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HELPFUL RESOURCES


HELPFUL RESOURCES

HELPFUL RESOURCES

BrightSpark’s

Early Head Start (EHS) Family Child Care Partnership

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Child on toy vehicle smiling with

What is Early Head Start (EHS)?

We partner with licensed family child cares to offer high-quality services to eligible children and their families. Our program provide’s unique, custom, and comprehensive services designed to promote the development of the whole child, and to support families in thriving in their roles as their child’s first and most important teacher!

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Who is eligible?

Our EHS program serves children from birth to 42 months of age whose families live in South King or Pierce County, receive a childcare subsidy or think they may be eligible for one (example: Working Connections Child Care), and can answer “yes” to one of the following:

  • Having a household income at or below the poverty level. (Check the Poverty Guidelines to see if your family qualifies.)
  • Receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, or SNAP)
  • Experiencing housing instability or are currently unhoused, regardless of household income

Children in foster care under the age of 42 months are also automatically eligible regardless of family’s household income.

Apply Now!

To find out if your child qualifies, submit an application today! For more information or for help filling out your application, call or email the BrightSpark EHS team.

Program Benefits

Local & Culturally Relevant

We serve the communities of Federal Way, Tacoma, Lakewood, Spanaway, and Graham, and have care options in Spanish, Punjabi, Somali, Tagalog, and English.
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Flexible Care for Families

Many of our providers start earlier than 6:00 am, or also offer 24-hour care, which allows families to both benefit from EHS services while also continuing to work non-traditional hours or shift work.

Up to 4 Years of Support

Once verified Eligible, eligibility lasts for 1 year if not placed. If placed, eligibility lasts until child turns 4 years old, (meaning no need to reapply every year)

Child Health Screenings

We provide important health screenings such as hearing and vision, developmental milestones, and supports for early intervention.

School Readiness

We support with school readiness and transition into preschool and beyond.

And More!

We provide diapers, wipes, high-quality meals, and events at no cost to enrolled families.

BrightSpark EHS Document Hub

Looking for a specific form or file? Our Early Head Start Document Hub has the latest information and printable docs.

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Become a BrightSpark Early Head Start Partner

Are you a community partner providing services to young children and their families in South King or Pierce County or a Family Child Care provider interested in learning about BrightSpark Partnership opportunities? We want to hear from you!

Disclaimer related to Head Start program funding and affiliation.