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ECEAP and Head Start

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for ECEAP and Head Start.

What are ECEAP and Head Start Programs?

ECEAP (pronounced "E-Cap") is the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program funded by Washington state for children ages 3 and 4. Head Start is funded by the federal government for children ages 3 and 4 and, in some locations, pregnant women and children birth to age 3. Both ECEAP and Head Start include free early learning child care or preschool to support your child's development and learning, family support and parent involvement, child health coordination and nutrition, and services that are responsive and appropriate to each child's and family's heritage and experience.

How do I apply for ECEAP and Head Start Programs?

Applications vary by program type and location. Here are the main ways to apply:

ECEAP Applications:

Head Start Applications:

  • Contact local Head Start programs directly through the dashboard
  • Apply online or call local programs found through the provider search
  • Use Find Help to search for Head Start programs in your area

General Application Support:

Application Documents:

How long does it take to receive services from ECEAP and Head Start Programs?

Application and Enrollment Timeline:

  • Enrollment is open year-round for most programs
  • Priority placement: Children are prioritized for enrollment as space becomes available in their communities
  • Waiting lists: You can enroll your child at any time to get on the waiting list for the next opening
  • Program start: Services typically begin when slots become available, often at the start of the school year or as openings occur

Program Schedule Options:

  • Part Day classes: 2½ or more hours, several days a week, during the school year
  • School Day classes: 5.5-6.5 hours per day, 4 or 5 days a week, during the school year
  • Working Day classes: At least 10 hours a day, year round, combining child care and ECEAP (parents must meet work or training requirements)
  • Home-based services: Weekly home visits for some Early Head Start programs

What do the application steps look like?

  1. Check Your Child's Age:
    • ECEAP: Child must be 3 years old but not yet 5 years old on August 31 of the school year
    • Head Start: 3 to 5 years old for preschool; pregnant women or 0 to 3 years old for Early Head Start
  2. Review Eligibility Requirements: Check income guidelines and special eligibility categories for your family
  3. Find Local Programs: Use the ECEAP dashboard or provider search tools to locate programs in your area
  4. Contact Your Chosen Program: Reach out directly to the program you're interested in
  5. Complete Application: Fill out the required application forms completely and accurately
  6. Gather Required Documents: Collect all verification paperwork (see documentation section below)
  7. Submit Application and Documents: Provide everything to your chosen program
  8. Participate in Family Interview: Many programs require a family interview as part of the process
  9. Wait for Placement: You'll be placed on a waiting list until a slot becomes available
  10. Begin Services: Once placed, your child can start attending the program and your family will receive comprehensive services

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

Documentation requirements may vary by program, but typically include:

Child Information

  • Birth certificate for each child applying
  • Social Security card for each child
  • Current immunization records
  • Medical and dental records
  • Any special needs documentation or Individualized Education Program (IEP) records

Family Income Verification

  • Pay stubs from the last 30 days for all working adults
  • Previous year's tax returns
  • Benefits statements (TANF, SSI, Food Assistance, unemployment)
  • Self-employment income documentation
  • Child support records (if applicable)

Family Information

  • Social Security cards for all household members
  • Proof of current address (utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement)
  • Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable)
  • Immigration documents (if applicable)

Special Eligibility Documents

  • Tribal children: Verification of tribal status using the B-5 ECEAP form
  • Foster care: Foster care placement documentation
  • Homelessness: Verification of housing situation
  • Special needs: Medical documentation, therapy records, or early intervention service records

ECEAP Specific Requirements

  • Verification of participation in Early Head Start, Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT), or Early Childhood Intervention and Prevention Services (ECLIPSE) if applicable

Working Day Program Requirements

  • Employment verification and work schedule
  • Training program enrollment documentation

Common FAQ's

Q: What are the income requirements? A: ECEAP: Family income at or below 36% of state median income, or 100% SMI for tribal children. Head Start: At or below 130% of federal poverty level, with priority to those at or below 100%. Both programs can serve up to 10% of children above income limits who have special support needs.

Q: Are the programs really free? A: Yes! All ECEAP and Head Start services are completely free, including meals, health screenings, educational materials, and family support services. There are no fees for families.

Q: What if my child has special needs? A: Both programs welcome children with disabilities and special needs. Children with IEPs for special education are automatically eligible for ECEAP. Programs provide individualized support and work with families to meet each child's unique needs.

Q: What's the difference between Part Day, School Day, and Working Day programs? A: Part Day: 2½+ hours several days per week during school year. School Day: 5.5-6.5 hours, 4-5 days per week during school year. Working Day: 10+ hours daily, year-round for working/training parents. Choose based on your family's schedule and needs.

Q: Can my child attend if they don't speak English? A: Absolutely! Programs provide services that are responsive to each child's linguistic heritage and experience. Many programs offer bilingual services and support for children learning English as a second language.

Who do I contact about my application status?

Main Program Contacts:

Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF)

Find Local Programs:

Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP

Program Administration:

  • ECEAP: Administered by DCYF through 63 contracts with school districts, educational service districts, community colleges, local governments, tribal organizations, child care centers and homes, and nonprofits
  • Head Start: Federally funded programs administered by various local agencies and organizations

Additional Support:

  • Call 2-1-1 for general help finding local programs and services
  • Monthly DCYF REE Check-ins: Informal conversations about recruitment, eligibility, and enrollment held at 9 AM on the first Thursday of each month (join via Teams)

Program Locations: During the 2023-2024 school year, ECEAP served more than 16,000 children at more than 480 locations across Washington state. Programs are available in all regions of the state.

Application Support:

  • ECEAP Recruitment Flyer: Available in English and Spanish
  • Tribal ECEAP Recruitment Flyer: Special materials for tribal families
  • Site List by City: Available in English and Spanish

Important Notes:

  • Enrollment is open year-round - apply anytime
  • Programs prioritize families furthest from opportunity
  • Both ECEAP and Head Start provide comprehensive services beyond education, including health coordination, nutrition, and family support
  • Children in high-quality early learning programs are more likely to succeed in school and life
  • Programs serve children from diverse backgrounds and welcome all eligible families