Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP)
Early Childhood Programs for Income Eligible Families:
Tahoma School District partners with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families through the Puget Sound Educational Service District to offer an Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) preschool program for eligible children.
Who is Eligible for ECEAP?
Children who have turned age 3 or 4 by August 31 of the applying school year, who are also impacted by a variety of risk factors, which are identified by federal and state guidelines. These risk factors may include, but are not limited to, kinship or foster care placement, limited family income, and homelessness. Our Family Support Specialist (FSS) will work with your family to help determine if your child qualifies for this early learning preschool program.
What is ECEAP?
ECEAP, is a free preschool program for children ages 3-5 years of age. ECEAP is funded through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families and the Tahoma School District. Our district has one half-day ECEAP class. The class is in the afternoons and preschool runs Monday through Thursday (there is no preschool on Fridays). Our ECEAP class follows a modified schedule of the TSD school calendar. A pre-kindergarten curriculum is offered along with nutritious meals and snacks, free bus transportation, and family support services. Support services include health and developmental screenings, social-emotional-behavioral support, family engagement activities, parent education, and community leadership opportunities. TSD ECEAP has one ECEAP class and it is in the afternoons, Monday through Thursday.
Where is ECEAP located?
ECEAP is located at Lake Wilderness Elementary School.
How to apply for ECEAP
Applications are typically available beginning in March for the following school year. The selection of applicants is based on a pointing system ranked by highest need. Selection and enrollments begin May 1st for the following school year. To apply, ECEAP requires a completed application, along with required documents listed on the Application Cover Page. To access the application, please click on the “ECEAP Application” tab to the left. Please contact the Family Support Specialist, Kelly Ward, with any questions you may have about the application process.