A group of preschool students have fun playing music with tambourines and a triangle instrument.

Early Learning and Child Care

Child Care and After School Programs

211 Info provides free support for child care referrals in Oregon and SW Washington. They also connect callers to a broad range of health and human services.

  • Search the online database for resources or call “211” to speak to a resource expert. They are open from 7 a.m. – 11 p.211info logo with info on how to contact them via text, dialing, and web linkm., Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.  They are also available by email at [email protected] or text the keyword children to 898211.

YMCA provides child care programs for children six weeks to 12 years of age. After-school programs are available in many Washington County public schools during the school year.

Inukai Family Boys & Girls Club in Hillsboro offers after-school care for youth ages six to 18. There is often a waiting list for entrance to this program.

What to Look for in Child Care

Find Child Care has a resource to help parents and caregivers when choosing a child care provider.

Spark is a statewide program that supports ongoing improvement to the quality and consistency of child care and early learning programs in Oregon. Find Spark rated quality child care providers by entering your zip code.     

Preschool Programs for Eligible Families

Preschool Promise is a high-quality, publicly funded, preschool program that serves families with children ages (3) and (4) living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, children in foster care, children in families facing homelessness and children from other priority populations. The program is delivered in a variety of settings including centers, homes and schools.  To learn more or to complete a parent or guardian Interest Form visit the Early Learning Washington County website.

Community Action Head Start offers free Head Start, Early Head Start and Oregon Pre-Kindergarten programs for low income families and their children ages 0 – 5.  Head Start programs provide many support services.

Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) offers free Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, Early Head Start and Oregon Pre-Kindergarten programs for low income families and their children ages 0 – 5. Head Start programs provide many support services and are open to families living at or below the federal poverty level.  Parent programs are available to all families with children enrolled in the program.

Elementary School Preschool Programs

Check with your local elementary school to see if there is a preschool program your child may be eligible for.