Preschool

The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, or ECEAP, is a free early learning preschool program for children ages three and four. The program is funded by Washington State and free to eligible families.  ECEAP offers both part-day and full-day preschool education and provides a community of support for children and families in an inclusive program that addresses the individual needs of every child. 

• Brigadoon Elementary
• Lake Grove Elementary
• Mirror Lake Elementary
• Panther Lake Elementary
• Sherwood Forest Elementary
• Star Lake Elementary
• Decatur High School
• Thomas Jefferson High School
• Truman Campus
• Uptown Square

One of the following criteria must be met for a child to be eligible: 

• Income eligible
• Currently on TANF
• The child is in foster care, or not living with a biological parent(s).
• The family meets McKinney-Vento requirements and is at-risk of homelessness).
• The child is transitioning from Early Head Start, Early ECEAP, Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT), IDEA Part C Services from another state, or Early Childhood Intervention and Prevention Services (ECLIPSE).
• Currently on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). 

Children must turn three years old on or before August 31 to register for preschool for the current school year. The only exception would be for children who transfer in from Early ECEAP or Early Head Start.

Part-Day ECEAP classes are 3 hours and Full-Day ECEAP classes are 6.5 hours.

ECEAP classrooms serve 19-20 children.

ECEAP classrooms are led by a teacher with an Early Childhood certificate and are supported by two assistant teachers.

Transportation is not provided for preschool programs unless your child qualifies for McKinney-Vento services. 

Yes. The Early Learning Department keeps a waitlist for all interested families.

Being toilet trained is not a requirement, however, families will need to work closely with the classroom teachers to work toward restroom independence. 

ECEAP typically begins the Thursday after the first day of school for FWPS.

Yes, ECEAP will have the same breaks as FWPS. Full-Day ECEAP also has early release or no school on Fridays, and Part-Day ECEAP has no school every Friday. ECEAP calendars will be provided to all families.

Developmental Preschool is offered at the following locations:

• Adelaide Elementary
• Brigadoon Elementary
• Camelot Elementary
• Enterprise Elementary
• Meredith Hill Elementary
• Rainier View Elementary
• Sherwood Forest Elementary
• Star Lake Elementary
• Twin Lakes Elementary
• Wildwood Elementary

Please complete the Prescreening Application for Preschool. The Early Learning Department will review your application and notify you of available program options and the next steps for enrollment.

Developmental Preschool tuition is $2100 for the year. This can be paid in one lump sum, or broken down into monthly payments of $210 for 10 months – September through June.

Priority placement is given to children who have been enrolled the prior year for developmental preschool and to children who will four on or before August 31 of the given school year.

Children must turn 3 years old on or before August 31 to register for preschool for the current school year. The only exception would be for children that receive services through the Birth to Three center and will continue to be served with an IEP.

Yes. The Early Learning Department keeps a waitlist for all interested families.

Developmental Preschool is taught by a certificated Special Education teacher and supported by classroom paraeducators.

Transportation is not provided for preschool programs unless your child qualifies for McKinney-Vento services or has an IEP for services other than speech. 

Developmental Preschool is a blended classroom model that includes 8 children with special needs and 8 typically developing peer models.

Being toilet trained is not a requirement, however, families will need to provide supplies and work closely with the classroom teachers to work toward restroom independence. 

Developmental Preschool typically begins the Monday after the first day of school for FWPS.

Developmental Preschool classes are 2.5 hours. Children will attend either the AM or PM class.

Yes, developmental preschool will have the same breaks as FWPS. Additionally, there are no classes on Fridays.