Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, the collaboration will provide openings for children ages 3-5 who are experiencing developmental or environmental factors
Ridgefield School District’s Early Learning Center has partnered with Educational Opportunities for Children and Families (EOCF) to provide additional preschool options through the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP). Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, the collaboration will provide additional openings for community children ages 3-5 who are experiencing developmental or environmental factors, or whose families meet income eligibility requirements.
Children with a developmental delay, disability, or with special needs, are experiencing homelessness, and/or growing up in kinship or foster care may be eligible for ECEAP. In addition to receiving high quality preschool, children and families in ECEAP programs work closely with parents to support their children’s overall health and wellness.
Research has found that children who receive high quality early learning opportunities enter kindergarten with enhanced math, language, and social skills. The results are far-reaching, as research has also proven that children who receive high quality early learning services are less likely to be in special education or repeat a grade in school, less likely to become pregnant as a teen or become involved in a crime, are more likely to graduate from high school and go on to college, and more likely to be employed and to earn more as adults.
“Early learning opportunities help children reach their full potential,” said Dr. Nathan McCann, superintendent of the Ridgefield School District. “We are pleased to have this opportunity to expand access to early learning to more children and families in our community.”
The Early Learning Center began providing high quality preschool services to local children in 2019. EOCF has been providing ECEAP services to the communities in Clark, Pacific and Cowlitz counties for more than 28 years.
“Ridgefield School District is committed to providing opportunities for children and families,” said Erika Muir, the district’s Early Learning coordinator. “This partnership is an important step toward ensuring high quality early childhood education opportunities for our community.”
Registration is now open. Visit www.eocfwa.org to enroll today, or find answers to many common questions.
If you have additional questions about the EOCF or ECEAP, please contact Andi Greear at (360) 567-2720 or by emailing andi.greear@eocfwa.org.
For questions about Ridgefield School District’s Early Learning Center, contact Erika Muir at (360) 619-1333 or by emailing erika.muir@ridgefieldsd.org.
Information provided by Ridgefield School District.
