Promise K is one of many early learning programs in our community. Bellingham Public Schools and our Bellingham early learning partners have developed a list of early learning opportunities for 4-year-olds in our community.
This list includes the following information for each program: contact information, description/days and hours of operation, enrollment information and eligibility requirements.
If you would like to be included on this list please contact Gladys Serrano gladys.serrano@bellinghamschools.org
Early Learning Community Partners
Program Contact
(360) 441-2275
Barefeetfarmschool@gmail.com
Program Description
BFS is a licensed outdoor, play based, child led preschool that focuses on cultivating social emotional skills and a connection with the natural world. Children explore an outdoor classroom as well as creek, wetland, and forest spaces.
Duration (days/time)
Monday-Thursday 8:30-12:30, Tuesday/Thursday 1:00-5:00: September-June. Summer camp: June-August, times vary.
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
3-5 year olds who can use the bathroom independently.
Enrollment Information
More information is available at or on Instagram . Mid year enrollments are accepted as space allows.
Program Contact
360-684-3150
ec@bcs-wa.org
Program Description
We provide fun, engaging opportunities for preschoolers to explore and participate in hands-on learning within a Biblical worldview that includes being kind and respectful to one another. Preschool students have the opportunity to attend three specialist-led classes each week, which currently include library, music, and P.E. Most of our preschool students tend to continue on to our kindergarten classes which are also on our early childhood campus (400 Meadowbrook Court).
Duration (days/time)
Check with our Enrollment Coordinator, Chantel Miller, for details on our 24-25 school year schedule:
enrollment@bcs-wa.org
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
Check out our website to see if BCS is a good match for you:
Enrollment Information
Direct your questions to our Enrollment Coordinator, Chantel Miller:
enrollment@bcs-wa.org
She will help you get started with our enrollment process!
Program Contact
(360) 752-2699
office@blossomchildcare.com
Program Description
At Blossom, we believe that children learn best through play and that the outdoors are a natural extension of the classroom. In our preschool/pre-kindergarten programs, Blossom incorporates curriculum and standards that align with each developmental stage. We strive to offer a holistic approach, including academic and social-emotional based models throughout our curriculum. This supports the 'whole child’ as they transition to learning environments beyond Blossom’s program. We provide a variety of age appropriate experiences and activities in the classrooms that focus on seasons and universal concepts.
Duration (days/time)
Monday-Thursday from 7:30am-5:30pm.
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
Potty trained, and we are only accepting private pay at this time.
Enrollment Information
More information regarding enrollment is available on our website at: .
Program Contact
360-306-3669
blueheronmontessori.org
Program Description
Blue Heron Montessori School, a 501(c)3 program, serving children ages 3 to 6 years, located in Bellingham, WA, is the realized passion of dedicated individuals who are committed to providing an educational environment that is supportive of the unique spirit of each child. We cultivate children’s social, emotional, intellectual and physical development while invigorating their curiosity and love for learning. Our multi-age classrooms offer collaborative learning to help the children develop a sense of community and social development. We bring with us not only a passion for children and a belief in the Montessori method of learning, but also combined experience and knowledge from over 20 years of Montessori teaching.
We are dedicated to bringing the principles and pedagogy of Dr. Maria Montessori to all children without regard to race, socio-economic status, and/or social identities. Our curriculum includes culturally responsive teaching by celebrating and amplifying diversity through equity and inclusive practices.
Duration (days/time)
Morning Program - 8:30am to 11:30am (new 3 year-olds attend 4 half-days)
After Program - 12:30pm to 3:30 pm (new 3 year-olds attend 4 half-days)
Extended Day Program:
AM Program - 8:30am - 2:30pm
PM Program - 9:30am to 3:30pm
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
Incoming 3-year-old students need to be 3 by September 1st and toilet trained.
Enrollment Information
Our program offering for the 2022-23 school year is as follows:
MORNING PROGRAM
Morning 4 Half-Day Preschool Program (new 3-year-olds): $4,200 annual tuition. Incoming 3-year-old students need to be 3 by September 1st and toilet trained.
