Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP)

About the ECEAP Program

The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is designed to provide children with limited family and financial resources an important educational opportunity to improve school success. Children attending an ECEAP qualified preschool are stepping into a world of high quality standards of teacher-child interactions, with excellent curriculum and thoughtfully designed environments. ECEAP also offers wraparound family support, including a Mobility Mentoring coach for the family, health screenings and nutritious meals at the school of your choice.

The ECEAP program is offered on Orcas and Lopez Island through established preschool agencies. Families on San Juan Island have access to similar services through the Head Start program run by Skagit Valley College.

Who is eligible?

  • Children 3 years old or 4 years old by August 31.
  • A family with low annual income (36%-50% of the State Median Income)
  • Qualify for school district special education services; or
  • Have developmental or environmental risk factors that could affect school success.

How Can I Enroll My Child?

  • To see if there is an open ECEAP spot or if you qualify, contact the ECEAP Family Support Specialist (chelsieg@sanjuanco.com).

Resources for Parents

The Healthy Children website provides many articles, tools, and resources for parents. San Juan County ECEAP recommends reading this article about praise, and this article for parent-child communication.

The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) developmental screening is used at all ECEAP preschools. If you have questions about the survey, check out the ASQ Website or contact your medical provider or the ECEAP Coordinator.

Common Sense Media provides articles and resources on selecting appropriate and beneficial media for your child to watch. Lists of apps, websites, movies, and shows will provide parents with an understanding of what is best for their child’s development.

Participating Preschools


Orcas: Kaleidoscope and Forest School 

Orcas Montessori

Orcas Children’s House

Lopez Children’s Center

All of San Juan County ECEAP preschools are licensed and have gone through a rigorous Early Achievers process successfully achieving high quality ratings.  Early Achievers is the Washington State Quality Rating Improvement System.  See the great improvements that took place at one of our County preschools.

If you are interested in having your preschool participate in ECEAP, please visit the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families website for more information on becoming an approved ECEAP site. Then, contact the ECEAP Coordinator to become a sub-contractor with the San Juan County ECEAP Program.