2026-2027 Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) & ECEAP Complex Needs Fund (CNF) Expansion Funding Opportunity
On March 16, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) released a Request for Applications (RFA) to expand Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) services for the 2026-27 school year. The application period closed on April 12, 2026. This expansion builds on the public-private partnership with the Ballmer Group to grow ECEAP statewide. Expansion funding will primarily support new school-day ECEAP slots to increase access to free, high-quality PreK for children and families who need it most.
How ECEAP is Expanding
ECEAP Expansion will occur through Contracting and Subcontracting. Providers can be either a contractor or a subcontractor.
- Contractors apply for a direct contract with DCYF and are responsible for providing comprehensive services, including education, family support, and health coordination.
- Subcontractors work with an ECEAP contractor to provide components of ECEAP service delivery.
Providers who are interested in becoming an ECEAP subcontractor should connect directly with local ECEAP Contractors and other organizations interested in contracting directly with DCYF. To learn more about becoming an ECEAP provider or contractor, check out the ECEAP Foundations course.
Who Should Apply
Funded programs must be able to provide full comprehensive services, including education, family support, and health coordination. This funding opportunity is open to organizations interested in becoming an ECEAP contractor and existing ECEAP contractors intending to expand their programs.
- Tribal Nations
- Educational Service Districts and School Districts
- Local Governments
- Other public and private early learning providers (e.g., Head Start Grantees, community colleges, licensed child care providers, etc.)
We encourage providers to work together. Organizations may apply as a contractor or partner with another organization as sub-contractor as part of a shared expansion plan. Providers who are interested in becoming subcontractors should connect directly with one of their local ECEAP contractors.
How to Apply
The 2026-2027 ECEAP Expansion Funding Opportunity is now closed. Check back for information on how to apply for the 2027-2028 contract year.
ECEAP Complex Needs Fund (CNF)
The 2026-27 ECEAP Complex Needs Fund application process is closed. Check back in 2027 for more information on how to apply for the 2027-28 contract year. Visit the ECEAP Complex Needs Fund webpage for more information. For questions, email dcyf.eceap@dcyf.wa.gov and include "Complex Need Fund Question” in the subject line.
