Governor Ferguson, Ballmer Group announce new grant to fund early learning for 10,000 Washington kids

Grant funds could total more than $1B over 10 years

OLYMPIA -Today, Governor Bob Ferguson joined representatives from Ballmer Group Philanthropy to announce a new grant to dramatically expand Washington's Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), which provides access to high-quality preschool to low-income families. The Ballmer Group has committed to funding up to 10,000 additional seats for the next 10 years.

Currently, ECEAP serves more than 14,000 children. It will take time to add capacity to the system to fully utilize the grant, but the state's goal is to enroll an additional 2,000 ECEAP students next school year. Over the next decade, the Ballmer Group's grant will likely provide more than $1 billion in support for early learning.

The next step will be to create an account to accept the grant funds. Governor Ferguson is proposing governor request legislation to establish the account, sponsored by Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Auburn, and Rep. Steve Bergquist, D-Renton. Additionally, in order to utilize the funding, the state cannot reduce the number of state-funded ECEAP seats.

Governor Ferguson made the announcement with the Ballmer Group, early childhood educators and legislative leaders at a press conference at the Denise Louie Education Centerin Seattle. Event photos are available here.

"The Ballmer Group's incredible gift comes at an important moment," Governor Bob Ferguson said. "We're facing significant budget challenges in our state, compounded by billions of dollars in cuts from the federal government. Earlier this year, the Trump Administration withheld funding for Head Start - another program to help kids access preschool - and has threatened to eliminate it entirely. The Ballmer Group's investment sets up an innovative public-private partnership, and will transform the lives of thousands of little Washingtonians and their families. Thank you to the Ballmer Group for stepping up for our kids."

"High-quality early childhood education is one of the most powerful tools we have to expand opportunity and promote economic mobility," said Connie and Steve Ballmer, co-founders, Ballmer Group Philanthropy. "We are proud to live in a state that recognizes the importance of PreK and are excited to explore how philanthropy can be a partner with government to meet shared goals."

"This investment will support providers' ability to plan ahead, grow capacity, and dramatically expand access to high-quality PreK," said Andi Smith, Ballmer Group's Executive Director for WA. "Ballmer Group's support will provide critical momentum for the state to continue building a high-quality early learning system that reflects the leadership and values in Washington.

"Early learning lays the foundation for lifelong success, as the skills, curiosity, and confidence nurtured in a child's first years shape every step of their future education," said Rep. Steve Bergquist, D-Renton. "This partnership will allow thousands more of our youngest Washingtonians an early start on their educational journey."

"Investments in childcare and early learning support working families, children of all ages, and our economy," said Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Auburn. "I'm thankful the Ballmer Group has stepped up during these challenging times and is partnering with us to expand access to key early learning opportunities for Washington's children. The benefits of this legislation will be felt for generations because when we invest in early learning and childcare, we invest in the future of our state."

"A long-term, targeted investment in ECEAP means more children, including the most vulnerable, will have the opportunity and supports they need to succeed and thrive in school and beyond," said Department of Children, Youth and Families Secretary Tana Senn. "This is a game-changing investment for thousands of families across our state."

What is ECEAP?

ECEAP was created in 1985 to offer free preschool and family supportfor low-income 3- and 4-year-olds. Families can qualify if their income is at or below 36 percent of the state median income. For a family of four, that's $50,152 per year.

Families can also qualify based on other factors, including:

• Environmental factors such as homelessness, family violence, chemical dependency, foster care, or incarcerated parents.
• Developmental factors such as developmental delay or other special needs.

In addition, children with disabilities who qualify for special education services and/or previously participated in certain birth to age three programs are also eligible for ECEAP.

More information about ECEAP, including how to locate a provider and apply, is available here.

Information on how to become an ECEAP provider is available here.

ECEAP Videos:

• ECEAP is Washington's State-Funded Pre-K Program - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziyhR9lnahg
• ECEAP Helps 3-5 Year Olds Succeed - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0uP6QJ_Nss
• ECEAP Recognized the Value of Every Child - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wtnaCVOP-w
• ECEAP - Every Child Deserves a Strong Start - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frgUwNCsgIo
• ECEAP Helps Children and Families - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB9TvWikEnE