CREATING LIFELONG LEARNERS
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, both 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.
Early Childhood Rates
Effective September 1, 2025
Infant Room | Barkley, and Millworks
- Full-Time (4–5 Days/Week) – $2,048/month (based on $95/day)
- Part-Time (Up to 3 Days/Week) – $1,425/month (based on $109/day)
Toddler | Barkley, Heart House, and Millworks
- Full-Time (4–5 Days/Week) – $1,948/month (based on $90/day)
- Part-Time (Up to 3 Days/Week) – $1,344/month (based on $102/day)
Transitional Preschool | Barkley, Heart House, and Millworks
- Full-Time (4–5 Days/Week) – $1,948/month (based on $90/day)
- Part-Time (Up to 3 Days/Week) – $1,344/month (based on $102/day)
Preschool | Barkley, Heart House, and Millworks
- Full-Time (4–5 Days/Week) – $1,697/month (based on $78/day)
- Part-Time (Up to 3 Days/Week) – $1,173/month (based on $90/day)
Additional Fees (annual in September or at enrollment)
- $75 registration fee per child
- $20 for each additional child
Location:
- 2410 Rimland Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226
Contact:
- Main Number: 360 255 7071
- Lori Stacy | Center Director
lstacy@whatcomymca.org | 360 714 0450
Location:
- 102 W Laurel Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Contact:
- Main Number: 360 733 8832
- Jamie Desmul | Center Director
jdesmul@whatcomymca.org | 360 714 0450
Location:
- 1705 Gladstone Street #102, Bellingham, WA 98229
Contact:
- Main Number: 360 255 7242
- Anne Granberg | Center Director
agranberg@whatcomymca.org | 360 255 7242
INFANTS
Downtown 1 month-1 year
Barkley 1 month-1 year
Born with an eagerness to learn about their world, our infant programs help set the stage for lifelong learning and brain development.
TODDLERS
Downtown 1-3 years
Barkley 1-2½ years
Heart House 1-2 1/2 years
With active exploration, consistent routines and supportive teachers, our toddler programs provide a safe place to practice developing skills.
PRESCHOOL
Downtown 3-4 years
Barkley 2½-4 years
Heart House 2.5-5 years (mixed age classroom)
Preschool at the Y is a place to foster emerging friendship, practice regulating big emotions, and engage in new play experiences.
PRE-KINDERGARTEN
Downtown 4-5 years
Barkley 4-5 years
Pre-K, the last stop before kindergarten, helps children feel confident about being a learner and encourages children to make connections with peers and expand into more complex play.