DEEL Partners with SDOT to Provide Free ORCA Cards to Eligible Seattle Preschool Program Families

Getting to and from preschool is now more accessible for Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) families thanks to an expanded program to support affordable travel by public transit. The Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) are partnering to provide eligible Seattle Preschool Program families with no-cost ORCA cards to help meet their transportation needs.

This initiative, funded by the Seattle Transit Measure (STM) and operating as part of the City's Transportation Access Programs, focuses on families with incomes at or below 94% of the State Median Income or 350% of the Federal Poverty Level-the same criteria used for free SPP tuition. The initiative is intended to alleviate transportation barriers and ensure families have the support they need to access preschool and other essential services.

Eligible families will receive ORCA cards without any associated costs. The cards offer unlimited use on public transit through August 31, 2025. Families don't need to take any additional action; the ORCA cards will be mailed directly to eligible households.

This partnership is a significant step in supporting Seattle's families, by reducing the financial burden of transportation. Consistent attendance during preschool years is associated with higher reading and math skills, as well as better scores on achievement tests compared to non-preschool enrollment, according to a recent U.S. Census study. With these new ORCA cards, families will have greater flexibility and predictability in taking their children to preschool and moving throughout the city.

The Seattle Preschool Program helps prepare Seattle three and four-year-olds for kindergarten in partnership with community-based organizations, Family Child Care providers, and Seattle Public Schools. SPP offers Dual-language classrooms, extended day care options, and educators specialized in serving children with behavioral or developmental needs. Parents can learn more about SPP sites and how to begin the application process at seattle.gov/applySPP. Translated applications are available in Amharic, Chinese, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese. Application and in-language support is available by contacting DEEL at 206-386-1050 or emailing [email protected].

The City of Seattle is committed to equity and inclusivity, particularly for families who may face financial challenges. If your family is enrolled in the Seattle Preschool Program and meets the income requirements, your ORCA card will arrive by mail shortly. For more information on the Seattle Preschool Program visit the DEEL webpage. To learn more about the ORCA card program and its benefits, visit the SDOT webpage. This transportation resource is made possible by the Seattle Transit Measure, approved by voters in 2020. Thank you, Seattle!