Washington State Added 42 Preschool Sites for Families
Low-income families with 3- and 4-year-olds can now access new state-funded preschool slots.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Child Care
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The Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families has launched 42 new Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program sites. This expansion provides free preschool access for 2,400 additional children from low-income households during the current school year.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to broaden access to early learning for children in need by utilizing a public-private partnership. By adding capacity for 2,400 more students, the state addresses critical gaps in educational support for families facing financial barriers.
The expansion adds 42 new program sites to serve 2,400 children aged 3 and 4, though workforce shortages previously caused some sites to return funding.
The players
Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families
The state agency responsible for overseeing child welfare and early learning programs across Washington.
Ballmer Group
A philanthropic organization partnering with the state to fund early childhood education initiatives.
The details
The program operates through a public-private partnership between the state and the Ballmer Group. While new sites have been established in locations including Isom Elementary, Main Street Campus, Mountain View Elementary, and Blaine Primary School, the system faces ongoing challenges with workforce staffing that have impacted some prior site operations.
Timeline
The new preschool sites are operating during the 2026-2027 school year.
The Home Front
This expansion marks a significant adjustment to the capacity targets set by the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program. It follows a period where state-level early learning availability was hampered by localized workforce and operational constraints.
Families with 3- and 4-year-olds should verify their eligibility for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program based on household income. If you live in areas like Whatcom or Skagit County, contact your local school district to confirm if spots remain open at the newly added sites.
The takeaway
Reliable access to early learning is a key factor in family logistics for low-income households. Reach out to administrators at facilities like Isom Elementary or Blaine Primary School to ask about enrollment availability for your child.
Further reading
Learn more about local resources in our Child Care section.
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Do you support using public-private partnerships to expand preschool access in your local schools?
