University of Oregon employees can express their interest in the Willamalane Park and Recreation District’s expanded preschool program. This expansion follows an agreement the UO reached with Willamalane last summer to provide dedicated preschool spots for UO employee families.

Up to forty UO employees will receive priority enrollment in the 2024-25 school year for children who meet the following prerequisites: 

• Parent/guardian enrolling a child must be a University of Oregon faculty or staff member. 
• Child must be at least 3 years of age by Sept. 1. 
• Child must be bathroom independent by Sept. 1. 

Classroom space is limited and will be filled from an interest list on a first-come, first-served basis. To be considered, UO employees must complete the interest list form no later than July 26. Willamalane staff will contact those on the interest list to finalize their registration prior to public registration on Aug. 14. Enrollment spots that are unclaimed by UO faculty and staff will be made available to the general public. 

The 2024-25 Willamalane preschool year starts on Sept. 4 and ends on Aug. 22, 2025. Childcare coverage is provided from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at Bob Keefer Center, 250 S. 32nd St. in Springfield. Monthly program fees are $950 for those who live in Springfield and $1,140 for those who do not.

Questions about the program, the interest list and registration should be directed to Willamalane Park and Recreation District. The point of contact is Ryan Taxara, program manager, who can be reached by email at ryant@willamalane.org or by phone at 541-736-4508.

UO’s arrangement with Willamalane is funded by the Childcare Community Partnership Investment Fund administered by representatives of the university and United Academics. The fund provides one-time financial support to local organizations establishing or expanding child care services, in exchange for guaranteed spots for UO employee families.