What age should my child start preschool?
The right age to begin preschool is a matter of debate among parents and educators. What age is appropriate for preschool? Read on to find various factors which decide the age to begin preschool.

When should a child start preschool? The answer to this question initially depends on the child’s maturity. Researchers found that those children whose parents expose them to books and new social skills, will adjust to a preschool atmosphere much more easily than those who don't get this support. Thus, the readiness depends not only on age, but on the atmosphere in which the child grows up.

When starting preschool, many factors are to be monitored to understand the child’s readiness. The child should be able to communicate clearly, think logically, and be able to interact with other children and adults. However, even if the child shows all these skills, they may lag behind emotionally, exhibiting separation anxiety and fear. Since brain development is one of the most important factors, an intelligent child with good thinking and communicative skills can start preschool a bit earlier.

What is the cutoff date for kindergarten?
In the state of Washington, all children have to be five years of age by August 31st to enroll in Kindergarten. Please see Early Entrance guidelines for exceptions.

How do I know my child is ready for kindergarten?
Entering Kindergarten should really be a positive experience for you and your child. School is a great learning opportunity and a fun environment for kids to expand upon their learning and social skills. There are multiple resources available through libraries, websites, and the school your child will be entering. If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s entrance into Kindergarten, it would be a great idea to contact the school and find out more information about what the classrooms are like. You might even be able to take a tour or the school might offer a program for entering kindergarteners to visit and see what their school is like. It is my hope that you have a better feel for the Kindergarten readiness standards and realize how you can incorporate these basics into your child's learning environment before entering school.

What are the income qualifications for ECEAP?
Income qualifications change on an annual basis. For more information you can call 425- 413-3577.