Head Start / ECEAP Programs are family development programs that provide comprehensive education, health and social services to children ages 3 * 5 and their families. Head Start preschool is funded by the federal government and ECEAP (Early Childhood Education Assistance Program) is funded by Washington State. Each program is designed to serve the unique needs of our particular community.

Children who are at least 3 years old, but no older than 4 by August 31st.
Families must meet the income eligibility guidelines.

Head Start/ECEAP are family focused programs that provide the following comprehensive services:

Education/Disabilities Services:
* Two education home visits with parents (with literacy and math focused activities) and two conferences per year
* Curriculum emphasizing self-esteem and social skills, language development in English and primary language, literacy, math, and science skills, appreciation of creative arts, and physical and health development
* Developmental screenings with follow up support and referrals as necessary
* Mental Health/Behavior screenings with follow up support and referrals as necessary (TABS/DECA)

Maggie Miranda - Disabilities Coordinator
MMiranda@wwps.org
526-1788

Health and Nutrition:
* Provide education to families on the importance of health development
* Link families with continuous medical and dental care
* Dental, vision, hearing screenings and referrals
* Growth assessments two times a year
* Nutrition and cooking classroom activities with an emphasis on healthy food choices

Darle Smith - Health and Nutrition Coordinator
djsmith@wwps.org
526-1787

Parent Involvement:
* Parents are part of the governing board for the program: Policy Council
* Monthly Parent Group meetings and Family Curriculum Nights
* Parents volunteer in the classroom, on field trips and preparing classroom materials at home
* Participate in training in child development, discipline, transition to kindergarten, volunteering in schools, job readiness skills, community leadership skills, GED, etc.

Nora Carrillo - Parent Involvement Coordinator
ncarrillo@wwps.org
526-1793

Family Services:
* Monthly home visits by bilingual Family Advocate: to write family goals, link home and school information regarding health and education
* Ongoing health and nutrition follow ups
* Referrals to local agencies and trainings/education programs
* Crisis intervention with referrals to mental health providers

Diana Cox - Family/Mental Health Coordinator
dcox@wwps.org
526-1786

The Head Start / ECEAP staff recognizes that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. They welcome parent involvement in all activities and work as partners with parents to help children progress. Head Start / ECEAP provides children with activities to help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically.

We serve 213 children in AM and PM classrooms. The classroom staff ratio to children is one to seven. The children receive three and one-half hours of class time each day, Monday through Thursday.

Enroll now: Head Start / ECEAP accepts applications all year.

Pick up your application today at:

Head Start / ECEAP Program
Blue Ridge Elementary School
1150 W. Chestnut
Walla Walla, WA. 99362
509-527-3066

• National Head Start Association
• Head Start Bureau
• Region X for Walla Walla Head Start/ECEAP Program
• No Child Left Behind