The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is Washington's pre-kindergarten program for 3-4 year old children from families furthest from opportunity.
DCYF administers ECEAP with school districts, educational service districts, community colleges, local governments, tribal organizations, child care centers and homes, and non-profits.
When a school district requires additional qualifications, such as para-educator status or teacher certification, each staff person must also meet the qualifications for their ECEAP or Early ECEAP role. DCYF ECEAP and Professional Development team are working to align these qualifications to ensure a qualified workforce across all early learning settings.
- Background Check
- TB Test
- Show proof of MMR immunization or immunity proof
- Minimum Age: 18
- Natural Disaster and Human-Caused Events
- First Aid/CPR
- Blood Borne Pathogens
- Emergency Procedures
- Handling and storage of hazardous materials
- Preventing, Identifying, and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
- Prevention and Response to Emergencies to food and allergic reactions
- Food Handlers (if applicable)
- Transporting Children
- Developmental Screening
- Position Specific Training
- In-person or online Teaching Strategies GOLD
- Inter-rater Reliability certification: Preschools, including Dual Language Learners and Children with Disabilities
- DCYF-determined in-person or online curriculum training)
- 20-Hour Annual In-Service Training
- Full Education:
- An associate or higher degree in ECE; or
- DCYF equivalent
- If the best candidate for the position is not fully qualified, the contractor must ensure the newly hired staff person is on a Professional Development Plan (PDP) to fully meet the qualifications of their role within five years from the date of hire
- Background Check
- TB Test
- Show proof of MMR immunization or immunity proof
- Minimum Age: 18
- Natural Disaster and Human-Caused Events
- First Aid/CPR
- Blood Borne Pathogens
- Emergency Procedures
- Handling and storage of hazardous materials
- Preventing, Identifying, and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
- Prevention and Response to Emergencies to food and allergic reactions
- Food Handlers (if applicable)
- Transporting Children
- Developmental Screening
- 15-Hour Annual In-Service Training
- Full Education:
- Initial or higher Washington State Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certificate; or
- DCYF equivalent
- If the best candidate for the position is not fully qualified, the contractor must ensure the newly hired staff person is on a Professional Development Plan (PDP) to fully meet the qualifications of their role within five years from the date of hire
- Background Check
- 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
- Background Check (if applicable)
- TB Test
- Show proof of MMR immunization or immunity proof
- Mobility Mentoring® Foundations
- ECEAP Mobility Mentoring® Monthly Webinars
- A 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 another 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
- Washington State ECE Home Visitor Certificate
- Home Visitor CDA
- If the best candidate for the position is not fully qualified, the contractor must ensure the newly hired staff person is on a Professional Development Plan (PDP) to fully meet the qualifications of their role within five years from the date of hire
- Background Check (if applicable)
- TB Test
- Show proof of MMR immunization or immunity proof
- Practice-based coaching training
- DCYF determined in-person or online curriculum trainingECEAP Mobility Mentoring Monthly Webinars
- Coach Orientation
- Bachelor's degree in ECE or related field
- If the best candidate for the position is not fully qualified, the contractor must ensure the newly hired staff person is on a Professional Development Plan (PDP) to fully meet the qualifications of their role within five years from the date of hire
- Background Check (if applicable)
- 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 another 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, marriage and family therapist, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse
- 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
- Credentialed by the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) as a school counselor, social worker, or psychologist