Early Learning
- Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)
- Transitional Kindergarten
- Birth to Three
- Developmental Preschool
Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)
Now enrolling for the 2024-25 school year
The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is a free preschool program funded by Washington State for income-eligible children ages 3 to 5 years old and their families.
- Play-based activities that promote reading/writing, language, math, art, science and social skills
- Support for dual language learners
- Connections to community resources
- Family events with support to strengthen family well-being
Entering school is a big step in a child’s life – and in a parent’s life too. ECEAP offers support and opportunities for children and their families to begin school healthy and ready to learn.
What Services Are Provided?
Educational Experiences
- Language Skills
- Self-help activities
- Social skills & self-esteem building
- Field trips
- Preparing for Kindergarten
Health and Nutrition
- Vision and hearing screenings
- Connections for families to medical & dental resources
- Well-balanced meals & snacks
- Health & nutrition education for children and families
Family Support
- Parent education and training
- Information about local resources
- Family fun nights & activities
- Opportunities for personal growth
- Involvement in your child's education
- Involvement in decision-making
Contact:
Desiree Mason, ECEAP Program Coordinator
Phone: 360-652-4520 or dmason@lwsd.wednet.edu to enroll or for more information.
Transitional Kindergarten
We invite students who start kindergarten in the 2024-25 school year to apply for Lakewood’s free, full-day Transitional Kindergarten program, which is scheduled to begin January 31, 2024. This state-funded program provides a strong educational foundation for kindergarten.
The program is designed for students starting kindergarten in fall 2024. Students must be 5 by August 31, 2024. Priority enrollment will be given to students who have not had an opportunity to participate in a preschool program. The priority deadline to apply is December 19, 2023. The class is open to all students living in the Lakewood School District attendance area.
The program will be housed at Lakewood Elementary School and will partner with other district early-learning programs. Transitional Kindergarten is a full-day program that follows the district calendar. Hours are 8:35-3:15 and 8:35-1:45 on early-release Fridays. Transportation will be provided. Breakfast and lunch are free for all Lakewood elementary students this year.
The class will have approximately 17 openings and be staffed with one teacher and one paraeducator. If you are interested in having your child considered for the program, please complete the application form below. We are excited to be able to offer this opportunity to Lakewood families.
Birth to Three
The Early Intervention Program serves families of infants and toddlers birth to three years of age. The Infant Program provides or arranges services to help parents who are concerned about their infant's development. These families may be served in their homes, at the child's daycare, or an alternate setting. The infant educator providing these services is a certificated teacher specializing in working with infants with special needs and their families. In order for a child and family to be eligible for these services they must live within the Lakewood School District, and their young child must demonstrate a delay in at least one of the following areas of development: speech, motor, problem-solving or social skills, or have a disability that may lead to a delay, such as visual impairment, hearing loss or prematurity.
For information regarding this program, contact Snohomish County Early Intervention Program, 425-388-7402.
Developmental Preschool
Students participating in Developmental Preschool receive specially designed instruction addressing intensive functional and pre-academic needs within the context of a structured, small-group special education setting.
Students are provided opportunities to participate in high-quality early learning environments with general education curriculum through specially designed instruction at their present level of performance.
Learn more by contacting the Special Education Department.