1.1.a Increase state-funded preschool enrollment slots from the 2012-13 baseline of 8,391 slots to 23,511 slots by 2020-21 school year to serve 100% of eligible children whose families choose to enroll
State-funded Preschool Enrollment, Turnover and Slots for 2012-13, 2013-14, and 2014-15 School Years
State-funded Preschool Enrollment by Race for 2014-15 School Year
State-funded Preschool Enrollment By Other Categories for 2014-15 School Year
Caseload Projections (as of December 2014)
Data source: ECEAP Caseload Forecast (as reported to the Legislature December 2014)
It is estimated that 11,820 additional enrollment slots beyond the 2015-16 level of 11,691 are needed by state fiscal year 2021 to serve the eligible children whose families it is assumed would choose to participate. This means 2,364 enrollment slots will need to be added per year beginning in the state fiscal year 2017.
Why is this a priority?
Increasing access to high quality early learning experiences prepares children for success in school and life. ECEAP reaches children most in need of these foundations for learning. In the 2015 legislative session, the year ECEAP is slated to serve all eligible children and families who choose to participate was changed from 2018-19 to 2020-21. This is required by RCW 43.215.455-456 and is based on the caseload forecast required in 43.215.456(6).
How are we doing?
The process is driven by legislative budget decisions. Between 2013-14 and 2015-16, the Legislature added 3,330 ECEAP slots. This means, we will have added 22% of the needed new slots, while 37.5% of the allowed eight years have passed. We have completed the "saturation study" process to fairly award the slots to communities with state-funded full day kindergarten, as required by statute, where there is lower than average access to ECEAP or Head Start.
What are we working on?
  • We are currently in the process of awarding and contracting the additional 1,600 slots provided by the 2015 Legislature.
  • DEL will allocate expansion slots to a mix of new and existing contractors in communities most in need of ECEAP services.
This will broaden the current mixed delivery system and reach a minimum of 11,691 children in 2015-16.
How can you help?
To learn more about ECEAP services, legislation and caseload forecasts visit the following websites:
Reported by: Department of Early Learning (DEL)