History
Changing lives since 1967
Educational Opportunities for Children and Families (EOCF) has grown to become the leading provider of comprehensive early childhood education and family support programs in Southwest Washington. EOCF is one of the largest social service organizations in Southwest Washington and is the second largest nonprofit organization in Clark County with an annual operating budget of $10.5 million and approximately 265 employees. EOCF serves more than 2,000 children and families, most of whom are low-income. Areas served include Clark County, Pacific County, and the Woodland portion of Cowlitz County.
Originally called Economic Opportunity Committee (EOC) of Clark County, the agency was incorporated in 1967 as a Community Action Agency to administer War on Poverty programs. In the early 1970s, EOC's Board of Directors decided to focus exclusively on serving low-income children and families through Head Start, the federal government's preschool education program. In the 1980s, EOC added the Washington State-funded Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP). During the 1990s, EOC expanded Head Start services, became the administrator of the Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program (ITEIP), and launched Early Head Start and full-day Head Start services. In 2003, the agency's name was changed to Educational Opportunities for Children and Families to better reflect the services provided to the community. EOCF also assumed sponsorship of the HotShots Youth Sports program in 2003.