Starting preschool for the year marks a new step in the development of kids 0-5 years old, whether they’re returning or just joining for their first year. Being in preschool means new learning adventures, social connections, and developmental milestones. It’s important to us that our youngest kids get all the tools they need, so Opportunity Council is here to team up with parents to help their kids learn.
Children learn through social experience and play, building pathways in their brains that they’ll use to succeed for the rest of their lives. Early learning professionals are just the heroes we need to help lead their classes along a helpful path for their stage of childhood development. It’s up to all of us to make sure kids grow up in environments that help them grow.
We want every child to get the start in life that they deserve. That’s why we offer high-quality preschool services across Whatcom County for children aged 3 to 5 through our Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs (ECEAP). Opportunity Council’s Early Head Start programs also support kids under 3 by serving infants, toddlers, and pregnant persons.
Our programs are available at no cost for qualifying families, making early learning accessible to those who need it most. Through our preschool classes and family support, we build a strong foundation for life by giving kids a nurturing, educational environment to grow and learn in – one that’s tailored to each child’s needs.
Preschoolers in Opportunity Council programs learn through play, like this kiddo, and social learning.
Meeting Kids Where They Are
Our preschools are dedicated to offering a range of services that address every child’s unique needs. Just as a piece of furniture needs to be on a level surface to work right, a kid’s brain needs to be in a level place for healthy development. Building that level foundation is what Opportunity Council preschool programs do for kids. We do that through:
- Personalized Care: Every little one in our programs has a personalized plan to meet them where they’re at and provide the best care and environment for them to explore and learn in.
- Multi-cultural Integration: We serve kiddos from all backgrounds, and provide interpreters and other supports for multi-language learners and their families—ensuring children never lose the connection to their roots.
- Benefits that last a lifetime: High quality programs like Head Start and other early learning programs can solve problems in early childhood development and have long-term benefits across the lifespan.
Opportunity Council also offers both full and part-day options to accommodate all the people we serve, and our centers provide nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day. Our preschool staff works alongside families, checking in with them through home visits and conferences. Meeting locations are flexible to keep in mind that families may be experiencing homelessness or other factors.
Early Head Start
For our youngest community members, Early Head Start provides specialized support for infants, toddlers, and pregnant persons. This program is available until the child turns 3 years old, which is when the family moves up to Head Start or another pre-K program. Early Head Start services include:
- Prenatal Services: Education and assistance for expectant parents to help them get a healthy start for their babies.
- Time for Play: Weekly visits focusing on activities that support early developmental milestones.
- Socializing: Opportunities for families to connect and grow together.
The early years for children are wonderful, exciting time of rapid growth, change, and development. With so much change often comes much more stress on families—stress that studies show is toxic towards health brain development for children. Whether the stress is from finances, isolation, or navigating the health care system, Opportunity Council has programs that come alongside caregivers. By supporting families, we help ensure children grow up with less stress and more engaged parents and caregivers.
We offer resources through Child Care Aware of Northwest Washington, whether families are in need of additional child care help or facing homelessness. Their Referral Specialists can help determine eligibility for various programs and guide you through the application process. calling 1-800-446-1114.
People who call the Single Entry Access to Services (SEAS) Program line at (360) 715-7485 or fill out their web form can also get connected to help with children’s healthcare, mental health, counseling, and Early Learning. These include resources for postpartum mental health screenings and resources, and other Opportunity Council services like food, housing, and energy assistance.
The program is a partnership with other organizations, and it can help all families with a child under 5, prenatal parents, or children under 21 with disabilities or developmental concerns. Through its Family Resource Navigators, families, children and providers get connected with resources that serve both their mental and physical health and well-being.
Making Preschool Inclusive – For No Cost
Families who meet these criteria can apply:
- Incomes below the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Expecting parents or families with infants through preschool-aged children
- Foster or kinship families
- Families experiencing homelessness
- Families receiving financial help through programs like TANF and SSI
- Children who have an IEP/IFSP
We also reserve spots for families who may not fit these guidelines but who would still benefit from an extra helping hand navigating the early years. If you’re not sure you and your family are eligible or need more information, please don’t hesitate to call us at (360) 734-8396. Our team is here to help give you the information you need to find the best solution for your family.
Come Grow, Learn & Play!
We’re filled with anticipation and excitement for the journeys that lie ahead for the children in our programs. We are honored to be part of the growth and development for so many of our community’s children, and we’re dedicated to providing the best possible start in life to each and every one. To all our families, we extend a heartfelt welcome back and look forward to a year of learning, discovery, and success.
As a part of the Opportunity Council community, you are helping build a brighter future for our children and ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive.
