Multnomah County restricts Portland preschool funding amid abuse investigation
Multnomah County officials have declared a Portland preschool out of compliance and blocked the facility from enrolling additional children under the Preschool for All program following child sex abuse charges against a former staff member, kptv.com reported.
The regulatory action targets the Childswork Cherry Blossom Learning Center. Under the county’s directive, the school cannot expand or accept new enrollments until it submits new safety plans. The restrictions follow the arrest of former teacher’s aide Yonathan Ortiz, who faces charges of sexually assaulting two 4-year-olds inside the facility.
Ortiz was fired in March when the first allegation surfaced. Since then, authorities have scheduled multiple forensic interviews with other children enrolled at the center.
Parents protest administration silence over allegations
Families have organized demonstrations outside the campus, expressing frustration over communication from the administration. Several parents stated they were unaware of the initial allegations for six months.
“It’s definitely like a parent’s absolute worst nightmare,” said Childswork parent Ty Marshall, who removed their child from the center and enrolled them in a new preschool two weeks ago. “And it’s only since this came to light that we realized that the administration was deeply dishonest with us.”
Childswork representatives initially told FOX 12 that Portland police instructed the school to withhold disclosure of the allegation during the investigation. Police officials disputed that claim, stating no such request was made.
Parents are now demanding the resignation of Childswork Executive Director Mary Beth Kierstead. A larger protest is scheduled outside an administrative meeting at the school’s Tabor Campus on Thursday morning.
County helps families relocate from noncompliant preschool
Under Preschool for All program rules, participating facilities are required to report safety incidents within 24 hours. Multnomah County stated it would assist families in relocating to alternative preschool campuses if necessary.
While parents described the county’s enforcement action as an essential step toward accountability, anger remains directed at the facility’s leadership. Childswork officials have not responded to requests for comment regarding the non-compliance status or leadership demands.
