FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5901

C 22 L 17 E 3

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning eligibility for the early childhood education and assistance program.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senator Braun).

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Appropriations

Background: Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP). This state-funded, voluntary preschool program serves eligible three- and four-year old children. Children are eligible if they are from a low-income household, eligible for special education due to disability, or impacted by certain risk factors identified by the Department of Early Learning. Children from families with an annual income at or below 110 percent of the federal poverty level—$26,730 for a family of four—are eligible for enrollment in ECEAP.

Current law requires that state funding continue to be phased in each year until full statewide implementation is achieved in the 2020-21 school year, at which time any eligible child shall be entitled to be enrolled in the program. Additional eligible children may be admitted to the extent that grants and contributions from community sources provide sufficient funds for a program equivalent to that supported by state funds.

Summary: Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program. The entitlement for all eligible children in ECEAP will begin in the 2022-23 school year.

Votes on Final Passage:

Third Special Session