The Blog

Bette Hyde, Director, Department of Early Learning Bette Hyde, Director, Department of Early Learning

10/02/09

September marked a significant milestone for young children in our state: The 150,000th child was enrolled in the state’s pre-kindergarten program for low-income children and families.

That means since its creation in 1985, 150,000 children in our state have benefitted from the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), which provides free preschool education, family support, and health and nutrition services to low-income 3- and 4-year-old children and their families.

The Department of Early Learning (DEL) oversees ECEAP services through local contractors. This school year, 8,053 of our youngest learners in 38 of 39 Washington counties are in ECEAP classrooms, where they are gaining valuable skills in early literacy, how to get along with their peers, and how to stay healthy.

Research tells us that children living in poverty face more challenges in entering school ready to learn. Since 1985, ECEAP has helped us balance the scale, build healthy families and support kids to thrive and succeed.

In the 2007-09 biennium, the Legislature and Gov. Chris Gregoire expanded ECEAP by a historic 38 percent. Due to the state economic climate, enrollment in the program was decreased slightly in 2010, by 173 slots (about 2.1 percent).  

Just some of the ways ECEAP has helped ensure Washington children start school ready:

  • 60,000 children have received dental screenings and follow-up treatment if necessary.

  • 30,000 children have been helped to become up-to-date with their well-child exams.

  • More than 50,000 children have improved their English language skills before kindergarten.

  • More than 6,000 children who displayed behavioral issues when beginning the year have exhibited age-appropriate behavior before kindergarten.

Families can find the ECEAP site nearest to them at: http://www.del.wa.gov/publications/eceap/docs/ECEAP_Sites.pdf