How to Apply: Migrant and Seasonal Head Start

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Program.

What are ECEAP and Head Start Programs?

ECEAP (pronounced "E-Cap") is the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program funded by Washington state for children ages 3 and 4. Head Start is funded by the federal government for children ages 3 and 4 and, in some locations, pregnant women and children birth to age 3. Both programs include free early learning child care or preschool to support child's development and learning, family support and parent involvement, child health coordination and nutrition, and services responsive and appropriate to each child's and family's heritage and experience.

Special Focus: Migrant and Seasonal Head Start is for pregnant women and children birth to age five in communities with migrant and seasonal workers. This program provides comprehensive childcare services specifically designed to meet the unique needs of farmworker families.

How do I apply for ECEAP and Head Start Programs?

Applications vary by program type and location. Here are the main application methods:

ECEAP Applications:

• Contact your local ECEAP provider directly using the ECEAP and Early ECEAP in Washington Communities Dashboard
• Email: eceap@dcyf.wa.gov
• Download the ECEAP Prescreen and Application

Head Start Applications:

• Contact local Head Start programs directly
• Use the National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Collaboration Office Locator to find programs near you

Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Applications:

• Inspire Development Centers: Main provider in Washington State

• Phone: (509) 865-2865
• Website: www.inspirecenters.org
• Email: familyservices@inspirecenters.org
• Main Office: 1751 Washington Court, Sunnyside, WA 98944
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Online Resources:

• Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP- Provides advocacy and support
• Visit Find Help and search for Head Start programs in your area

How long does it take to receive services from these programs?

ECEAP Timeline:

• Enrollment is open year-round
• You can enroll your child at any time to get on the waiting list for the next opening
• Children are prioritized for enrollment as space becomes available in their communities

Head Start Timeline:

• Applications are typically processed within 30 days
• Services begin as slots become available
• Early Head Start provides year-round services
• Migrant and Seasonal Head Start services are provided during spring through late fall

Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Specific Timeline:

• New 2024 Eligibility Rule: Children remain eligible for services for the duration of their enrollment or until they turn 3 years old
• Preschool-aged children are eligible for up to two program years before aging out
• Eligibility is reverified every two years for most families

What do the application steps look like?

1. Determine Eligibility: Check if your family meets income and activity requirements for your chosen program
2. Choose Your Program Type:

• Part Day: 2½ or more hours, several days a week, during school year
• School Day: 5.5-6.5 hours per day, 4 or 5 days a week, during school year
• Working Day: At least 10 hours a day, year round (parents must meet work/training requirements)
• Home-Based: Weekly home visits (Early Head Start and some Migrant programs)

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

Documentation requirements vary by program, but typically include:

Child Information

• Birth certificate for each child
• Social Security card for each child
• Immunization records
• Medical and dental records
• Any special needs documentation or IEP records

Family Income Verification

• Pay stubs from the last 30 days
• Tax returns from previous year
• Benefits statements (TANF, SSI, Food Assistance)
• Self-employment income records
• Unemployment benefits documentation

Residency and Identity

• Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement)
• Social Security cards for all family members
• Immigration documents (if applicable)

Special Program Requirements

• Migrant and Seasonal Head Start: Verification that family income comes primarily (more than 50%) from agricultural employment
• ECEAP: Verification of tribal status (for tribal children)
• Working Day Programs: Employment or training verification

Additional Documents (as needed)

• Foster care documentation
• Homelessness verification
• Court orders or custody documents
• Medical documentation for pregnant women (Early Head Start)

Common FAQ's

Q: What are the income requirements? A: ECEAP: Family income at or below 36% of state median income. Head Start: At or below 130% of federal poverty level, with priority to those at or below 100%. Migrant and Seasonal Head Start: NEW 2024 rule - any age-eligible child who has one family member whose income comes primarily from agricultural work, regardless of total family income.

Q: Can children above income limits still qualify? A: Yes! Up to 10% of slots can be filled by children above income requirements who have multiple support needs, including environmental factors (homelessness, family violence, foster care) or developmental factors (delays, special needs).

Q: What makes Migrant and Seasonal Head Start different? A: MSHS programs are specifically designed for farmworker families, offering flexible schedules that accommodate agricultural work hours, services in multiple languages, and comprehensive support including child care during harvest seasons when families may travel for work.

Q: Are services really free? A: Yes! All ECEAP and Head Start services are completely free, including meals, health screenings, and educational materials.

Q: What if my family moves during the program year? A: Migrant and Seasonal Head Start is specifically designed to serve families who move for agricultural work. Programs coordinate to ensure continuity of services across locations.

Who do I contact about my application status?

Main Program Contacts:

Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF)

• ECEAP Email: eceap@dcyf.wa.gov
• Address: DCYF ECEAP, PO Box 40970, Olympia, WA 98504-0970
• Website: dcyf.wa.gov/services/earlylearning-childcare/eceap-headstart

Inspire Development Centers (Major Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Provider)

• Main Phone: (509) 865-2865
• Toll-Free: 877-821-4113
• Email: familyservices@inspirecenters.org
• Website: inspirecenters.org
• Main Office: 1751 Washington Court, Sunnyside, WA 98944
• Service Areas: Yakima, Grant, Adams, Franklin, and Benton Counties

Regional Locations for Inspire Development Centers:

• Pasco Office: 315 W. Court Street, Pasco, WA 99301
• Toppenish Office: 1200 Jackson St, Toppenish, WA 98948
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00am-5:00pm, Friday 8:00am-12:00pm

Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP

• Website: wsaheadstarteceap.com
• Provides advocacy, training, and support for families

National Resources:

• National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association: nmshsa.org
• National Head Start Locator: headstart.gov/programs/article/national-migrant-seasonal-head-start-collaboration-office-locator

Find Local Programs:

• Use the ECEAP and Early ECEAP in Washington Communities Dashboard to locate ECEAP programs
• Use Find Help to search for Head Start programs by location

Important Notes:

• Enrollment is open year-round for most programs
• Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs operate primarily during agricultural seasons (spring through late fall)
• Services are provided in multiple languages to accommodate diverse families
• All programs prioritize families furthest from opportunity and those disproportionately impacted by poverty
• Programs provide comprehensive services including education, health, nutrition, and family support

Last updated July 15, 2025