Head Start/EHS/ECEAP

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Head Start/Early Head Start (EHS)/Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP)

The Lower Columbia College Head Start, Early Head Start (EHS), and Early Childhood Education Assistant Program (ECEAP) provide quality early childhood education experiences. Services are available to children and families who meet eligibility requirements.

Head Start and ECEAP are federally and state-funded free preschool programs that serve income-eligible children ages 3-5 years.  Local programs consist of part-day services 3 1/2 hours a day, 3-4 days a week, and run from September to June.  Full-day services are 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, and run from September to June.

Early Head Start (EHS) is a federally funded free program that serves pregnant women, infants, and toddlers through weekly home visits.  It promotes healthy pre-natal care, healthy attachments, and development for children from the earliest stages.

Longview Early Head Start Partnership is a collaborative project between Longview Public Schools and Lower Columbia College Early Head Start.  It is a free full-day, high-quality, infant/toddler early learning program for parents who are attending high school or a high school completion program.

Nurturing children and families since 1972.

Learn how more than 33 million Americans got a head start on their education.

Watch this video, courtesy of the National Head Start Association. Then scroll below for more information about the Lower Columbia College Head Start program.

In addition to education services, programs provide children and their families with health, nutrition, social and other services. Head Start services are responsive to each child and family.

Mission & Vision Statement

Lower Columbia College Head Start/Early Head Start/Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECEAP) is a holistic program that provides quality early childhood education experiences through comprehensive services that support income eligible children and families, prenatal to five.

We are committed to building healthier communities by providing school readiness to each child through:

  • Working together with each parent/guardian in their role as the primary nurturer and educator of their child
  • Nurturing each child's and family's unique qualities and potential
  • Partnering with families; building upon their strengths
  • Creating an environment that promotes respect and growth
  • Collaborating with community partners in Cowlitz County


“Our vision is that families be empowered to make a positive difference in their lives and in the community where we all live, work and learn”.

This webpage is supported by Grant Number 10CH0055 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this webpage (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Lower Columbia College Head Start/EHS/ECEAP and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.

Contact Head Start

General Office

   (360) 442-2800
Fax (360) 442-2819
  headstart.info@lowercolumbia.edu

  Mindy Leasure, Director

  (360) 442-2801
  mleasure@lowercolumbia.edu

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