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Child Care

Child Care

Balancing school and family life on a tight budget can be challenging.
That’s why we offer child care support programs all the way from pregnancy through age three for those who are financially eligible.  

Spokane Colleges operates more than 30 programs across Spokane County, supporting 1,600 children and their families. Most programs are free. Find out more about our Head Start program and other services to see how we can support you and your family.

Giving Children a Head Start

The Head Start program and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) enhance the lives of children and families for success in school and in life. Your family services coordinator will work with you to ensure you have the support you need.

What do We Offer?

We provide breakfast/snack/lunch, hearing and vision screenings, medical and dental connections, family activities, parent opportunities, resources and social service support, and support for children with disabilities. Parents of infants, toddlers and preschoolers have options to fit their busy schedules.

  • Part-day (ECEAP)
  • School-day
  • Working-day
  • Home-based (pregnancy to age 3)

Your child will have teachers who care and are trained in the latest curriculum in the classroom.

What’s the Cost?

  • Free part-day for children ages 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten
  • Free school-day for children ages 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten
  • Full day* for children ages 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten

* Fees are charged for some full-day programs, Working Connections Child Care subsidy is accepted.

Sign Up Today

Our Head Start program & ECEAP are now registering infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Contact us for more information: 509-533-4800

Enroll Your Child

Eligibility

Due to limited funding and space, several factors determine who is eligible for these services. See some of our eligibility guidelines below. For more information, contact the location nearest you. 

A baby on the playground looking directly in the camera
Age

Early Head Start
Pregnant moms
Infants and toddlers - birth to 3 years old

ECEAP and Head Start
Preschool age - 3 to 4 years old by August 31

Three toddlers coloring with adult supervision.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and EBT

Children in families receiving SNAP (EBT) benefits are eligible for Early Head Start and Head Start.

Girl on the playground
Income

We serve children from families with low income, according to the Poverty Guidelines published by the federal government. 

ECEAP accepts families at or below 36% of the State Median Income (SMI) level, while Head Start and Early Head Start accept families at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. Priority is given to families 100% and below. 

 
Head Start/Early Head Start/ECEAP Income Guidelines 2024-2025
Family Size
Head Start / EHS Eligible 100% Poverty Level
Head Start / EHS 130% Poverty Level
ECEAP Eligible 36% State Median Income (SMI)
1
$15,060
 $19,578
$24,533
2
$20,440
$26,572
$32,082
3
$25,820
$33,566
$39,631
4
$31,200
$40,560
$47,179
5
$36,580
 $47,554 $54,728
6
$41,960
$54,548
 $62,277
7
$47,340
 $61,542
$63,692
8
$52,720
$68,538
$65,108
For each additional family member add $5,380 $6,994 $1,415
Child riding a tricycle
Other Circumstances

Children in foster care, homeless, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF or SSI) are categorically eligible.

Head Start Forms

Learn More

Sign Up Today

Our Head Start program & ECEAP are now registering infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Contact us for more information: 509-533-4800

Enroll Your Child

This website is supported by Grant Number 10CH012101 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Washington State Community College District 17 and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement: This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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