8:30 - 11:30am (parent/guardian choice)
Morning 5 Half-Day Preschool Program (second year): $4,500 annual tuition.
8:30 - 11:30am Monday through Friday
5 Day Kindergarten Program: $6,900 annual tuition. The Kindergarten Program is for 4 full days and 1 half-day.
8:30 - 2:30pm Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday
8:30 - 11:30am Friday
AFTERNOON PROGRAM
Afternoon 4 Half-Day Preschool Program (new 3-year-olds): $4,200 annual tuition. Incoming 3-year-old students need to be 3 by September 1st and toilet trained.
Afternoon 5 Half-Day Preschool Program (second year): $4,500 annual tuition.
12:30 - 3:30pm Monday through Friday
5 Day Kindergarten Program: $6,900 annual tuition. The Kindergarten Program is for 4 full days and 1 half-day.
9:30 - 3:30pm Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday
12:30 - 3:30pm Friday
Program Contact
360-752-8353
jknudsen@btc.edu
Program Description
Form lasting relationships with other families while your child learns through play in a fun, safe, preschool-like environment. Children can explore the dress-up area, sensory table, home center, and a variety of multi-age art, math, science and group activities as well as explore outdoors. Parents/caregivers choose weekly discussion topics and share questions, concerns and ideas with Parent Educators and one another.
Duration (days/time)
- Each class meets 1x/week, Monday-Friday
- Infants: Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 1-3pm
- Toddlers: Mondays or Tuesdays, 9-11am
- 3-5 year-olds: Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays, 9-11:30am (this class is also open to families with multiple children between the ages of 0-5)
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
Ages: Birth to 5 years old
Enrollment Information
- 12 families per class
- Registration:
- Scholarships available!
Program Contact
(360) 733-1277
info@catchtheson.org
Program Description
Catch the Son Preschool is a parent cooperative school offering a Christian-based early learning program. Our cooperative model involves parents working closely with teachers as they volunteer regularly as teacher assistants, and take on a school or classroom job. In the classroom, teachers provide an environment that exposes children to literacy, math, science, physical fitness, music and arts, all while paying special attention to growing faith in God and relationships with one another. We are a play-based preschool with a special focus on social-emotional development.
Duration (days/time)
September-May
M/W classes (2.5-3 or 3-4)
T/Th class (3-4)
T/Th/F class (3-4)
M/W/F classes (4-5)
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
2.5-5 year-olds
Participation in the cooperative model
Enrollment Information
58 families
3 classroom spaces
5 class options
Max enrollment/class: 10-12 students
Program Contact
360-733-6840
Stacy@thefirs.org firsandfiddleheads@thefirs.org
Program Description
At Firs and Fiddleheads Forest School, we believe ALL things have been purposely created by God, and that through His creation, from the towering Fir trees to the young fern gardens, He is whispering, “you are loved.”
We aim to give children the opportunity to explore and discover the wonders of God’s creation, to foster curiosity, and to provide room for possibility and adventure. As teachers offer guidance and instruction, they will not constrict a child’s learning to fit a specific curriculum, but harness the child’s natural interests and curiosity to spark creativity and problem solving. We hope to convey that life has boundaries but not always walls, and to foster a sense of wonder in play and learning that will lead students to be successful in school and life.
Duration (days/time)
Tues/Thurs option 8-12, 12:30-4:30
Mon/Wed/Fri option 8-12, 12:30-4:30
Monday-Friday option 8-12, 12:30-4:30
September-June
July-August PreKamp
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
For ages 3-5 year old
Must be potty trained and able to tell an adult if they need to use the bathroom
Can follow simple directions
Does not run away if emotionally triggered
Proper gear for an outdoor environment
Enrollment Information
2-3 classes (12 students per class)
Ratio of 1 teacher to 6 students
Program Contact
360-739-9365
info@gabrielsartkids.com
Program Description
Early Childhood Education for Preschool and PreK Students
Duration (days/time)
8:30 - 3:00 M-F
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
Must be 2.5 to 5 years old
Enrollment Information
Rolling enrollment throughout the year if space is available.
