Head Start / ECEAP Programs
What is Head Start? What is ECEAP?
Head Start/ECEAP provides part day preschool education and support to families.
Our purpose is to provide a community of support for children and families in an inclusive program that addresses the individual needs of each child. Click here for curriculum statement
Head Start is funded by the federal government, and ECEAP (Early Childhood Education Assistance Program) is funded by Washington state.
Services are free for eligible families.
We are funded to serve 336 children. Click here for locations
We accept applications throughout the year and maintain a waitlist.
Who is Eligible?
Children 3 or 4 years old by August 31st. ECEAP only enrolls 4 year olds.
Plus meet one of the following criteria:
- Income eligible (Click here for income scale)
- Child is in foster care or in non-parents care
- Family meets McKinney-Vento requirements (Risk for homelessness)
- Child has Communication/Speech only IEP with Federal Way Public School
- Transitioning from Birth to Three (IFSP) or Early Head Start
- Referred by FWPS Special Education Preschool Program
You must live in the Federal Way Public Schools District to attend in Federal Way. If you live outside the school district or are interested in all day Head Start or Early Head Start, call 1-800-664-4549 for locations.
Head Start/ECEAP does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, marital status, sexual orientation including gender identity, national origin, sex, age of parent, or mental/sensory/physical disability.
How to apply:
- Submit an application.
- Income verification is needed before the application can be processed. Click here for income guidelines.
- Call us if you do not have income documentation, we can help you.
- A family support specialist will call you and review the application with you.
- If you are eligible:
- Your child will be put on a wait list.
- You will be mailed a packet of health forms to complete:
- Immunization records
- well child exam
- dental exam
- health history
Notes:
- ECEAP and Head Start enroll from the same wait list.
- You only have to fill out one application.
- The wait list order is determined by score not by date of application.
- Please fill out your application completely.
- Update us with any changes to your application.
Selection for Enrollment
• We enroll from the wait list starting in May for the following school year.• We enroll at least 50% of the children by June 30th.
• During the summer we have office hours on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to noon at Truman Head Start, 31457 28th Ave. S, Federal Way 98003. We are closed the week of July 4th.
• We select the remaining students from August through October.
- Head Start enrolls to 100% of the children in August.
- ECEAP enrolls to 100% in October
Enrollment
Your child will be enrolled in the location that has an opening and is closest to your home. If you need a different location, please let us know.
Enrollment visits will be scheduled.
A packet of paperwork is filled out at the enrollment meeting.
A parent orientation is held before a child starts school.
What Services do Head Start and ECEAP Provide?
Head Start/ECEAP are family focused programs that provide the following services:EDUCATION
- Preschool experience geared to the individual child
- We have morning and afternoon part day classes.
- Classes are held Monday through Thursday
- Activities which build self-esteem, social skills, and physical skills
- Atmosphere which celebrates diversity
- Developmental screenings
- Small classes (18, 19 or 20 children depending on location)
HEALTH & NUTRITION
- Nutritious family-style meals
- Medical, dental, vision and hearing screenings
- Health and nutrition education for children and families
FAMILY SUPPORT
- Child development and parenting classes
- Information and referrals to community agencies
- Opportunities for personal growth, empowerment and leadership
- Job training and employment programs
Home Visits/Parent Conferences
- Review your child's progress
- Set goals to guide your child's development and prepare for school
Parent Involvement
- Parent planned activities to meet school readiness goals
- Help make major program decisions by taking on leadership roles.
- Gain job readiness skills and work experience.
- Volunteer in the classroom.
- Attend parent meetings and classes
By joining the Head Start/ECEAP community, parents meet new people, gain self-confidence, learn about community resource, develop job skills, and help their child get a good start in school.
For more information about Head Start/ECEAP please email preschool@fwps.org or call the information line at 253-945-2379.