What is the difference between Head Start and ECEAP?
Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded. The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is state funded. Head Start offers part-day preschool four days per week, 3.5 hours per day, part-year. Full-day Head Start and Early Head Start center-based programs provide full day, full year childcare for children ages 0-5 in addition to preschool. ECEAP offers part-day classes at most classrooms two days per week, 5 hours per day. Through Community Partnerships some centers provide services three days per week, three hours per day, and full day options for families needing full time childcare. ECEAP programs operate part-year with options for childcare to continue in the summer months through Community Partnerships, such as Learning Avenues in Vancouver.