Program Contact
360-527-9638
director@gardenviewmontessori.org
Program Description
The mission of Gardenview Montessori is to evoke children’s love of learning using a Montessori curriculum to serve the needs of the whole child. Our mission is to provide an environment that will enable children and adults to realize and express their innate goodness, their joy in learning and their responsibility as caring, peaceful, global citizens.
We believe children should be offered respect and encouragement to explore, to question, to repeat, and to perfect their skills. The carefully created and beautifully maintained environment promotes freedom of movement and a developing sense of order.
Duration (days/time)
*September to June: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Monday through Friday
*Summer Camp: 9:00-2:00 Monday through Friday
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
*Sprouts: Age 18 months to 3 years
*Beans: Age 3 to 6 years (must be potty trained)
Accepts DSHS Working Connections payments (information and income guidelines can be found here:
Enrollment Information
Admission information can be found here:
- Sprout Class: 10 students
- Beans Class: 20 students
Program Contact
360-752-6336
heidi@intergenchildcare.com
Program Description
Generations Early Learning & Family Center is a non-profit childcare center within Mt. Baker Care Center and Summit Place Assisted Living. Our program blends two types of institutional care, childcare and residential care facilities, to produce the marvelous result of a multigenerational living and learning community.
Duration (days/time)
Monday-Friday 6:30am-6:00pm, full-day care only
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
- We serve children 12 months through 6 years of age.
- We provide an in-house Tuition Assistance program to help income-eligible families who do not otherwise qualify for financial assistance (DSHS/ECEAP) pay for their childcare bill.
Enrollment Information
- to find our free waitlist.
- Rainbow Room: 12-18mo: 9 children
- Garden Room: 18mo-3yrs: 12 children
- Forest Room: 3-4yrs: 19 children
- Ocean Room: 4-5/6yrs: 20 children
Program Contact
(360) 733-8135
hillcrestkids@hillcrestkids.com
Program Description
At Hillcrest Kids it is our purpose to foster the growth and development of the whole child—spiritual, cognitive, physical, emotional and social—in an atmosphere of God’s great love. We provide a variety of experiences for children that will arouse their curiosity to learn more about themselves, others, the world around them, and the God of Heaven and Earth who loves them. We also provide a network of services to support parents in the all-important task of raising their children. Hillcrest Kids offers well-planned interest centers in a clean, safe environment, expanding on math and science, language arts, dramatic play and the creative arts.
Duration (days/time)
Year Round
Full Day and Half day options
Monday through Friday
7:15-5:45
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
12 months-6 years (Pre-K)
We take both private and state pay
Enrollment Information
Enrollment information can be found on our website our families may call to schedule a tour
Program Contact
360-734-7180
Kcpatclc@gmail.com
Program Description
Kids’ Central Preschool is a Christian, play based, early learning school that encourages children to experiment and explore their environment. Our goal is that every child will feel successful and know that they are a beloved child of God.
Duration (days/time)
- Monday through Thursday
- 9am to noon
- Extended hours for Pre-kindergartners
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
- Ages three to five
- Potty trained
- Year round enrollments accepted
Enrollment Information
Program Contact
360-734-3858
kdskrnr1903@yahoo.com
Program Description
At Kids Korner Learning Center we believe each child has special strengths, needs, and a natural curiosity about our world. We are here to guide, support, and nurture these individualities and promote a love of learning. We provide children a warm, inviting and diverse learning atmosphere, filled with activities to promote the wonder they need to continue blossoming throughout their educational experience. Our objective is to meet each child at his/her developmental level, and foster security and confidence in his/her learning environment.
Duration (days/time)
Year-round Program
Monday to Friday
6:30am to 6:30pm
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
Children ages 1 year through 5 years. We accept private pay families and state subsidized families.
Enrollment Information
Families can contact Kids Korner for program information and to get on our waiting list. We are happy to have families tour the center anytime and we are available to answer any questions.
