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The name of our campaign has three words:
Universal
Preschool
NOW
What do they mean?
Let’s take them one by one
Universal
Preschool
NOW
What do they mean?
Let’s take them one by one
Each word in our name is there for a reason. Each word means something. And most importantly, each word means what it says.
(btw...when you’re thinking about voting for something, it’s always good to take a look at every word and see if it really means what it says.)
(btw...when you’re thinking about voting for something, it’s always good to take a look at every word and see if it really means what it says.)
Why *Universal* Preschool? What is a universal program?
A universal program provides publicly funded benefits to everyone.
The alternative is usually a targeted, means-tested program — where people have to prove they meet certain criteria, often of income, to participate.
A universal program provides publicly funded benefits to everyone.
The alternative is usually a targeted, means-tested program — where people have to prove they meet certain criteria, often of income, to participate.
Creating universal preschool might seem like a big, scary change.
The reality is, we already have universal, publicly funded education from kindergarten through high school.
The reality is, we already have universal, publicly funded education from kindergarten through high school.
That means universal education exists from about ages 5 to 18. Universal preschool in Multnomah County would just start earlier, making sure all 3- and 4-year-olds have the quality preschool they need to be ready for K-12.
Universal Preschool NOW would tax high incomes to pay for preschool for any family who wants it.
Universal Preschool doesn’t mean all preschools are run by the government, or that people are required to send their children to certain preschools.
Universal Preschool doesn’t mean all preschools are run by the government, or that people are required to send their children to certain preschools.
The same preschool options that exist today would remain — but UP NOW would also generate funding for expansion of existing preschools and the creation of new preschools.
UP NOW would roll out in the neighborhoods with the biggest need first — where Black, Indigenous, other people of color, and low-income people live.
Universal programs bring us together as a community, invested in everyone’s success, and pulling in the same direction — toward a strong, equitable early education system and a better future.
The second word in the name of our campaign is *preschool*
Most people think they know what preschool is. But do they, really?
Preschool isn’t just a place little kids go while their parents are at work.
Most people think they know what preschool is. But do they, really?
Preschool isn’t just a place little kids go while their parents are at work.
Preschool is a vital part of children’s education. The social and emotional development that take place in a high quality preschool are essential for a child’s continued success in education and in life.
UP NOW calls for tuition-free, play-based, culturally responsive and inclusive preschool for every child in Multnomah County.
Universal preschool is important for children’s development, to help working families, and to support the preschool teachers who make it all possible.
Universal preschool is important for children’s development, to help working families, and to support the preschool teachers who make it all possible.
The teachers and other workers who provide preschool are skilled professionals, overwhelmingly women and disproportionately women of color, whose work has been devalued for too long.
Paying every preschool worker at least $18/hour (and rising with the rising minimum wage) helps keep their talent, knowledge, and skill in the classroom.
When we pay preschool teachers poverty wages, they can’t afford to continue in this essential field. They burn out or seek other employment, and the kids suffer.
A $1 investment in preschool and the people who provide it, according to Timothy Bartik’s book From Preschool to Prosperity, returns about $9.45 to the community over time.
Members of the Portland Association of Teachers, a core part of the UP NOW coalition, see it every day in the classroom — quality preschool matters for student success from kindergarten through high school, and beyond.
The third word in our name is *NOW*
We need universal preschool now because Multnomah County’s preschool system is broken now.
We need universal preschool now because Multnomah County’s preschool system is broken now.
Oregon is the 4th least affordable state in the nation for preschool.
In Multnomah County, even when you count all preschool programs of all kinds, there are only enough spots for 43% of the approximately 20,000 3- and 4-year-olds.
In Multnomah County, even when you count all preschool programs of all kinds, there are only enough spots for 43% of the approximately 20,000 3- and 4-year-olds.
Too many families spend 30 or 40% of their income on preschool. That’s bad for kids, their families, and the community as a whole.
We put NOW in all caps to let you know how important this opportunity for real change in Multnomah County is!
(And also because we’re excited.)
We put NOW in all caps to let you know how important this opportunity for real change in Multnomah County is!
(And also because we’re excited.)
In November, just a few short months away, you can vote for universal preschool in Multnomah County.
Thank you for supporting Universal Preschool NOW — free preschool for every kid, and a fair wage for every preschool worker!
Thank you for supporting Universal Preschool NOW — free preschool for every kid, and a fair wage for every preschool worker!
