

  For: People who live in multnomah county — families with a child who is 3 or 4 by sept 1 · verified 2026-07-19

• Baby Promise

  Free early care for infants and toddlers with no copays, plus free diapers, wipes, and formula.

  For: Homes making under about $2,660 a month (for 1 person) — families with a child from 6 weeks to 3 years who meet erdc income limits · verified 2026-07-06

• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

  Funds nutritious meals and snacks for children and adults at participating childcare centers, family day care homes, afterschool programs, shelters, and adult day care — the provider applies it, so care costs less.

  For: Children, or adults 60+ or with a disability, in the care of a participating childcare, afterschool, or adult day program · verified 2026-07-06

• Oregon Kinship Navigator

  Free help connecting relative caregivers to benefits and support, including the TANF child-only grant and SNAP.

  For: Grandparents and other relatives raising a relative's children · verified 2026-07-06

• Preschool Promise

  A free, high-quality preschool spot, enrolled through your regional Early Learning Hub.

  For: Homes making under about $2,660 a month (for 1 person) — families with a child who is 3 or 4 years old · verified 2026-07-06