A projected $1 billion from a public-private partnership will allow five independent preschool programs around the Mid-Columbia to provide state-funded seats for students in a bid to make early learning more accessible. 

Gov. Bob Ferguson and the state Department of Children, Youth and Families announced 42 new sites across the state that will offer the state’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, or ECEAP.  

ECEAP is Washington’s state-funded PreK program for children ages 3 and 4. The program provides access to free, high-quality preschool to eligible low-income families. 

The money for the expansion is coming from a 10-year financial commitment pledged last year by Ballmer Group Philanthropy. Another 105 existing ECEAP sites will add slots. 

“As we’re facing budget challenges, our public-private partnership is expanding access to high-quality early education for thousands of kids across our state,” Ferguson said in a release. “This expansion means more children, including our most vulnerable, will get the support they need to thrive in school and beyond.” 

The new Mid-Columbia sites are: 

• My Little Planet Early Education Academy LLC, Kennewick. 
• D & O Kids LLC, Richland. 
• Carrusel Child Care Center, Benton City. 
• Family Child Care Home, Benton City. 
• Connell Child Development Center, Connell.