Public Health Issue
According to a 1992 study of ECEAP children, 56% of these low income four year olds had some type of health or
developmental problem. These problems included dental concerns, hearing and/or vision concerns, lack of immunization,
poor nutrition, and lack of health insurance to name just a few. ECEAP staff rather than other health professionals,
family members or friends identified 40% of these problems. Had these problems gone unidentified, these children’s
development and ability to learn may have been impaired.
Purpose
ECEAP is a "whole-child" comprehensive, family focused preschool program designed to help low income children prepare
for and succeed in the public school system and to assist families in supporting and participating in their children’s
success. ECEAP is comprised of four interactive components: education, health and nutrition, parent involvement, and
social services. The specific purpose of the health component is to:
Educate and assist families to live more health conscious lives, thus enhancing each child’s health and
physical abilities.
Educate and assist preschool staff to promote healthful living habits and to provide healthy preschool
environments.
Snohomish County ECEAP has 27 preschool sites scattered throughout the county, serving approximately 800 children at
a given time.
What Do They Do?
Public health nursing services provided to ECEAP include:
Assistance with health and safety education for children, parents, and staff
Assistance in linking families and staff to various health related community agencies
Consultation with families and/or staff on specific health concerns
Vision and hearing screenings for the preschoolers
Quality assurance health monitoring of all the preschool sites
Community Groups Actively Involved In?
Snohomish County ECEAP and Head Start Health Advisory Committee
Who Do I Call?
Snohomish County Human Services - Barbara Cheney, RN, Public Health Nurse (425) 388-7252
