Preschool for All
at PlayLab
Preschool
About PlayLab Preschool
PlayLab Preschool is a play-based preschool located in the heart of the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood, offered as part of Multnomah County’s Preschool for All program!
The PlayLab is an annex space of Sellwood Community House (SCH), located just four blocks south of our main building. The PlayLab was initially created to provide a safe, welcoming indoor play space for children and their families; a place to gather, connect, and strengthen healthy parent-child relationships. That foundation of connection and belonging will continue to guide our preschool program.
At Sellwood Community House, our mission is to provide safe “third spaces” for our community. We are committed to supporting families in meaningful and practical ways, whether through high-quality childcare, recreation programs, parent education, or clubs and activities for the whole family. The PlayLab reflects this mission.
Our preschool is rooted in relationship-centered, play-focused learning. We believe children thrive in environments where they feel safe, seen, and connected, and we are honored to partner with families during these important early years.
Our 2026-27 school hours are 9 am to 3 pm. The school year will run from September 3rd, 2026-June 4th, 2027
Our Philosophy
We believe each child has an inner drive to develop, thrive, and create. We see children as capable, curious, and deeply relational learners. Through meaningful experiences, neighborhood exploration, and collaborative play, children develop a sense of belonging and responsibility within their community.
Our goal is to nurture the joy of childhood through relationships and play. We understand that strong, secure relationships are the foundation for learning, exploration, and resilience.
We value collaboration with both children and parents. Children are active partners in their learning, and parents are essential partners in our shared work to support each child’s growth. We are committed to open communication, partnership, and shared reflection to support your child.
We are a school inspired by the Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches to early childhood education, grounded in the belief that responsive relationships, family partnership, and purposeful play are at the heart of meaningful learning.
We look forward to building community with you and welcoming your family into the PlayLab.
PFA Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for PFA, the following must apply:
Your child must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2026
Your child must have at least one parent or guardian living in Multnomah County. PFA is available to all families regardless of income or other status in Multnomah county.
For continuity of care slots, your child must be a currently enrolled student during the 2025–2026 school year at Sellwood Community House (PlayLab)
Application Dates
The first round of applications will open April 1 at 10:00 AM and remain open until April 30.
Placements are not first-come, first-served. The first round of placements will be announced in May.
Our Preschool Teachers
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My Name is Molly Hodge and I have been working as a teacher for 6 years. I hold a Masters in Education and I have taught ages pre-k through grade 5. I love all ages, but in the past two years I have found that my passion lies in working with early childhood. I am so happy to be at Sellwood Community House and I feel very grateful for this opportunity to work alongside other amazing people to create a magical early childhood program. I will be your go-to person for any information you need regarding our preschool program! When I am not in the classroom, I like to spend my time with my family. I live with my partner Graham and dog Marshall. I love to hike, rock climb, and paint with watercolors.
More Information
Multnomah County has an extensive website full of extensive information about Preschool for All. Please click here to check it out and learn more!