Washington State Adds 2,500 Slots To Free Preschool Program

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is adding approximately 2,500 slots to its Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) in the 2026-27 school year. ECEAP is Washington's state-funded pre-kindergarten program for children ages 3 and 4, offered free to eligible families. The program currently serves more than 14,000 children at 463 locations statewide. The new slots will expand ECEAP to 54 additional sites at licensed child care centers, licensed family homes, and schools.

In November, Governor Bob Ferguson, Secretary Senn, and representatives from Ballmer Group Philanthropy announced a grant . . .