Washington Expanded Free Preschool Access
New sites aim to increase early education options for low-income families across the state.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Child Care
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The Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families has added 42 new sites to its Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program. This expansion increases capacity to support 2,400 additional children from low-income households during the current school year.
Why it matters
Early education access is a critical driver of long-term academic and developmental outcomes, particularly for children from low-income households. This expansion seeks to bridge gaps in availability that have historically limited early learning opportunities.
The program added 42 new sites, increasing capacity by 2,400 slots for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. While this expansion aims to address previous gaps, officials have noted that some past sites were unable to remain operational due to ongoing workforce shortages.
The players
Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families
The state agency responsible for overseeing early childhood education, child welfare, and family support services.
Ballmer Group
A philanthropic organization that funds initiatives focused on economic mobility and early childhood development.
The details
The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program is funded through a strategic public-private partnership between the state and the Ballmer Group. The expansion includes new locations at Isom Elementary, Main Street Campus, Mountain View Elementary, and Blaine Primary School. By scaling these sites in counties including Whatcom and Skagit, the department aims to mitigate the impact of previous site closures caused by operational challenges.
Timeline
The 2026-2027 school year represents the operational period for these new program sites.
Health Landscape
This expansion aligns with broader state efforts to stabilize the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program amid persistent workforce shortages. It marks a significant effort to solidify early education infrastructure as a foundational element of public health and developmental equity.
Families interested in enrollment should contact their local school district or the state agency to verify eligibility requirements for children aged 3 and 4. If you have concerns about your child's developmental readiness, these programs can be a valuable resource to discuss with your pediatrician.
The takeaway
Reliable access to early learning is a key factor in supporting a child's cognitive and social development. Parents can track regional availability and discuss potential local program options with their family physician or primary care provider to ensure developmental needs are met.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services in our guide to Child Care.
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Do you support using public-private partnerships to expand preschool access in your local schools?
