These days, preschool is not just cookies, milk and recess.

It is not so simple. It can sometimes take a team of professionals, creative ideas and unique resources to meet the needs of just one preschool student.

The ECEAP Program facility at the Valley View Early Learning Center in SeaTac is not a fancy building. It is an older school where, on Monday through Thursday mornings, children and staff are working wonders.

ECEAP is an acronym for Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program.

The program is administered by the Highline School District.

Shortly after their arrival on the school buses, children are seated for a breakfast of fresh fruit, cereal and other nutritious items.

Among the chatter and laughter, something major is taking place. The students are learning social skills to last a lifetime.

Soon, they will venture to their classrooms, where imagination is keen and they are challenged and encouraged to grow.

A walk around the open concept classrooms, finds a teacher asking, "What's the weather?" It is a cue. The class bursts into song, and one rambunctious preschooler--whose turn it is that day, sings into the microphone.

His teacher shows him a card with the weather conditions on it, which he belts out to the class.

There are small areas reminiscent of yesterday's kindergarten rooms with replicas of a kitchen and grocery store,

Students have a sensory area of water, noodles, and other items to emerge their hands and unleash their creativity. In case you don't know, macaroni necklaces are "in" these days, with preschoolers.

In the afternoon, these children will return home, others will come and be seated for lunch.

These ECEAP and special education children are clearly on the path to bright futures. They have dedicated, exceptionally well trained staff to help them succeed.

The services provided here seem endless.

They consist of language development, English language learners, physical therapy, behavior specialists, speech therapists and referrals for special education assessments, mental health services, health screenings and home visits.

There is also assistance for recipients applying for Washington State Basic Health, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and dental services.

There is also family support such as job training and employment, and resources for adult ESL classes. There is also assistance registering for the ECEAP program.

Learning self-help skills is of the utmost importance. Hand washing and tooth brushing, are priorities.

Academically, the students learn shapes, letters, beginning printing, cutting, lacing, music, and have overall preparation to enter kindergarten.

They have tricycles, trucks, and a new big toy. They also have a big sandbox that needs to be installed.

Just do not refer to playtime here as "recess." It is an important time of gross motor development.

A monitor does not supervise the playground, because this is the teacher's responsibility.

ECEAP is state funded. It is a free program for children from families whose incomes fall within federal poverty level guidelines.

It is also income-based for low income, with proof of income required. Children must be fully immunized and have had an annual physical, upon entrance to the program.

Priority is given to homeless families. There is no shame or judgment here. There are no questions asked about immigration status. The helping hands here are for children of all cultures and circumstances.

ECEAP Administrator Annah Petersen-Benitez likes the 1ow ratio of staff to students. She says there are one teacher and a teacher's assistant in each class.

She explains the importance of the program, "It is excellent preparation for kindergarten. Here, they are getting the basics."

She has a common sense philosophy, "a positive pre-school year leads to a positive kindergarten year leads to a positive first grade."

With weekly staff trainings and mega-enthusiasm, staff is equipped to render a variety of services.

There are six family support specialists at the Valley View ECEAP. You might say they are on a mission.

Their tasks include determining family eligibility, enrolling families, enlisting parental involvement in programs, working with parents in identifying and achieving goals, and facilitating positive parent, school and student relationships.

They often work one-on-one with students and families. They assist in the classroom as needed, guide families in locating resources, obtain interpreters, and help with registration and obtaining medical and dental services.

Kristina Bales, Priscilla Parr and Hanaphi Sos are the family support specialists.

Bales is excited about the diversity here and the many languages that are spoken.

Some languages can be uncommon, so staff sometimes needs to go to great lengths to find such interpreters. Once, an interpreter was needed for a family from a small village in Afghanistan. The interpreter was located.

Parr is a strong supporter of teaching families how to advocate for their own children.

She insists, "We need to be really vigilant about getting services."

Tears well in Parr's eyes when she describes the day a mother brought her child to the center.

It was so important the pregnant mother get her child to the center that she held the hand of one child and pushed another child in the stroller while making the trek in the rain.

Sos mentions the need for donations, especially for book bags.

When discussing the ECEAP program, he explains, "It's a good way to help those families that are a first generation. They go on to help their families."

All three specialists emphasize the need for volunteers and class supplies. This time of year, turkeys would be nice.

They help families obtain food and clothing. They are skilled in helping parents access difficult to find services for their children.

In the past, ECEAP has worked with World Vision.

Due to the present economy, donations have dwindled and ECEAP is feeling the pinch.

Fortunately, Community Service Officers Nicki Maraulja of Burien, and Eloise Kruger of SeaTac recently "adopted" five families as the holidays approach. Staff is thankful for their generosity.

It is hoped others will lend a hand too. The needs can be enormous for more than 200 children and their families.

It is the dream of staff to have a literary night in which they can send a book home with each child.

At a recent family night, 264 family members attended to share literacy, health and family crafts.

Parr refers to the event as a "joyous three ring circus."

Seven interpreters speaking Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese strolled through the festivities, providing communication support.

As new children enter the program, others will say good-bye and head to kindergarten.

It has all been about helping these children be prepared. They will be ready.

Staff acknowledges the importance of remaining in the student's life during the kindergarten transition.

Families are often in transition, so there is turnover.

Staff prefers to have a wait list to fill open slots in the program. Word of mouth is crucial to filling these slots.

They hope people will tell the single parent in the family, the immigrant family up the street and colleagues at work about ECEAP.

The Valley View Learning Center is located at 17622 46th Ave. South in SeaTac. Hours are Monday through Thursday from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 11:15 am, and afternoons from about 12:30 pm to 3:15 pm.

There is also a similar program at Mt. Rainier High School in Des Moines.

For more information, call 206-631-5100.