Program Contact
4401 Academy Street Bellingham, WA 98225
registrar@lakesidecoop.com
Program Description
Lakeside Cooperative Preschool is a parent-operated cooperative preschool affiliated with Whatcom Community College’s Parenting Education program. Our Preschool and Pre-K classes for 3 -5 year old children are taught by dynamic, highly-qualified teachers who focus on building social-emotional and kindergarten-readiness skills through play and fun developmentally-appropriate learning activities. Parents actively participate in their child's education by working in the classroom 1-2 days per month, helping with preschool operations, fundraising to keep tuition affordable, and connecting with one another at monthly parenting discussion meetings.
Duration (days/time)
- September - end of May
- 4-5 year olds can participate in:
- AM Multi-Age PreschoolPre-K class (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:15 - 11:00 am) OR
- PM Pre-K Class (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 11:45 - 2:45 pm)
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
- 3-5 year olds
- Open to any family who is able to participate in cooperative preschool responsibilities (classroom work days, monthly parent meetings, parent job). Tuition-based enrollment, with some tuition assistance available to qualifying families. Students referred by Bellingham Public Schools assessment team attend tuition-free.
Enrollment Information
- ~39 families
- 3 classes of ~13 students
- Enrollment begins in late January for the following fall, with continuous enrollment if spaces remain available.
- Contact registrar@lakesidecoop.com for more information.
Program Contact
Natalie Hathaway (she/her)
(360) 386-5256
teachers@lichenearlylearning.org
Program Description
We are a small, licensed, early learning program, providing all-outdoor preschool classes on a local organic farm 15 minutes north of downtown Bellingham. Our purpose is to cultivate an environment where children, families, and community are celebrated and valued through a holistic, nature-based learning experience. With a student to teacher ratio of 4:1, we strive to build meaningful relationships with our students and their families, creating a positive and supported first school experience.
Duration (days/time)
- M-F
- 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM
- September 1st - June 30th
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
Students are required to be age 3-5 by September 1st of the school year. We also require that students are "potty confident" meaning that they have a strong foundation of potty training skills (independence with layers, knowing when they need to go, etc.) so that they can get the most out of (and can adjust to the novelty of) the outdoor learning environment.
Enrollment Information
We cap our program at 18-20 students total with options for 2, 3, 4, and 5 day/week schedules. Enrollment opens online in March/April for the following school year.
Program Contact
360-305-8108
Kathj.faulkner@gmail.com
Program Description
Program supports a child's social, emotional and academic development. We teach inclusion, understanding and acceptance of differences and the cultures from which these evolved and emotional intelligence. We welcome parents' ideas, feedback and involvement in activities. Duration (days/time)
Monday through Friday from 7:15 am to 5:30 pm
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
Everyone between infant and age five. School-age children are welcome depending upon numbers.
Enrollment Information
Mutual agreement that Little Britches is the right place, including program policies.
Enrollment for at least four days a week.
The COVID and MMR vaccines are mandatory.
Provide two meals and two snacks.
Accept State assistance for childcare.
Program Contact
1204 Ellis Street Bellingham, WA 98225
360-752-5782
abbyfranklin1200@gmail.com
Program Description
Loving Space Kindergarten is the perfect place for families who want their child’s kindergarten experience to be special. We offer warm and playful teachers and inspired curriculum. Our kindergarten provides an intimate, comfortable, and creative setting where each child’s individual level of learning can be met. Elementary school teachers tell us they can pick an alumni Loving Space student out by their confidence, motivation to learn and their kindness to others.
Duration (days/time)
Monday - Thursday
9:00-2:00
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
- 5-6 years old
- Barter and work trade available
Enrollment Information
- We have 24 students and 3 teachers + one parent helper
- Open House March 12 from 10-2 bring your child!
Program Contact
360-676-1355
1200 Ellis Street Bellingham, WA 98225
lovingspaceschool@gmail.com
Program Description
Loving Space, est. in 1993, is a play-based preschool programs that enhances children’s innate creativity & curiosity and supports the development of their emotional intelligence. We provide unhurried opportunities for both indoor & outdoor, quiet & focused, BiG & messy PLAY experiences.
