I ran into reader, Katie, while we were out and about.
I was watching Henry do ill-advised, “Surfing,” on a spinning ring thing, and she was handing out information about FREE (Yes, free) preschool programs in NE Tacoma.
The Tacoma School District offers ECEAP and Head Start preschool at several locations. It’s free if you qualify based on your income.
Children 3-5 attend half day classes four days a week. A variety of family support opportunities are provided, in addition to a traditional preschool program with nutritious meals and snacks.
The slots at the North East Tacoma location are newer, and Katie says they’re working on getting the word out to families who might qualify. In the past, families have had to trek to Federal Way, so Katie thinks there are some neighborhood families who would probably like to enroll if they knew about it!
If you’re interested in the ECEAP Program at Northeast Tacoma Elementary School, you can call 252 571 6986. If you’re interested in another Tacoma area ECEAP or Head Start program, call 253 571 1049. If you live in a different part of the South Sound, the easiest thing to do is to call your school district office. Ask to speak to someone with the early learning department if the first person you get isn’t sure.
Families who may qualify include those with limited income, those experiencing homelessness, those caring for children in foster care, families receiving TANF or SSI, and children with a disability or an IEP.
For other options, be sure to check our preschool guide in the menu bar!