Provides short-term emergency assistance to help families pay for high-quality child care in a licensed child care center or licensed family home.

Integrated preschool classrooms that serve preschool children with developmental delays as well as their typically developing peers. A limited number of tuition-based openings are available for students who do not qualify for Special Education services.

Program for children ages 3-5 who are potty-trained. Children spend time connecting with and learning about our local natural environment as well as getting used to group dynamics and following instructions.

Free school-day preschool program (6.5 hours) in 9 locations throughout Whatcom County for income eligible families with children between the ages of 3 and 5. This inclusive preschool program serves all children, including those with disabilities, and can coordinate with school district services to support a child’s special education and healthcare needs. Families enrolled in the program have access to the full range of Opportunity Council community resources including case management, parent and employment education opportunities, and more.

Child Care Aware can help you find out if you quailify for financial assistance, navigate the state subsidy system, get a list of referrals for providers and connect you with other services. Subsidies are availabe for families who have low incomes, do seasonal work, have special needs or situations, are full-time college students, and more.

Service to help guardians find temporary day care for short term demand.

Use the online search tool or call the Family Center for help finding high-quality, licensed child care near you.

Childcare and early learning programming available at the Laurel Forest Early Learning Center in downtown Bellingham for children between the ages 18 months and 5 years. This inclusive preschool childcare program serves all children, including those with disabilities, and can coordinate with school district services to support a child’s special education and healthcare needs. Childcare available from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm for working families.

Before and after school "clubhouse" programs for grades K-12 impact kids positively through academic success, good citizenship, healthy lifestyles, and athletic programs. Athletic programming varies by location.

Before and after school "clubhouse" programs for grades K-12 impact kids positively through academic success, good citizenship, healthy lifestyles, and athletic programs. Athletic programming varies by location.

Before and after school "clubhouse" programs for grades K-12 impact kids positively through academic success, good citizenship, healthy lifestyles, and athletic programs. Athletic programming varies by location.

Current Western Washington University students can receive comprehensive support for their essential needs including food, housing, student emergency funding, health and wellness, clothing, transportation, employment, child care, and more.

In partnership with area schools, this service provides summer school programs for Migrant and Latine youth that combine bilingual academic instruction with outdoor experiences. These summer programs allow Vamos to help families that move temporarily to the area to work in agriculture by providing a space for their children to engage in meaningful activities and enjoy their temporary home while their parents are at work. Children are enrolled based on where they live and what school they attend, with priority given to participants that are multilingual and whose dominant language is Spanish.

Free part-day preschool program in the Ferndale area for income eligible families with children between the ages of 3 and 5. The half day program offers morning and afternoon options. This inclusive preschool program serves all children, including those with disabilities, and can coordinate with school district services to support a child’s special education and healthcare needs. Families enrolled in the program have access to the full range of Opportunity Council community resources including case management, parent and employment education opportunities, and more.

Before and after school "clubhouse" programs for grades K-12 impact kids positively through academic success, good citizenship, healthy lifestyles, and athletic programs. Athletic programming varies by location.

Provides affordable childcare for children 1 month to 6 years old from families of all income levels. Tuition assistance available, DSHS/TANF assistance accepted.

Families with young children who are experiencing homelessness can get help finding child care at no cost to them for up to 12 months. Child care offers young children experiencing homelessness a safe place to play and learn, healthy food and a chance to make friends.

Provides families with information and referrals to licensed child care facilities and supports child care providers through coaching, technical assistance, behavioral consultation, and professional development opportunities.

Helps eligible families pay for child care. When a family qualifies for child care subsidy benefits and chooses an eligible provider, the state pays a portion of the cost of child care. Parents may be responsible for a copayment to their provider each month.

GRADS (Graduation, Reality, And Dual-role Skills) is a program for pregnant and parenting students that provides the academic and childcare support necessary to stay in high school and graduate. Available at no cost to parents under age 21 who live in Whatcom County.

Washington State's licensed child care status and record database. Search providers and find out background check statuses, licensing history, monitoring reports and more.

A variety of outdoor and academic programs that operate seasonally throughout the year. Activities include biking, climbing, swimming, hiking, snowboarding, and kayaking when seasonally appropriate. All programs are free of charge and priority is given to Latine, Migrant, Multilingual, Newcomer and low income families. Visit website to view current activities and sign up.