Free, Low Cost Preschool Slots Still Available

City of Seattle preschool programs are now enrolling 4-year olds from low-to-moderate income families.
Seattle Step Ahead and the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program still has free or reduced-cost spaces available for 638 children at 22 sites in southeast and southwest Seattle this school year.
"These preschools help get children ready for kindergarten academically, socially and physically," said Patricia McInturff, director of the Seattle Human Services Department. "The earliest years of a child's life are critical to developing the skills and love for learning that lead to academic success."
To be eligible, a family must live in Seattle and have a child who will turn 4 by August 31, 2007. For ECEAP, a family of four earning up to $22,700 per year is eligible, and for Step Ahead, a family of four earning up to $62,000 annually is eligible.
Step Ahead is funded by the Seattle Families and Education Levy, and ECEAP is funded by the State of Washington.
"Our preschools involve parents and honor a wide diversity of cultures and languages," McInturff said. "We encourage parents who don't think they can afford preschool to contact us right away."
For more information about these programs, locations and applications call 206-386-1050.