Childcare and Schools

A number of child care centers in Whatcom County are operating to support family needs. If you need assistance finding the appropriate resource and child care facility, please

• Complete this Online Childcare Request Form or
• Call our local Emergency Child Care Help Line at 360-927-9190.

What options are there for essential workers?

• Providing child care 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. Several child care sites are being operated specifically for essential workers, and additional sites may be opened as needed. Families of essential workers should use the contact form or phone number above, and staff will assist you with finding child care openings near you.

Additional Information for Child Care

• Get information from the Whatcom County Health Department about childcare during school closures in their Guidelines for Childcare Providers.
• Find information and resources about childcare from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
• The Washington State Department of Health child care resources & recommendations page offers COVID-19 safety guidance for child care.
• The Washington State COVID-19 website offers additional information to help you find child care and support your children at home.

Check these websites for information from colleges and universities.

• Local universities and community colleges:
  • Bellingham Technical College
  • Whatcom Community College
  • Western Washington University
• Other higher education institutions in Washington:
  • Community and Technical Colleges (Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges)
  • Colleges and Universities (Washington Student Achievement Council)

All school buildings are closed through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year; however, education continues. Check with your individual school district below for details.

School District Information

• Bellingham Public Schools
• Mt. Baker School District
• Ferndale School District
• Blaine School District
• Lynden School District
• Meridian School District
• Nooksack Valley School District

Guidance for K-12 Schools

• Washington State Department of Health resources and recommendations for schools and child care.
• Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction COVID-19 guidance & resources for K-12 public schools.
• Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction guidance for School Districts about Meals and Nutrition.

Special Education

• Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Covid-19 Guidance for Special Education.

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.