Families across Southwest Washington have more opportunities to enroll their children in free, high-quality preschool for the 2026-27 school year. Enrollment is now open at all ESD 112 Early Care & Education centers, including 65 newly added Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) slots that will help more eligible children prepare for school and life.
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) recently announced approximately 2,500 new ECEAP slots statewide for the 2026-27 school year. ESD 112 was awarded 65 of those new slots, creating more opportunities for eligible families to access early learning close to home.
The expansion is made possible through new state funding and support from Ballmer Group Philanthropy, which is helping Washington expand access to ECEAP over the next decade. The investment will allow thousands more children across the state to benefit from high-quality early learning.
Openings across regional ESD 112 Early Learning Centers include:
- 9 additional slots at White Salmon Early Learning Center
- 10 additional slots at Central Park Early Learning Center
- 17 additional slots at Hough Early Learning Center
- 20 new slots at Hathaway Elementary in Washougal through a partnership with Washougal School District
- 9 new slots in Wishram through a partnership with Wishram School District
In addition to these slots and the two new classrooms in Washougal and Wishram, openings remain available across ESD 112’s Early Care & Education centers, giving more families the opportunity to enroll for the upcoming school year.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed,” said Jodi Wall, executive director of Early Care & Education at ESD 112. “These additional ECEAP slots, along with openings across our early learning centers, mean more families can access high-quality preschool that helps children build confidence, develop essential skills and establish a strong foundation for lifelong learning.”
About ECEAP
ECEAP provides free preschool for eligible children ages 3 and 4. Eligibility is based on factors including family income and other qualifying circumstances, and the ECE Enrollment Team can help families determine whether they qualify.
“When families have access to high-quality preschool close to home, children enter kindergarten more confident and ready to learn, and parents gain a trusted partner in their child’s early education,” Wall said. “We’re excited to welcome more families this year and encourage anyone exploring preschool options to connect with our Enrollment Team so we can help them find the right fit.”
In addition to high-quality preschool, ECEAP helps connect families with services that support children’s health, development and long-term success, creating a strong foundation before kindergarten.
How to Enroll
Families interested in enrolling at any ESD 112 Early Care & Education center are encouraged to contact the ECE Enrollment Team by emailing ece.enroll@esd112.org or calling 360-952-3466. Staff can answer questions, determine eligibility and connect families with the program that best meets their needs.
Making an Impact
Since 1989, ESD 112 has provided early care, education and family support services to children and families throughout Southwest Washington, preparing children for school and life while connecting families with resources that support long-term success.
Individuals interested in joining ESD 112’s Early Care & Education team can view current employment opportunities through Support for Early Learning and Families (SELF).
To learn more about the impact of ESD 112’s early learning programs, read stories by families on the ESD 112 Early Learning Impact Stories page or click on a story below.
ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.