Finding quality childcare in Bellingham can feel overwhelming, especially for new parents or families relocating to Whatcom County. The good news is that Bellingham has a strong network of early learning centers, preschool programs, Montessori schools, cooperative preschools, and community resources designed to support families at every stage.
Whether you need infant care, preschool, pre-K preparation, or flexible childcare options while you work, there are excellent local programs throughout the city.
Here is a locally focused guide to childcare and early learning resources in Bellingham.
Whatcom Family YMCA Early Learning Centers
For many local families, the YMCA is one of the most trusted childcare providers in Bellingham. The Whatcom Family YMCA offers licensed early learning programs for infants through pre-kindergarten age children with multiple locations around town. Their programs focus on play-based learning, social development, emotional growth, and kindergarten readiness.
Barkley Early Learning Center
2410 Rimland Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: (360) 714-0450
Millworks Early Learning Center
102 W Laurel Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 733-8832
Heart House Early Learning Center
1705 Gladstone Road, Bellingham, WA 98229
Phone: (360) 255-7242
Whatcom Family YMCA
1256 N State Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 733-8630
Website: https://www.whatcomymca.org/early-learning
The YMCA also offers financial assistance programs for qualifying families, which can be incredibly helpful given the high demand and cost of childcare in the area.
Bellingham Public Schools Early Learning Partners
Bellingham Public Schools maintains a helpful list of community early learning partners for families searching for preschool and childcare options. This resource includes information about local programs, enrollment details, schedules, and eligibility requirements.
Some of the local programs listed include:
- Barefeet Farm School
- Blossom Childcare and Learning Center
- Blue Heron Montessori
- Catch the Son Cooperative Preschool
- Fire and Fiddleheads Forest Preschool
- Gardenview Montessori School
- Generations Early Learning & Family Center
- Lakeside Cooperative Preschool
- Little Darling School
- The Seedlings Early Learning Center
- WWU Child Development Center
This is a great starting point for parents comparing different learning styles, schedules, and philosophies.
Montessori Schools in Bellingham
Montessori education continues to grow in popularity among Bellingham families because of its child-led learning approach and focus on independence.
Blue Heron Montessori School
Blue Heron Montessori offers programs for toddlers through elementary students with a strong focus on experiential learning and individualized education.
2114 Valencia Street, Bellingham, WA 98229
Phone: (360) 734-8602
Website: https://www.blueheronmontessori.org
Gardenview Montessori School
Gardenview Montessori provides preschool and kindergarten programs in a nurturing environment centered on curiosity and independence.
4152 Meridian Street, Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: (360) 671-8200
Website: https://www.gardenviewmontessori.org
Cooperative Preschools in Bellingham
Co-op preschools are especially popular here in Bellingham because they allow parents to be actively involved in their child’s education while building strong community connections with other local families.
Lakeside Cooperative Preschool
Located near Lakeway, this long-running cooperative preschool offers toddler and preschool programs.
Website: https://lakesidecoop.com/
WCC Cooperative Preschool Programs
Whatcom Community College hosts several cooperative preschool programs throughout Whatcom County.
Website: https://www.whatcomfamilypreschool.org/
Nature-Based and Outdoor Early Learning Programs
Bellingham families who love the outdoors often look toward forest schools and nature-based programs.
Fire and Fiddleheads Forest Preschool
This outdoor-focused preschool emphasizes exploration, nature play, and environmental learning.
Website: https://www.firsandfiddleheads.org
Barefeet Farm School
Barefeet Farm School combines outdoor education with hands-on learning experiences for young children.
Website: https://www.barefeetfarmschool.com
Nature-based learning is especially appealing in the Pacific Northwest where outdoor exploration is part of everyday life.
Child Care Aware of Washington
If you are struggling to find openings or need help understanding childcare subsidies, Child Care Aware of Washington is one of the most useful free resources available to families.
They help parents:
- Find licensed childcare providers
- Compare programs
- Learn about financial assistance
- Understand childcare quality ratings
- Navigate state childcare systems
Website: https://www.ccanorthwest.org/
Washington State Child Care Resource Line: 1-800-446-1114
Washington State Child Care Check
Before enrolling your child anywhere, many local parents use Washington State’s Child Care Check system to verify licensing information, inspection history, and compliance records for childcare providers.
Website: https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/earlylearning-childcare/find-child-care
Tips for Finding Childcare in Bellingham
If you are new to the area, here are a few local realities worth knowing:
Start Early
Infant care openings in Bellingham can fill up months in advance. Some families begin researching options during pregnancy.
Ask About Waitlists
Even if a center is full, it is worth getting on the waitlist. Spots often open unexpectedly.
Tour Multiple Programs
Every childcare center has a different feel. Some focus heavily on academics, while others emphasize play-based or outdoor learning.
Consider Location Carefully
Traffic in Bellingham is generally manageable, but school pickup times and freeway bottlenecks near Meridian and Barkley can add stress to your daily routine.
Explore Financial Assistance
Programs like the YMCA and Washington state childcare assistance can help reduce costs for qualifying families.
Final Thoughts
One of the best things about raising kids in Bellingham is the strong sense of community around families and education. From Montessori schools and forest preschools to cooperative learning programs and trusted childcare centers, families here have access to a wide variety of early learning opportunities.
The key is starting your search early, touring programs in person, and finding an environment that matches your family’s schedule, values, and learning style.
For many local parents, childcare is not just about supervision. It is about finding a place where their children feel safe, supported, curious, and excited to learn.
