Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program

The purpose of the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is to provide a developmentally appropriate educational program that promotes the child’s skill development in the physical, social, emotional, self-help, communication, and cognitive areas. This program also allows an equal opportunity to children living in low-income families. ECEAP is a multifaceted state-funded program.

Qualification

To be qualified for ECEAP, the child must be three to four years old and of Native American descent. Four-year-old children are given some priority, as this program serves a strong basis for children before reaching kindergarten. The family must have limited income. An over-income family may qualify for the program under certain circumstances.

Components and requirements

There are four main components to ECEAP:

Parent involvement
Health and nutrition
Educational (readiness)
Social services

All parents are asked to visit their child’s classroom at least once a month. Without support of the parents, this program would not be possible! Parents can also participate by joining the ECEAP Policy Council and by attending monthly family meetings. Remember parents, every minute with your child counts!

All children must have a yearly dental and physical exam. ECEAP requires this because a child’s health affects their education! Health problems such as frequent earaches, iron poor blood, hearing loss, poor vision, and tooth decay can distract a child’s learning process and/or speech if attention is not taken. ECEAP and state law require that all children are up to date with immunizations before attending school. Our ECEAP Health Assistant will assist parents by making referrals to health care practitioners who accept medical coupons and/or have sliding fee scales.

Parents that enroll in ECEAP will complete a family needs assessment. This assessment will allow our Family Support Specialist to assist participants throughout the year by making referrals to local agencies that can further assist family needs.

Learning opportunities

ECEAP teachers provide a developmentally appropriate classroom rich with materials and opportunities for children to learn and explore. Teachers use the results of a developmental screening to create individualized goals and objectives for our children. Your child’s education will include exposure to Native American songs, dances, and legends. The adult-child ratio is 1 to 6, which is accomplished with one parent volunteer per class. Parents will be contacted to schedule volunteer days. We encourage you to visit — it’s great fun!

Through ECEAP, it is our hope that we help to lead our children in the right direction and provide a proper environment for them to learn and grow. We also hope to promote parent involvement, which is critical to a child’s life.

ECEAP and the Puyallup Tribal Preschool (PTP)

In the 2008-09 school year, ECEAP is serving 54 preschoolers. In addition, the Puyallup Tribal Preschool is serving 72 preschool children.

ECEAP and the Puyallup Tribal Preschool are run exactly the same, with the same goals and programs. The Puyallup Tribal Preschool is funded by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.

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