Our dedicated, long term staff are the foundation of our Loving Community.
Children who attend Loving Space feel heard & celebrated for who they are.
Duration (days/time)
- Morning Program 8:30-12:30
- 2 Day (M/W or T/Th)
- 3 Day (M/W/F or T/Th/F)
- 4 Day (M-Th)
- 5 Day (M-F)
- Afternoon Program 1-4:30
2 Day (M/W or T/Th)
4 Day (M-Th)
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
- Ages 3-5 year olds
• Toilet Independence not required
• Work Trade Opportunities Available
• Families looking for Community support
Enrollment Information
- September through June
- Our programs accommodate up to 27 kids with 5 teachers
- Open House for 2023-24 Enrollment
- Sunday March 12th 10-2
- Bring your preschooler!
Program Contact
360-393-5255
littledarlingschool@comcast.net
Program Description
Each child is guided with an individualized approach, using carefully curated environments and emergent curriculum. Our school provides a gateway to discovery and learning, with opportunities to explore and engage in art, literature, math, music, language, science, movement, dramatic and outdoor play, with a focus on socialization, emotional awareness and creating a thirst for learning
Duration (days/time)
- M-F
- 7:30-5:30
- 3 full preschool programs in a day
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age, income)
- 2.5 years with a readiness tour
- 3-6 years
- 2-day minimum attendance at 3 hours minimum per day
- All food included
Enrollment Information
- Application for
- Attendance of an open house required
- Open houses are held on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00
- Please RSVP to 360-393-5255
- Acceptance letters go out end of February for the following year
- Enrollment happens year-round when space is available
Program Contact
360-734-8396
juan_madrigal@oppco.org
Program Description
Preschool (ages 3-5)
Classes are offered four days a week. In addition to high-quality learning environments, Preschool services include quarterly home visits and school conferences to establish child and family goals.
Duration (days/time)
- September to June
- Tuesday – Friday
- Varying schedules for both part-day and school day options
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
Meet income guidelines, families on public assistance, Basic Food Assistance (SNAP) homeless, children with special needs, foster children, families who exceed income guidelines encouraged to apply, limited slots for families who exceed income guidelines available.
Enrollment Information
- 206 children
- 12 classrooms, 16-18 children in each
- 5 additional childcare slots available in a childcare center
Program Contact
360-676-4015
theseedlingselc@gmail.com
Program Description
At The Seedlings Early Learning Center, we cultivate a solid foundation by promoting attachment through relationship-based care and teaching. We believe that children learn through exploration and play so we provide a rich environment with low child to teacher ratios. Our preschool child:teacher ratio is 7:1. Call to hear about other age groups.
Duration (days/time)
- Year-round
- Full Day
- Monday-Friday
- 6:45am-6:00pm
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
1 Month-6 years (Pre-K). We take private pay and state pay. All spots are full day 6-10 hours of care for a child. Most children attend all 5 days full time, but there are some partial week spots meaning children might attend 1-4 full days per week. These spots are limited.
Enrollment Information
Families can or call to get on the waitlist. There is no cost to get on the waitlist. Once a spot is open, the family will be called and a tour will be set up. If the family feels The Seedlings is a good fit for them, they pay a deposit to hold the spot.
Program Contact
360-383-3880
colza@whatcom.edu
Program Description
Whatcom Community College (WCC) offers parenting education and family support programs via WCC-affiliated cooperative preschools to meet the changing needs of families. Based on the belief that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children, cooperative preschools offer an educational experience for both parents and children.
Parents/caregivers enroll in a 3 credit WCC Parent Education class and a child is enrolled in one of four WCC-affiliated preschools in Bellingham or Lynden. Children attend preschool 3-4 days a week and parents/caregivers actively participate in the running of the cooperative preschool, and may complete a certificate in Parenting Education after two years of enrollment.
What ages of children can attend?
