Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs

The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is Washington state’s pre-kindergarten program that supports children and families furthest from opportunity. ECEAP provides high-quality comprehensive services that support the well-being of the whole child. Children receive child-centered, individualized preschool education, health, nutrition, and family support services.

  • DCYF Background Check
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Show proof of MMR immunization or immunity proof
  • Minimum Age: 18
  • ECEAP Performance Standards
  • Natural Disaster and Human-Caused Events
  • Basic/Standard First Aid/CPR
  • Blood Borne Pathogens-Universal Precautions
  • Child Development and Developmental Milestones
  • Developmental Screening
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Medical and Dental Emergencies Procedure
  • Hazardous Materials Handling and Storage
  • Preventing, Identifying, and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
  • Prevention and Response to Food and Allergic Reaction Emergencies
  • Food Handler Permit (if applicable)
  • Transporting Children (if applicable)
  • Position Specific Training
    • DCYF determined in-person or online curriculum and assessment trainings
    • GOLD® Interrater Reliability Certification
  • 20 Hours Annual In-Service Training
  • An associate or higher degree in ECE; or
  • If the best candidate for the position is not fully qualified, the contractor must ensure the newly hired staff person has a minimum of a high-school diploma or equivalent and is on a Professional Development Plan (PDP) to meet the qualifications of their role within five years from the date of hire
  • DCYF Background Check
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Show proof of MMR immunization or immunity proof
  • ECEAP Performance Standards
  • Natural Disaster and Human-Caused Events
  • Basic/Standard First Aid/CPR
  • Blood Borne Pathogens-Universal Precautions
  • Child Development and Developmental Milestones
  • Developmental Screening
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Medical and Dental Emergencies Procedure
  • Hazardous Materials Handling and Storage
  • Preventing, Identifying, and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
  • Prevention and Response to Food and Allergic Reaction Emergencies
  • Food Handler Permit (if applicable)
  • Transporting Children (if applicable)
  • 15 Hour Annual In-Service Training
  • Initial or higher Washington State Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certificate; or
  • If the best candidate for the position is not fully qualified, the contractor must ensure the newly hired staff person has a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent and is on a Professional Development Plan (PDP) to meet the qualifications of their role within five years from the date of hire.
  • DCYF Background Check
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Show proof of MMR immunization or immunity proof
  • Roles and Responsibilities
  • Relevant ECEAP Performance Standards and program policies
  • Preventing, Identifying, and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
  • DCYF Background Check (if applicable)
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Show proof of MMR immunization or immunity proof
  • Mobility Mentoring Foundations
  • ECEAP Mobility Mentoring Monthly Webinars
  • Family Support Staff must have one of the following:
    • An associate or higher degree with the equivalent of 30 college quarter credits in adult education, human development, human services, family support, social work, early childhood education, child development, psychology, or other field directly related to their job responsibilities
    • DCYF approved credential from a comprehensive and competency-based Family/Social Service training program that increases knowledge and skills in providing direct services to families such as:
      • Washington State ECE Home Visitor Certificate or
      • Home Visitor Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential from the Council of Professional Recognition
  • If the best candidate for the position is not fully qualified, the contractor must ensure the newly hired staff person has a minimum of a High-School Diploma or equivalent and is on a Professional Development Plan (PDP) to fully meet the qualifications of their role within five years from the date of hire
  • DCYF Background Check (if applicable)
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Show proof of MMR immunization or immunity proof
  • Practice-based coaching training
  • DCYF determined in-person or online curriculum training (if supporting staff with curriculum implementation)
  • Coach Orientation
  • Coach Training for Early Achievers Components
  • Bachelor's degree in ECE or related field or
  • An equivalent credential approved by the department
  • If the best candidate for the position is not fully qualified, the contractor must ensure the newly hired staff person has an associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field and is on a Professional Development Plan (PDP) to meet the qualifications of their role within five years from the date of hire
  • DCYF Background Check (if applicable)
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Show proof of MMR immunization or immunity proof

A Health Advocate must meet one of the following:

  • Employment as an ECEAP Family Support Aide or Health Aide in the same agency before July 1, 2014
  • Equivalent of 12 college quarter credits in family support, public health, health education, nursing, or other field directly related to their job responsibilities
  • Currently qualified as an ECEAP Family Support Specialist

A Health Consultant must meet one of the following:

  • Licensed in Washington State as a registered nurse (R.N.) or a physician (M.D., N.D., D.O.)
  • Bachelor's or higher degree in public health, nursing, health education, health sciences, medicine, or related field

A Nutrition Consultant must meet one of the following:

  • Registered Dietitian (R.D.) credentialed through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association)
  • Washington state certified nutritionist under RCW 18.138

The Mental Health Consultant must meet one of the following qualifications:

  • Licensed by the Washington State Department of Health as a mental health counselor or mental health counselor associate, marriage and family therapist or marriage and family therapy associate, social worker or social worker associate, psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse; or
  • Approved by the Washington State Department of Health as an agency-affiliated or certified counselor with a master's degree in counseling, social work, or related field; or
  • Credentialed by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction as a school counselor, social worker or psychologist.
  • A mental health professional recognized by the Tribe and submitted to the department for ECEAP sites operated by Tribal nations