When people think about preschool, they often picture finger painting, story time, and learning the alphabet. Through ECEAP, we certainly do all of that, but our work goes much deeper. Every day, our team partners with families in ways that strengthen caregivers, support children’s development, and interrupts cycles of generational trauma before they take root.

ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program) is YWCA Spokane's free preschool, designed for children who benefit from additional support as they prepare for kindergarten. Many families come to us looking for free preschool. What they find is a community that walks alongside their whole family.

Putting Parents First, Because that’s what Children Need

Our model is intentionally parent-first. We know children thrive when the adults in their lives feel supported, informed, and empowered.

Each family is paired with staff who provide Mobility Mentoring, a coaching-based approach that helps caregivers set and reach goals that stabilize and strengthen their households. That might mean creating a plan to pay off debt, finding more stable housing, building time management skills, or connecting to education and employment resources. These “family stabilization” goals reduce stress at home, which directly supports a child’s ability to learn and regulate their emotions.

Caregivers also participate in regular conferences focused on both their child’s development and their own goals. Together, skills are built that prepare families not just for preschool, but for long-term success in the K–12 system and beyond.

ECEAP is about Supporting the Whole Child and their Family

In the classroom, our educators use Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG), a research-based system that tracks children’s development in areas like language, literacy, math, physical growth, and social-emotional skills. Teachers observe and document progress throughout the year, with formal checkpoints along the way. This allows us to celebrate growth, identify challenges early, and tailor support to each child.

When big behaviors show up, our ECEAP team approaches them through a trauma-informed lens. “We believe all behavior is communication,” states Jess Ohman, YWCA’s ECEAP Education Manager. “A child who pushes or grabs may be trying to start a friendship but lacks the skills to do so safely. Our staff guide children in learning replacement skills like using words, identifying emotions, repairing relationships rather than relying on punishment or forced apologies.”

We also support parents themselves, offering space to process stress, grief, and overwhelm. “When adults feel regulated and supported, they are better able to co-regulate with their children,” shares Jess. “We often remind families and staff alike that we must regulate ourselves before we can help regulate a child.”

Mental Health and Early Intervention Matter

Many children arrive with complex needs that aren’t immediately visible. YWCA partners with a mental health professional who plays a critical role in helping to identify developmental, emotional, or behavioral concerns and helping families navigate next steps.

This may include supporting caregivers in working with local school districts to secure Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), early intervention services that can dramatically change a child’s long-term educational trajectory. While public schools are responsible for providing these services, families can find the process complex and difficult to navigate. Our team supports families in understanding their rights, advocating for their child’s needs, and staying engaged throughout the process.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Beyond the learning experiences, many families rely on ECEAP for practical items that help children participate fully and confidently in their schooling. A warm pair of winter boots can mean a child is able to play outside with their classmates instead of watching from the sidelines. A well-fitting pair of tennis shoes in the spring supports safe movement, exploration, and physical development. For children preparing to enter kindergarten, a new backpack and basic school supplies can ease the transition and help them start their next chapter feeling prepared and proud.

In past years, dedicated funding helped ensure these essentials were available to families who needed them. With recent funding changes, these items are no longer guaranteed, even though the impact on children remains significant. We rely on support from individual donors and community partners to provide as many of these items as possible. School supply drives and winter clothing donations help ensure children have what they need to stay warm, move comfortably, and arrive at school equipped. Learn more about our most-needed items at ywcaspokane.org/wishlists.

Breaking Cycles, Building Futures

At its heart, ECEAP is about more than kindergarten readiness. It’s about breaking cycles of stress, isolation, and unmet needs that can echo across generations.

• When caregivers gain confidence, children gain security.
• When families build stability, children gain the freedom to learn.
• When we respond to behavior with understanding instead of punishment, children gain lifelong emotional skills.

By investing in both children and the adults who love them, YWCA Spokane’s ECEAP is helping families build strong foundations that last far beyond preschool and creating ripple effects that strengthen our entire community.