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Childcare Assistance for Essential Workers
Providing childcare for those who serve our communities in essential areas is a high priority. We want to ensure the critical systems can continue to respond to the needs of our community. Child Care Aware COVID-19 Communications, Response and Referral Center tracks program closures and child care spots available on a daily basis. If you are looking for child care in Whatcom County and need assistance please call the Child Care Aware hotline at 1-888-446-1114 or visit their website to talk to a Child Care Referral Specialist for direct referrals to local programs with vacancies.
In addition, some local summer options for school age children include:
- The Whatcom Family YMCA is providing limited in-person child care and day camp for students entering grades 1-5. Please visit the Y’s website for more information or to register.
- The Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County has limited summer camp opportunities for students entering grades 2-6. Please visit their website for more information or to register.
Additional Child Care Resources
- Get information from the Whatcom County Health Department about childcare during closures in their Guidelines for Childcare Providers.
- The Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families offers a FAQ page for early learning and childcare settings and they have created a Washington State resource guide for parents and caregivers.
- The Washington State Department of Health childcare resources & recommendations page offers COVID-19 safety guidance for childcare.
- The Washington State COVID-19 website offers additional information to help you find childcare and support your children at home.
- Check these websites for information from our local colleges and universities.
- The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Coronavirus Resources page offers helpful information for students, faculty, and staff.
- The Washington Student Achievement Council also offers a variety of COVID-19 resources for current and prospective students.
The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has posted information on reopening schools in fall 2020 on their COVID-19 Guidance and Resources page. Local school districts are currently making plans for the next school year. Checking the OSPI site and check with your local school district below for the most current information.
School District Information
These local organizations provide help and resources for children with special needs in Whatcom County.
- Whatcom Taking Action supports the Single Entry Access to Services (SEAS) program, which provides fast, easy access to services for kids ages birth to 21 who need specialized care and support. This program connects families to local developmental evaluations, early intervention, and resources to support their child’s health and well-being. Anyone can call; there is no need for a doctor referral. For more information, visit Whatcomtakingaction.org, or call the SEAS line at 360-715-7485.
- The ARC of Whatcom County has a number of educational programs and workshops. For the most current information, call 360-715-8522.
- Brigid Collins Family Support Center helps connect families with services. Visit their website or call 360-734-4616.
- The Washington State Department of Health provides COVID-19 specific resources and recommendations for schools and childcare.
- The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction also maintains a page with extensive COVID-19 guidance and resources for K-12 schools including:
- Resources to help districts provide meals for families during the pandemic.
- Information about providing special education services.
- Resources to assist learning during school closures.