ECEAP

ECEAP (pronounced "E-Cap") is the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program funded by Washington State for children 3 and 4.

ECEAP includes

• Free early learning child care or preschool to support child's development and learning. In some locations, Head Start may also offer home-based services.
• Family support and parent involvement.
• Child health coordination and nutrition.
• Services responsive and appropriate to each child's and family's heritage and experience.

Children who attend ECEAP learn to manage their feelings, get along with others and follow classroom procedures. They build the beginning skills for reading, math and science. The program work closely with parents to support their children’s health and education and to meet family goals. They help families access medical and dental care and social services.

Children in this type of high-quality program nationwide are:

• Healthier when they start kindergarten.
• Less likely to be in special education or repeat a grade in school.
• More likely to graduate from high school and go on to college.
• Less likely to become pregnant as a teen or become involved in a crime.
• More likely to be employed and to earn more as an adult.

More About ECEAP

• Part Day classes are 2 ½ or more hours, several days a week, during the school year.
• Full School Day classes are 5.5-6.5 hours per day, 4 or 5 days a week, during the school year.
• Extended Day is available at least 10 hours a day, year round, combining child care and ECEAP. Parents must meet work or training requirements
• ECEAP children must be 3 years old but not yet 5 years old on August 31st of the school year, and:
• On Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for special education or
• From families at or below 110 percent of the federal poverty level, which includes all children in foster care and all families with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash grants. Some children may be accepted who are over the income limit, if they have developmental or environmental factors.

Enrollment: Most children are eligible for ECEAP based on their age and family income. Up to 10% of ECEAP slots can be filled by children above the income requirement who have multiple support needs, including:

• Environmental factors such as homelessness, family violence, chemical dependency, foster care, or incarcerated parents.
• Developmental factors such as developmental delay or other special needs.

In addition, children with disabilities who qualify for special education services are also eligible for ECEAP. After eligibility is determined, children are prioritized for enrollment as space is available in their communities. 
An ECEAP Family’s Story
To enroll a child, contact the ECEAP agency near you.
Questions? Contact eceap@dcyf.wa.gov for ECEAP.