CREATING LIFELONG LEARNERS
At the Whatcom Family YMCA, we are committed to helping children and their families learn, grow, and thrive. We offer two 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.
DOWNTOWN EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Downtown Early Learning Center
102 W Laurel
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-733-8832
Contact Jamie Desmul at 360-255-0578
or
jdesmul@whatcomymca.org
for availability.
HEART HOUSE EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Lydia Place Complex
1705 Gladstone St #102
Bellingham, WA 98229
Contact Anne Granberg at 360-255-7242
or
agranberg@whatcomymca.org
for availability.
EARLY LEARNING RATES
Learn more about rates for Infant, Toddler, Preschool and Pre-K Care.
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
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.