ECEAP

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 Island, Lopez Island, and San Juan Island through partnership with established preschool agencies.  

Who is eligible?

  • 3- and 4-year-old children from families furthest from opportunity for success in school and in life.
  • Financial eligibility and familial and social circumstances that create barriers to early education access.
  • Foster or kinship care
  • Qualify for school district special education services or receiving early intervention services
  • 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 your child is eligible, contact our ECEAP Family Support Specialist at chelsieg@sanjuancountywa.gov.

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 Island:

Lopez Island:  

San Juan Island:

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. 

To view our Complaint Policy and Procedure, please click here (español). 

More Information (Links)

Last updated October 21, 2025.