Become an ECEAP Provider

Do you share ECEAP’s goal to partner with families in preparing children for success in school and life?

Are there low-income children and families in your community who could benefit from preschool and comprehensive services?

Are you ready to improve the school readiness of pre-kindergarten children furthest from opportunity?

Would you like additional resources to grow your program?

If so, you can help us expand ECEAP in Washington state by becoming an ECEAP provider. DCYF encourages all early learning programs to explore becoming an ECEAP provider, to help ensure all eligible children and families can receive high-quality PreK services.

What is ECEAP?

Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is Washington state’s comprehensive early learning program (DCYF Publication EL_0081) that prepares 3- and 4-year-old children from families furthest from opportunity for success in school and in life. DCYF administers the program.

ECEAP services are provided by contractors and subcontractors, following the ECEAP Performance Standards and program deliverables.

  • ECEAP Contractors have signed contracts with DCYF to administer all ECEAP services, provided directly by the contractor, and/or in partnership with subcontractors. Well established, experienced programs are usually more prepared to become contractors.
  • ECEAP Subcontractors have signed contracts with an ECEAP contractor to provide some or all ECEAP services in partnership with the contractor. Smaller and/or newer programs usually start out as subcontractors.

ECEAP provider payment is based on a contract to serve a specific number of children and varies by class model, DCYF region and subcontractor agreements as applicable. Contractors receive payment from DCYF, and subcontractors receive payment from contractors. This process is different from Working Connections Child Care subsidy reimbursement.

Current 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 weekFive days per week
360 hours per school year1,000 hours per school year2,370 hours per school year

ECEAP providers are approved by DCYF through an application process (see below). Providers can be public or private organizations including, but not limited to: school districts, educational service districts, community and technical colleges, local governments, tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, licensed family childcare homes and centers, and licensed-exempt early learning programs, per RCW 43.216.515.

All providers must have a Washington State business license, and follow any related tribal, federal, state, and local regulations.

ECEAP providers need the experience, leadership and program structure to deliver high-quality ECEAP services, including:

  • A secure, safe space that is developmentally appropriate for preschool-aged children (non-government organizations must also meet child care licensing requirements).
  • Procedures to recruit, engage and enroll qualified families.
  • Culturally competent staff with the knowledge and skills needed to provide program services.
  • Active participation in Early Achievers, and attain a Level 4 or 5 quality rating within the required timelines.
  • Management, fiscal, and human resources systems to carry out, monitor, and report on ECEAP requirements.

 

Providers interested in offering ECEAP as a contractor apply through our annual RFA process, typically available in early winter as funding allows. Providers interested in offering ECEAP as a subcontractor contact their local ECEAP contractor who each have their own application process.

The following information and resources may help your program prepare to serve ECEAP-eligible children and families in your community.