Become an ECEAP Provider

Do you want to help families prepare their children for school and life?

Are there low-income children in your community who need preschool and other support services?

Do you want to help young children who face the greatest barriers get ready for kindergarten?

Would you like additional resources to grow your program?

If you answered yes, consider becoming an ECEAP provider. You can help expand ECEAP across Washington state. DCYF encourages all early learning programs to learn how to get involved. This helps make sure all eligible children and families can get high-quality preschool services.

What is ECEAP?

The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is Washington state’s early learning program. It helps 3- and 4-year-olds from eligible families get ready for school and life. DCYF runs the program.

Contractors and subcontractors deliver ECEAP services. They must follow all ECEAP Performance Standards and program requirements.

  • ECEAP Contractors: Are the organizations that provide ECEAP services under a signed contract with Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families. They provide all ECEAP services themselves or work with subcontractors. Programs with more experience are usually better prepared to become contractors.
  • ECEAP Subcontractors: Are individuals or entities that are not an employee of the contractor and provides all or part of the ECEAP services under a contract or interagency agreement with and ECEAP contractor. Smaller or newer programs often start as subcontractors.

Providers are paid based on a contract to serve a set number of children. Pay varies by class model, DCYF region, and subcontractor agreements. Contractors are paid by DCYF. Subcontractors are paid by their contractor. This is different from Working Connections Child Care reimbursement.

ECEAP Class Models

Part DaySchool DayB-3 ECEAP and Pre-K Working Day ECEAP
Minimum of 3 hours per day5.5 to 6.5 hours per day10 hours per day
30 weeks per school yearAt least 4 days per week5 days per week
360 hours per school year1,000 hours per school year2,370 hours per school year

DCYF approves ECEAP contractors through an application process. Both public and private organizations can apply, including:

  • Head Start Grantees
  • School districts
  • Educational service districts
  • Community and technical colleges
  • Local governments
  • Tribal organizations
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Licensed family child care homes and centers
  • Licensed-exempt early learning programs

ECEAP contractors work with local organizations who are interested in becoming an ECEAP provider and subcontracting for ECEAP services.

All providers must have a Washington State business license and follow all applicable Tribal, federal, state, and local rules.

Providers need the experience, leadership, and organization to deliver high-quality services. This includes:

  • A safe space that works well for preschool-age children. Non-government organizations must also meet child care licensing rules.
  • A process to find, connect with, and enroll eligible families.
  • Staff who are culturally responsive and have the skills needed to provide services.
  • Active participation in Early Achievers with a Level 4 or 5 quality rating by the required deadline.
  • Systems for management, finances, and human resources to run the program and meet all reporting requirements.

To become a contractor, apply through the annual RFA (Request for Applications) process. Application periods are posted on the ECEAP Expansion webpage.

To become a subcontractor, contact your local ECEAP contractor. Each contractor has their own application process.