Snohomish County is again offering free preschool through its award-winning Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) to children who will be four years old by Aug. 31, 2013, and whose families are income-eligible.

ECEAP helps low-income preschool children in Snohomish County succeed in the public education system by addressing the educational, health and social needs of the children while placing special emphasis on participation and support to the family.

“ECEAP provides the right foundation for children through early childhood education,” said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. “The earlier we prepare children and families for school, the more successful they will be, overall benefitting them as individuals as well as this community.”

Services such as early childhood education are proven to make children at higher risk more likely to graduate high school and attend college, and less likely to drop out or serve time in our correctional facilities.

“The dedication of the people working in this program, as well as the commitment of the participating families, is what makes this program so successful,” said Human Services Department Director Ken Stark. “We have a responsibility to be sure the children of Snohomish County are prepared for the future.”

For more information on the ECEAP program and eligibility go here.