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.

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.

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.

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

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

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)

Yes. We keep all client application information confidential.

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.

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

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.