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Clover Park to replace Head Start with ECAP next year, officials say it will expand slots and save $244,000
Summary
District leaders proposed moving preschool slots from Head Start to the state ECAP program for 2026–27 to expand capacity to about 580 students, add two JBLM classrooms and realize an estimated $244,000 general fund savings; board members pressed staff on wait lists and ensuring services for students with disabilities.
Executive Director Jennifer Herbold and Assistant Director James Allison told the board the district plans to replace Head Start slots with ECAP (Early Childhood Assistance Program) for the 2026–27 school year to reduce reliance on uncertain federal block grants, increase consistency and expand capacity for military families.
"Overall, we will see no net increase in cost to the district for our preschool programming, and ECAP will be a self sustaining program," James Allison said, describing awarded ECAP slots that allow the district to discontinue its Head Start contract and operate under a single grant.
What staff proposed: Allison said the change would add about 88 part‑day ECAP slots and 63 additional school‑day ECAP slots, bringing district ECAP enrollment to approximately 580 students next year — about 56 more than the current year — and that two additional ECAP classrooms will be placed on Joint Base Lewis‑McChord (JBLM) to meet demand. He also said ECAP carries no local contribution requirement, producing an estimated $244,000 annual general fund savings compared with the previous model.
Board members asked operational and equity questions. Directors sought detail on class sizes and adult staffing; Allison said an ECAP classroom typically includes one lead teacher and one teacher assistant, with temporary classroom assistant funding available for higher‑need groups. Director Kim raised concerns about inclusion because Head Start requires 10% of slots for children with disabilities; Allison responded that the district currently exceeds that threshold in its Head Start program and noted an ECAP advantage: if a child has an individualized education program (IEP) they are eligible for ECAP regardless of family income, easing access for some students with disabilities.
Staff emphasized next steps: the Educational Service District (ESD) granted the district's requested slots; exact JBLM classroom locations will be announced once finalized; and staff will continue forecasting and report back to the board in the fall as budgeting and implementation proceed.
What comes next: the board will monitor inclusion metrics and staffing, and staff will finalize operational details and placements over the summer.
