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Preschool & Child Care2026-06-08T09:05:22-07:00

Early Learning and  Child Care Options for families in Whatcom County

If you’re looking for preschool or child care for your child, Opportunity Council offers a range of early learning options for families with children from toddlerhood through age 5. We operate programs directly and partner with local school districts to help families access care that fits their needs.

If you’re unsure which option is right for your family, contact us now for help understanding your options.

Getting started with preschool and child care

Opportunity Council offers both school-day preschool programs and full-day, year-round child care in Whatcom County. We can also help families explore additional child care options across the state.

Not sure where to start? Contact us and we’ll help you find the best option for your family.

Need help right away? Call the Child Care Aware NW Family Call Center at 1-800-446-1114.

School day preschool programs (ages 3–5)

Head Start Preschool

Opportunity Council operates Head Start preschool classrooms for children ages 3–5 in several locations throughout Whatcom County.

Locations:

  • Birches – West Bellingham (Birchwood neighborhood)
  • Heather Commons – North Bellingham (Meridian neighborhood)
  • Silver Beach – East Bellingham (Silver Beach neighborhood)
  • Mt. Baker – Kendall area (East Whatcom Regional Resource Center)

Other school-based preschool

 

Opportunity Council partners with local school districts to provide ECEAP preschool services. Families living within these districts should apply directly through their school district.

Participating districts and sites:

Other Child Care Programs

Committed to a community that supports children and families at all stages, Opportunity Council helps families find childcare that meets their needs no matter what their income.

For more childcare referrals and resources throughout Northwest Washington, contact Childcare Aware of Northwest Washington.

Early Learning & Preschool FAQ

Should I be involved with my child’s preschool?2021-09-28T11:32:47-07:00

We encourage you and all primary caregivers to volunteer and participate in all possible program components including:

  • Classroom activities
  • Training
  • Serving on parent committees
  • Helping run programs

There are also programs available to help you reach your family’s goals.

Is transportation provided?2021-09-28T11:36:56-07:00

Possibly. Transportation is available for predetermined preschool classrooms based on enrollment and need.  Transportation is also provided for select group activities like playgroups in home-based programs. For more information call call (360) 734-8396.

What are the hours of preschool like?2021-09-28T11:30:20-07:00

For preschool classrooms, we have part-day, full-day, and extended day options. Our Early Head Start programs (prenatal – age 3) offer weekly home visits. Visits take place between Monday and Friday, usually between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, and are determined by your family’s schedule.

Does my child have to be potty trained for preschool?2021-09-28T11:26:14-07:00

No, we can work on this together throughout the year.

Does my child need to be immunized to be in the program?2021-09-28T11:24:39-07:00

Yes, you will need to provide proof of state-required immunizations by the first day of class.

What health information do we need to provide to apply?2021-09-28T11:21:29-07:00

Our health coordinator will work with you and your child’s teacher to make sure your child’s health is fully supported. To enroll, you will need to provide information about your child’s most recent dental and well-exams, and their current immunizations (for a list of immunizations currently required by the Washington State Department of Health visit their website at doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Schools)

 

Is my family’s information private?2021-09-28T10:36:06-07:00

Yes. We keep all client application information confidential.

Are there early learning programs for children of different ages?2021-09-30T10:28:14-07:00

Yes! For families that are expecting or have children under the age of 3, we have home-based programs like Early Head Start. For children between the ages of 3 and 5, center-based programs are available throughout Whatcom County.

Are meals provided for students?2021-09-28T11:04:58-07:00

Yes, each of our preschool centers provide a schedule of meals and snacks.

Is there a cost for Opportunity Council preschool and early learning programs?2021-09-29T13:46:42-07:00

There is no cost to families that qualify for any of the early childhood education programs run by Opportunity Council.

When can my family apply for preschool or Head Start?2021-09-28T11:02:44-07:00

You can apply any time of the year. While the majority of children begin at the start of the traditional school year, whenever vacancies are available they are filled by families that have completed the eligibility process.

What if I don’t qualify for Head Start or the Early Childhood Education Assistance Program?2021-09-29T13:33:52-07:00

Feel free to apply anyway or call (360) 734-8396 for help. A percentage of all preschool programs directly operated by Opportunity Council are available for families exceeding the poverty level guidelines.

We also provide free referrals and other preschool and childcare options through our partners at Child Care Aware of Northwest Washington. For a current list of vacancies call 1-800-446-1114. 

What if my family is experiencing homelessness?2021-09-30T11:16:19-07:00

Building connections between educators and family members is key to every child’s success, making home visits and conferences key components of Opportunity Council’s early childhood education programs. We will meet your family anywhere that is comfortable, including public libraries, parks, or the homes of your friends or family members.

Experiencing homelessness and looking for help with other child care programs? Help may be available. Referral Specialists with Child Care Aware can help families determine what help they’re eligible to receive and navigate the system. Call 1-800-446-1114 or visit Child Care Aware Northwest for more information.

Who qualifies for the preschool and Head Start Programs?2021-09-28T10:52:53-07:00

Any families meeting any of the following criteria may apply.

  • Families with incomes below the Federal Poverty Guidelines 
  • Expecting parents or families with infants through preschool-aged children
  • Foster or Kinship Families
  • Families experiencing homelessness
  • Families on other forms of public assistance (including TANF and SSI)

Additionally, a percentage of our programs are reserved for families that might not otherwise meet these guidelines. For more information, please call (360) 734-8396.

Who can apply for Preschool and Early Head Start?2021-09-28T10:56:29-07:00

Any family that meets our eligibility requirements is welcome regardless of home language.

Full-day, year-round child care programs

Opportunity Council operates two full‑day, year‑round early learning centers in Bellingham. Children may attend up to 10 hours per day, with classrooms offering a mix of Early Head Start, Head Start, ECEAP, and tuition‑based enrollment. Centers are open 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Laurel Forest Early Learning Center (Downtown Bellingham)

  • Toddlers (18–35 months): Early Head Start only
  • Preschool (3–5 years): Head Start and tuition

Cedar Commons Early Learning Center (North Bellingham)

  • Toddlers (12–29 months): Tuition only
  • Preschool (30 months–5 years): ECEAP and tuition
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It is Opportunity Council policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its federally funded programs and activities.

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