Most preschools are designed for 3 to 5 year olds. Although exceptions are made occasionally, your child must be 3 years of age by August 31 to enroll, unless it is a class designed specifically for toddlers. Different programs are offered at each preschool. Most preschools offer programs for ages 2 1/5 to 5 year olds. Please visit the preschools websites for more information.
What do parents do?
- Work in the classroom, assisting the professional teacher, on a regular basis (typically twice a month).
- Help manage the school by performing a job like serving on the board or helping to organize field trips.
- Attend monthly meetings and parent education classes. Topics include such favorites as discipline and sibling rivalry.
- Participate in fundraising events.
What do the children do?
The preschool program is run by each school's professional teacher and is developmentally appropriate. Children typically have experiences in art, dramatic play, fine and large motor activities, music, snacks and more.
Duration (days/time)
Varies by location.
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
Family obligations for the school year as cooperative members:
- Fundraising
- Volunteering in the classroom 2-3 times a month
- Have a job to support the operations of the preschool (field trip coordinator, playdough maker, book orders, board member, scheduler, etc.)
- Attend monthly evening parenting education meetings
Enrollment Information
Children's co-op preschool
Bellingham Family Partnership Program (formerly Larrabee Elementary)
1409 18th St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
201.564.4227
Lakeside Co-op preschool
Silver Beach Elementary School
4101 Academy St
Bellingham, WA 98226
registrar@lakesidecoop.com
Whatcom Family Co-op preschool
Two locations:
Happy Valley Elementary
1041 24th St
Bellingham, WA 98225
WCC - Kelly Kall
whatcomfamilycooppreschool@gmail.com
Program Contact
(360) 733-8630
jdesmul@whatcomymca.org
Program Description
At the Whatcom Family YMCA, we are committed to helping children and their families learn, grow, and thrive. We offer three locations to serve you, all with a caring, nurturing environment and warm, supportive staff that provide age-appropriate, developmentally appropriate curriculum throughout the day. Whether your child is a young infant or is preparing to enter kindergarten, the Y provides a safe place for your child to develop social skills and support their cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development.
The Whatcom Family YMCA's state-licensed, non-profit child development centers are here for our community. Parents and caregivers are critical in the development of their child, which is why we strive to create partnerships with each family to provide a cohesive, safe, and supportive environment. We understand that each child is unique, and our hands-on opportunities are tailored to encourage:
- a positive self-image.
- independent thinking and decision-making skills.
- imagination.
- a familiarity with the natural world using all five senses.
- positive social relationships.
- an understanding of diversity.
Duration (days/time)
Monday-Friday, 6:30/7:00 am to 6:00 pm, year-round.
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
No eligibility requirements
Partial scholarships available on a sliding scale basis for families who need financial assistance.
Enrollment Information
Downtown
1 classroom (4/5-year-olds), capacity 20
Barkley
1 classroom (4/5-year-olds), capacity 20
Heart House
1 classroom (2.5-5-year-olds), capacity 20
Program Contact
(360) 650-3021
childdevelopmentcenter@wwu.edu
Program Description
The WWU Child Development Center (CDC) participates in the State's Early Achiever's Quality Rating and Improvement program. We provide high quality care and education for children of student parents and working professionals of Western Washington University. Tuition for student families is based on income and is subsidized by the Associated Students. The CDC serves 56 children ages 2-5 each quarter. The program manager and teaching staff provide a safe and healthy environment for young children, supporting the social/emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of each child.
Duration (days/time)
Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm (interim/break week schedule 8am-4:30pm)
Eligibility Requirements (Residency, age , income)
Children age 2-5. One parent must be affiliated with WWU as a student, staff, or faculty
Enrollment Information
Enrollment turnover follows WWU's academic schedule, with the majority of new families entering in June or September. Some adjustments are made to enrollment throughout the academic year on an as needed basis.
Child Care Aware of Washington is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every child in Washington has access to high-quality child care and early learning programs. Created by state statute in 1986 and incorporated in 1989, it is the only statewide child care resource and referral program in Washington.