Legislature, Ballmer Group, and Department of Children, Youth, and Families celebrate landmark legislation that will bring high-quality PreK to thousands of families
Olympia, WA – Gov. Bob Ferguson today signed Senate Bill 5872 into law, establishing the PreK Promise Account to expand access to high-quality early learning statewide by accelerating growth of the Washington’s PreK program, the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP).
The new law creates a dedicated funding mechanism that allows Washington state to accept and deploy philanthropic contributions specifically for ECEAP expansion. By establishing the PreK Promise Account, the state now has the financial structure necessary to receive private funding, align it with public dollars, and ensure transparent, accountable investment in early learning.
This step makes it possible to operationalize Ballmer Group’s previously announced commitment to invest up to $170 million annually to expand ECEAP by as many as 10,000 seats.
“Passing this bill was a critical step in accepting an incredible gift from the Ballmer Group,” Governor Ferguson said. “The timing could not be better. Our state faces significant budget challenges, and families are dealing with rising costs. This is one way we are working together to transform the lives of kids and families across Washington.”
“Early learning opportunities help children establish foundational skills that prepare them for Kindergarten and can lead to long-term academic success," said Sen. Claire Wilson. “Senate Bill 5872 will allow us to partner with the Ballmer Group to expand access to early learning. The benefits of the Ballmer Group’s investment in ECEAP will be felt for generations because when we invest in early learning, we invest in the future of our state.”
Washington has long been a leader in high-quality early learning, and in 2010 the state set a clear goal: every eligible child should have access to free, high-quality PreK. Ballmer Group’s investment is intended to help accelerate progress towards that goal by providing predictable, multi-year funding so PreK providers can expand their capacity and reach more families faster. The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) will continue to oversee ECEAP and set program rates, with philanthropic funds distributed through the new PreK Promise Account.
“The long-term impact this funding will have on our most vulnerable children and families cannot be overstated," said DCYF Secretary Tana Senn. “We are deeply grateful to Ballmer Group and the legislature for their commitment to supporting families with young children across Washington state. This investment in early learning, education, and family services—and this strong public-private partnership—will create positive ripple effects for years to come.”
“Washington has made a strong commitment to expanding access to preschool through ECEAP,” said Andi Smith, Executive Director of Ballmer Group’s Washington office. “The PreK Promise Account signed into law today enables philanthropy to support that work, paving the way for Ballmer Group’s commitment to help bring high-quality early learning to more families, sooner. We thank Governor Ferguson, Washington’s Legislature, and DCYF for making this partnership possible.”
DCYF is moving quickly to identify contractors to expand the program through a public Request for Funding Application (RFA) on March 16, which will be available HERE. Funding is expected to begin in the new fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, with seat expansion ramping up over the coming year as new classrooms come online across the state in the fall.
State leaders and partners will continue working with providers, advocates, and families to ensure that ECEAP expansion maintains high standards of quality, strengthens the early learning workforce, and advances equitable access statewide.
The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is Washington’s state-funded PreK program serving children ages 3 and 4, primarily from families with low incomes. ECEAP provides comprehensive early learning, health, and family support services to help children enter kindergarten ready to succeed. Families apply for ECEAP directly through their local ECEAP programs.
DCYF is a cabinet-level agency that works to support children, youth, and families. It oversees the state’s child welfare, juvenile rehabilitation, and early care and education programs, including ECEAP.
Ballmer Group is committed to improving economic mobility for children and families in the United States. Ballmer Group’s grantmaking initiatives work to expand opportunity and advance outcomes across a range of issues including early childhood, education, and workforce systems.
Contact:
Nancy Gutierrez, Director of External Communications |360-742-6418 |nancy.gutierrez@dcyf.wa.gov
Salman Akhtar, Director of Policy, Ballmer Group
|
