Lighthouse
Substance Abuse
Outreach
Watson Manor
Head Start/ECEAP
Counseling
HottShotts Donate

The Head Start program and the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) provide free preschool education and support services to children, three to five year old, and resource referrals and training opportunities for families who meet the income eligibility criteria and who live within the Kent School District Boundaries.

Services Provided

For Children
- Preschool curriculum designed for the individual child
- Activities which build self-esteem, social, educational and physical skills
- Atmosphere which honors diversity
- Developmental screenings and referrals
- Small class sizes
- Bus transportation in many areas
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- Medical, dental, vision and hearing screenings
- Health, nutrition, and safety education activities

For Families
- Family support services and case management
- Parent meetings, groups and classes (trainings based upon the parent's interests)
- Parent / Guardian education, leadership opportunities, support and program governance
- Community resource and referral information and referrals to community services
- Opportunities for personal growth, empowerment and leadership advocacy
- Job training and employment opportunities
- Parent skill building opportunites
- Information on health and nutrition and child development

Eligibility Requirements
Families receiving public assistance grants and children in foster care are eligible, as are many parents with limited incomes who are working or in school. The majority of children enrolled in ECEAP and Head Start programs are four years old by August 31.

1. Family income level must be at or below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines for their family size,
2. Children three to five years of age,
3. Residing or attending daycare within the Kent School District service area.

Priority Enrollments:
Enrollment priority is given to children who meet the homeless definition and children who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) through the local school’s Special Education Department.

Program Director

Theresa La Ronde
253-859-0300

Program Locations

Panther Lake Community Church
10630 SE 204th St., Kent, WA 98031
253-852-8005

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Kent Lutheran Church
336 2nd Ave. S., Kent, WA 98032
253-854-8768

9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
1:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Holy Spirit Church 
318 3rd Avenue S.
Kent, WA 98032
253-373-0051
         
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Kent Family Center
13111 SE 274th, Kent, WA 98030
253-630-9590

Morning Classes
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Afternoon Classes
12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Head Start is funded by the federal government, and ECEAP is funded by Washington State. Both programs are coordinated by:

Puget Sound Educational Service District
400 SW 152nd Street, Burien, WA 98166-2206
800 Oakesdale Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057
1-800-664-4549 or (206) 439-6966 (TTY)
(425) 917-7600 or King County Info Line is (866) 543-9178