Head Start/Early Head Start (EHS)/Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP)
The Lower Columbia College Head Start, Early Head Start (EHS), and Early Childhood Education Assistant Program (ECEAP) provide quality early childhood education experiences. Services are available to children and families who meet eligibility requirements.
Head Start and ECEAP are federally and state-funded free school-based preschool programs that serve income-eligible children ages 3-5 years. Local models consist of:
- Part-Day (3 1/2 hours a day, AM or PM session) - September-June
- School Day (6-hour days, 8AM-2PM) - September-June
- Working Day - For families receiving WCCC (Working Connections Child Care) subsidy approval (10-hour days, 7:30AM-5:30PM all year long) (go to washingtonconnection.org to apply)
Early Head Start (EHS) is a federally funded free program that serves pregnant women, infants, and toddlers through three (3) years old. It promotes healthy pre-natal care, healthy attachments, and development for children from the earliest stages. The programs offered are:
- Early Head Start Home-Based: Helping families all year long. Home visits in your home every week. Fun group activities in the community twice a month. This is for families, pregnancy through 3 years old.
- Early Head Start Teen Parent Pathway: Assist young parents getting their hight school diploma or GED while caring for their babies and toddlers (infant-3 years old) at our center. Follows parent's schedule. WCCC (Working Connections Child Care) subsidy eligibility required (go to washingtonconnection.org to apply).
Learn how more than 33 million Americans got a head start on their education.
Watch this video, courtesy of the National Head Start Association. Then scroll below for more information about the Lower Columbia College Head Start program.
In addition to education services, programs provide children and their families with health, nutrition, social and other services. Head Start services are responsive to each child and family.