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ECEAP is the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program funded by Washington State for children ages 3 to 4. ‍

Head Start is a program funded by the federal government for children ages 3 to 4.

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‍ECEAP is the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program funded by Washington State for children ages 3 to 4. ‍

Head Start is a program funded by the federal government for children ages 3 to 4. Some locations include services for women who are pregnant and children from birth to 3.

What do these programs include?

Both programs include the following:

• Free early learning child care or preschool that support child’s development and learning.
• Family support and parent involvement.
• Child health coordination and nutrition.
• Serices and responsive and appropriate to eachi child’s and families heritage and experience.

Attending ECEAP and Head Start allow children to learn to follow classroom procedures, spend time with peers, and manage their feelings. The programs introduce the beginning steps for reading, math, and science. ECEAP and Head Start work with families to support the child’s health and education and create goals. These services can help families access medical, dental, and social services to families and caregivers.

Enrollment:

• Most children are eligible for ECEAP and Head Start based on their age and family income.
• Children with disabilities who qualify for special education services are also eligible for ECEAP.
• If a child is determined to be eligible they will be prioritized for enrollment as space becomes available in their community.
• Head Start children must be 3 to 5 years old for preschool Head Start; pregnant or 0 to 3 years old for Early Head Start and meet one of the qualifying criteria.

To learn more about enrollment visit https://dcyf.wa.gov/services/earlylearning-childcare/eceap-headstart.

Program Details:

Head Start:

• Head Start is for 3-to-5 year olds.
• Migrant and Seasonal Head Start is for pregnant women and children birth to five in communities with migrant and seasonal workers.
• Tribal Head Start services American Indian and Alaska Native Children birth to age five and their families.

ECEAP:

• ECEAP is for 3 to 5 year olds.
• Program includes either Part Day classes or School Day classes which vary in the amount of time.

To learn more about the program and contact information visit https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/earlylearning-childcare/eceap-headstart.

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