Income Eligible Free Programs
We are proud to offer multiple programs that are free of charge to income eligible families. Please complete one application packet per child and attach the required documents. Eligibility to our programs is determined by child’s age and family income, not the application date. Our programs fill up fast, so please apply as soon as you can! The information on your application is confidential and used only to determine your child’s eligibility for our programs. We do not require, check, or report on immigration or DSHS status.
Head Start
Head Start is a federally funded, comprehensive early learning program that provides services to eligible children and their families.
The program provides:
- Quality early childhood education
- Family support services
- Social/emotional support for children and health screenings
- Parent education, employment support and job skills training
- Adult learning and leadership opportunities
- Nurturing supportive relationships
- Supportive staff and family engagement
Eligibility
Eligibility is determined through the application process.
- Families with children age 3-5 years (3 years old by Aug. 31)
- Children in foster care/kinship care
- TANF and SSI recipients
- Families experiencing homelessness
- Income eligible children with a disability or IEP
- Families living on limited incomes (based on federal poverty guidelines)
Location
Schedule
Transportation
Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP)
ECEAP (pronounced "E-Cap") is a Washington state funded, comprehensive early learning program. ECEAP provides free services and support to eligible children and their families. ECEAP serves children who are from low-income families or who have developmental or environmental risk factors that could interfere with school success.
The program provides:
- Quality early childhood education
- Family support services
- Social/emotional support for children and health screenings
- Parent education, employment support and job skills training
- Adult learning and leadership opportunities
- Nurturing supportive relationships
- Supportive staff and family engagement
Eligibility
Eligibility is determined through the application process.
- Families with children age 3-5 years (3 years old by Aug. 31)
- Children in foster care/kinship care
- TANF and SSI recipients
- Families experiencing homelessness
- Children with a disability or IEP
- Families living on limited incomes (based on federal poverty guidelines)
- Developmental factors such as developmental delay, disability, or other special needs
- Environmental factors such as homelessness, family violence, chemical dependency, child protective services involvement, foster care or incarcerated parents
- Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for special education
Location
Schedule
Transportation
Ready Start
The Ready Start Program is a comprehensive early learning program. ReadyStart provides free services and support to eligible children and their families. Ready Start serves children from low-income families or who have environmental risk factors that could interfere with school success.
The Ready Start program is a blended multi-age, inclusive model, serving students, ages 3 1/2 -5. Classrooms will be taught and supported by a general education teacher, a special education teacher, and a para professional.
The program provides:
- Quality early childhood education
- Family support services
- Social and emotional support for children
- Parent education
- Nurturing supportive relationships
- Supportive staff and family engagement
Eligibility
Interested families must fill out the Northshore School District Early Learning Application to determine eligibility for FREE programming. Children who do not qualify for Head Start or ECEAP will be considered for The Ready Start Program.
Ready Start Requirements:
- Children must be 3, by March 31st
- Toilet Trained
- No Kindergarten Eligible Students