About the Washington State Association of Head Start and Early Child Education and Assistance Program


Our Mission:   WSA is a catalyst for creating opportunities for children, families and communities through quality training, collaboration and advocacy for Head Start, Early Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs (ECEAP).

The Washington State Association of Head Start/ECEAP (WSA) is a statewide organization composed of representatives from Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant Head Start, Native American Head Start and the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP. The association has been in existence since the late 1960's, and was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1986.

Advocacy: WSA provides a strong voice in Washington, DC and Olympia as our legislators make decisions that affect low-income children and families. Our voice is made stronger by the continuing involvement of hundreds of Head Start and ECEAP parents and graduates.

Training: WSA and its associated training arm, the Washington State Training Consortium (WSTC) provides ongoing and wide-ranging training for teachers, staff, parents and directors of Head Start and ECEAP programs. This focused training helps programs maintain a high level of quality in teaching, program governance, management, and family support services. Parents are also provided training in leadership development and advocacy.

Collaboration: WSA and WSTC meetings and trainings provide an invaluable opportunity for Head Start and ECEAP staff and directors to work together, share ideas, and make plans for future program improvements. In addition, WSA works extensively with other organizations and leaders in Early Learning in Washington State to expand the opportunities of Head Start and ECEAP programs and families, and to ensure that our voices are powerful and united in support of the needs of low-income children and families.