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The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has released a Request for Applications (RFA) to expand Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) services for the 2026-27 school year. This expansion builds on the public-private partnership with Ballmer Group to grow ECEAP statewide.
Expansion funding will primarily support new school-day ECEAP slots to increase access to free, high-quality PreK for children and families who need it most.
Who Should Apply
Funded programs must be able to provide comprehensive services, including education, family support, and health coordination. This funding opportunity is open to:
- Current ECEAP contractors/subcontractors
- Tribal Nations
- School districts
- Licensed child care providers
- Other public and private early learning providers
We encourage providers to work together. Organizations may apply as a lead contractor or partner with another organization as sub-contractor as part of a shared expansion plan. You do not need to be the lead applicant to take part in this opportunity.
Providers who are interested in becoming subcontractors should connect directly with one of their local ECEAP contractors.
How to Apply
The full RFA, eligibility requirements, and application materials are available on our ECEAP Expansion webpage.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on April 12, 2026.
Technical Assistance
DCYF is offering technical assistance office hours to assist with the application process and to answer any questions.
Open to all applicants:
Open to all applicants, highlighted for Tribes and Tribal-serving programs:
For questions, please email ECEAP@dcyf.wa.gov.
