Free Preschool
Children who attend a high-quality preschool program before kindergarten are better prepared for school academically, socially and emotionally. The partner agencies listed below are committed to supporting families and ensuring that every preschool child enters kindergarten ready to learn. These programs offer a quality educational preschool experience.
KIDCO Head Start
Serving Linn & Benton Counties since 1965, Kidco believes in a holistic approach to education for pre-natal through preschool. We partner with parents to help ensure a child has good nutrition, established medical and dental care, and of course, a fun, hands on learning approach through play.
Apply NowCSC Head Start of Lincoln County
Providing free preschool education for kids ages 3-5, your child will learn and explore in a top-rated, nurturing environment. Using a “whole child” approach, we consider every student’s educational, health, family, and social needs. Your child deserves a Head Start in life, and we invite you to join us!
Apply NowOregon State University Child Development Center
Located on the campus of OSU since 1926, we are a small and uniquely blended program, that includes slots for 43 Head Start families and 15 Tuition-pay families. We are also an educational program for OSU students studying early childhood development.
Apply NowConfederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Head Start
Classrooms in Siletz and Lincoln City. Classrooms operate 3 ½ hours per day, 4 days a week, and we offer round-trip transportation. Children must be 3 or 4 years old. Preference given to Native American children, but we serve all children.
Apply NowPreschool Promise
Serving Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties. High-quality and culturally relevant early child care and education programs available to children living at or below 200% of the poverty level.
Apply Now-
Which program is right for me?
If you have questions specific to individual programs, contact the program directly.
Not sure what program is best for your family? Would you like to learn about other preschool options in your community? In addition to the free preschool options described above, programs that are part-time (2 or 3 mornings a week), connected to churches, and use a religious curriculum, and parent cooperatives exist in many communities.
Tips for Choosing a PreschoolOur Pollywog Family Resource Specialist is available to help you sort through the options (free, state-funded, and community-based). To reach Pollywog, call 541-917-4884 or complete the form at the bottom of this page.
Free Preschool Eligibility
The programs above are free to families who are age eligible and who meet income and/or other eligibility qualifications. It is important to note that other criteria exist beyond income eligibility. We encourage you to complete an application for the program(s) you are interested in for eligibility determination.
2024 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Chart
| Household | 100% FPL | 130% FPL | 200% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 people | $20,440 | $26,572 | $40,880 |
| 3 people | $25,820 | $33,566 | $51,640 |
| 4 people | $31,200 | $40,560 | $62,400 |
| 5 people | $36,580 | $47,554 | $73,160 |
| 6 people | $41,960 | $54,548 | $83,920 |
| 7 people | $47,340 | $61,542 | $94,680 |
| 8 people | $52,720 | $68,536 | $105,440 |