Preschool Programs

Head Start and ECEAP are federally- and state-funded free preschool programs for qualifying families. The Hewins Early Learning Center enrolls over 200 children in these programs each year. The ELC offers AM and PM classes to families residing in the Franklin Pierce School District. Children must be 3 or 4 years old by August 31st of the school year. For children younger than 3 years old, Early Head Start home visiting may be an option. If you have questions about the program or need assistance with enrollment please contact Lauren Luedeke at (253) 298-4688 or lluedeke@fpschools.org.

Class is in session on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays. There is no school on Wednesdays.

The classes are 3 ½ hours long and are offered in two separate sessions.

• Morning 8:00am - 11:30am
• Afternoon 11:30am - 3:00pm

Families may apply for Free Head Start and ECEAP classes by completing the forms below and submitting them to the lluedeke@fpschools.org.

Please remember there is an income verification for these programs.

2024-2025 Applications:

2024-2025 Early Learning Application in English.

2024-2025 Early Learning Application in Spanish.

2025-2026 Applications:

2025-2026 Early Learning Application in English.

2025-2026 Early Learning Application in Spanish.

• Proof of Income (W2, 1040 tax return or 12 months of paystubs)
• Birth Certificate
• Copy of Immunizations OR permission to look up on WAIIS
• Proof of Public Assistance, if any received
• Proof of Residency and/or Verification of Residence
  • Signed Franklin Pierce Schools Alternate Verification of Residence Form, and one of the above items to verify name and address of owner/person responsible for residence.

Developmental preschools are small classes where students with special needs receive specially designed instruction to meet their individual needs. Teachers, paras, and related service personnel focus on IEP goals and helping students gain the skills they will need to be successful in Kindergarten. All students in the Hewins Early Learning Center will have opportunities to spend time interacting and learning with typically developing peers in Head Start, ECEAP, and/or our Title 1 preschool.

If you have developmental concerns for your child, please call to schedule a child find appointment at 253-298-4658.

Class is in session on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays. There is no school on Wednesdays.

The classes are 2 ½ hours long and are offered in two separate sessions: 

• Morning 8:00am - 10:30am
• Afternoon 12:30pm - 3:00pm

The Franklin Pierce Community Preschool Program is an integrated preschool program that provides a chance for students with and without disabilities to learn together in a developmentally appropriate classroom that also works to prepare students for Kindergarten. Children must be 3 or 4 years old by August 31^ST of the school year.

Class is in session on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays. There is no school on Wednesdays. The classes are 2 ½ hours long and are offered in two separate sessions.

• Morning 8:00am - 10:30am
• Afternoon 12:30pm - 3:00pm

The Child Find screening serves children living within the Franklin Pierce School District that are 3-5 years old. The purpose of the Child Find screening is to determine if your child is in need of special education services. Your child’s skills in communication, fine and gross motor, school readiness, social and behavior, and hearing are screened to determine if further testing is needed.

For children under 3 years of age, please click here to access information about Early Intervention Services through Pierce County.