Concrete Elementary School is excited to offer expanded early learning opportunities for the 2026–2027 school year through both the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Transitional Kindergarten (TK).

For the 2026–2027 school year, Concrete Elementary School will offer:

• 20 full-time ECEAP preschool slots
• 26 full-time Transitional Kindergarten slots

Both programs are full-time and begin September 9, 2026. Student assessments and screenings will take place September 2–8, 2026.

ECEAP, pronounced “ee-cap,” stands for Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program. ECEAP is a free preschool program for eligible 3- and 4-year-old children and families.

ECEAP focuses on school readiness, health, family support, social-emotional development, and whole-child growth. Families in ECEAP also receive support through family support visits, resources and referrals, parent-teacher conferences, health and developmental screenings, and opportunities for family involvement.

Transitional Kindergarten, or TK, is a district-run early learning program for 4-year-old children who are not yet ready for traditional kindergarten and would benefit from additional time and support before entering kindergarten.

TK helps students build school readiness skills, including routines, communication, social-emotional skills, early literacy and math foundations, and comfort with the school environment.

ECEAP and TK are both early learning programs, but they serve different purposes and have different eligibility requirements.

ECEAP serves eligible 3- and 4-year-old children and families and includes preschool, family support, health services, and developmental screenings.

TK serves 4-year-old children who are not yet ready for kindergarten and would benefit from an additional year of preparation before entering kindergarten.

Families may contact Concrete Elementary School to learn more about which program may be the best fit for their child.

ECEAP provides a comprehensive early learning experience that includes:

• A full-time preschool classroom
• Breakfast, lunch, and one snack each day
• Developmental screenings and ongoing child assessment
• Vision and hearing screenings
• Support with medical and dental care connections
• Family support visits
• Parent-teacher conferences
• Resources and referrals for families
• Positive child guidance and social-emotional learning
• Inclusive classroom environments
• Family engagement and volunteer opportunities

ECEAP uses Creative Curriculum, a research-based curriculum that combines play-based learning with intentional teaching. Students participate in daily routines that include small group time, large group time, outside time, meals, and individualized support.

Students benefit most when they attend school consistently. ECEAP is designed as a five-day-per-week, full-day program. If a child’s attendance drops below 90%, staff will work with the family to identify supports and help the child attend regularly.

Family partnership is an important part of ECEAP. Families have opportunities to meet with family support staff throughout the year, participate in parent-teacher conferences, access resources and referrals, and volunteer in the classroom.

ECEAP staff work with families to support each child’s learning, development, health, and transition to kindergarten.

Children enrolled in ECEAP receive developmental screenings, ongoing assessment, and health-related supports. ECEAP staff help families connect with medical and dental providers, complete vision and hearing screenings, and identify additional supports if needed.

Children are not required to be toilet trained to attend ECEAP. ECEAP provides diapers, pull-ups, and wipes while children are at school.

Families interested in enrolling their child in the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) should complete the application through the Northwest Educational Service District (NWESD).

1. Visit NWESD ECEAP Application Page.
2. Complete the ECEAP application.
3. Email the completed application to eceap@nwesd.org.

Once your application is received, NWESD staff will contact you regarding eligibility, required documentation, and the enrollment process.

If you have questions about the ECEAP program at Concrete Elementary, please contact the school office for additional assistance.