OLYMPIA, Wash. – A new partnership announced in Olympia is set to expand preschool access for low-income families, promising more space for children in need.
The Ballmer Group Philanthropy (BGP), led by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, has committed to funding preschool spots for 10,000 kids per year over the next 10 years. This commitment adds more than $1 billion in funding to the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), which currently serves over 14,000 children.
During the announcement, an educational director from a longstanding preschool in Western Washington expressed excitement about the new funding. She highlighted that this support comes at a crucial time, as their Head Start funding has yet to return.
Governor Bob Ferguson was present at the announcement. He noted that the next step involves creating an account to accept the grant funds.
“This grant is structured as a resource to the state to grow access for families and fully realized will amount to a commitment of about $170 million a year in new eCAP funding for the next decade,” Andi Smith of BGP stated.
The ECEAP program, established 40 years ago, offers free preschool and family support to low-income families. Families with an income at or below 36% of the state median income qualify. For a family of four, this is just over $50,000 a year.
There are additional circumstances besides income that may qualify families for the program. For more information, visit the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families website.
