Early Childhood Programs

The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)

ECEAP is a whole-child, comprehensive, family-focused preschool program available for low-income children and their families. Classes are held at various sites throughout the Central Valley school district. Progress Elementary is one of the sites for the ECEAP program, as well as before and after-school child care.

The ECEAP program is available for children ages 3 and 4 and offers educational, health & nutrition and family support as the primary focus areas of the program. Pre-school children attend either mornings or afternoons for 2 ½ hours, Monday – Thursday. The morning students attend 8:50 - 11:20 a.m. and afternoon students attend 12:10 - 2:40 p.m. Students are served well-balanced and nutritious meals during their session and there is no cost for qualifying families.

The educational component of the program offers activities which build self-esteem, social and physical skills, small classes and an atmosphere which celebrates diversity. The health and nutrition component provides family-style meals for each class, vision and hearing screenings, and health & nutrition education. All chilren are required to have a current well-child and dental exam.

The family support offered in the ECEAP program includes an opportunity to participate in groups or classes, information and referrals to community agencies and a chance to grow personally, become empowered and assume leadership roles.

This free program offers families and children opportunities to have fun together, stay healthy and have access to needed services. (Priority will be given to children who turned 4 on or before August 31, 2006). The program services children with family incomes at or below 110% of the federal poverty level. For more details on the ECEAP program click here or call (509) 228-4290.