About Us
Lewis-Clark Early Childhood Program is a private, non-profit organization serving Southeast Washington and North Central Idaho. Our primary purpose is to provide early childhood education and family support services to limited-income families through several sources including Head Start (HS), Early Head Start (EHS), the state of Washington’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and the state of Idaho’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs.
Lewis-Clark Early Childhood Program collectively works together to prevent the achievement gap and promote school readiness and future academic success by ensuring that all of our enrolled children are socially, physically, and academically ready for kindergarten.
Mission
Upholding best practice standards in Early Childhood Education through quality services.
Vision
Nurturing Children, Empowering Families
Values
As professionals we value integrity, communication and teamwork. We work together, reflecting these values, treating all with dignity and respect
Diversity
Our program values the unique individuality of each person and the cultural differences that make our community and organization distinctive. In carrying out these values, we strive to be all inclusive and create an environment where no one belief system or set of traditions is more acceptable than another.
About Head Start/Early Head Start
Head Start is a federal grant program directed by the Administration for Children & Families.
Initiated as a summer pilot project in 1965, it now serves 3 and 4 year old children through a nationwide preschool network. Early Head Start is a complementary extension of the original
Head Start effort, providing parental support and learning activities for expectant mothers and families with newborn to 3 year old children.
About ECEAP
Washington’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program provides preschool for low income and at-risk children in Washington state. The target ECEAP population is 3 and 4 year old children and their families whose household incomes are at or below 110 percent of the federal poverty level.
Executive Director, Heidi Thornton
Heidi Thornton is the New Executive Director of Lewis Clark Early Childhood program. Heidi has been with LCECP for over 22 years! What you may not know is that Heidi started as a teacher in the classroom where she continued to pursue education and professional development, she worked through several career milestones, moving from supervisor, to coordinator, and most recently to Program Director. Throughout her career one characteristic that has helped Heidi stand out is her dedication and commitment to supporting and uplifting our community. Its that dedication and commitment that gives her confidence to face any obstacle or challenge that comes our programs way.
Program Director, Janna White
Janna was born in Spokane, WA and grew up in Walla Walla, WA. She was a stay-at-home mom and when she went back to college her children attended Head Start and ECEAP (they are now 27 and 25, her stepdaughter is 28). She obtained her bachelor’s degree in human development from WSU, with a minor in Sociology. She has worked for the program for 19 years, starting as a Teacher/FA in the Full Day/Full Year program, then becoming a Supervisor, Coordinator, and now her current position, Program Director. Janna has been married for 27 years to her husband John, and enjoys spending time with friends and family, camping, and living in the Lewis-Clark Valley!