Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning, but for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.
- Fred Rogers
Our Classes
The Basics:
We offer two locations:
Whatcom Community College (Kelly Hall) and
Wade King Elementary School.
All our classes meet throughout the public school year, and follow the
Bellingham School District academic calendar.
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The school year runs from September to mid-June; enrolling in the co-op is a 10-month commitment.
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Families in all programs participate in fundraising commitments throughout the year.
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For our multiage programs, we ask that children be in underwear when attending school with the understanding that accidents happen.
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Tuition Information:
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Tuition payment is due the 5th of each month, paid 1 month prior (late fees apply)
First tuition payment for September is Due Aug 5th. Last tuition payment for June is Due May 5th
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2025-2026 Class Schedule
Registration opens to currently enrolled families on January 15th 2025 and to the genereal public on Janurary 29th 2025
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Multiage Preschool at Wade King Elementary
For children age 3 by Jan 1, 2026
9:30am -1:30pm Ages 4-5 Pre-K Monday-Thursday (16 hrs./week)
10:30am-1:30pm Ages 2.8-3 Monday-Thursday (12 hrs./week)
Teacher Janel and Lead
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This program is play-based and focuses on activities that foster creativity and social emotional development. We collaborate with the Wade King community. The program may include visits to the library, music classroom, and reading buddies. Children ages 4-5 receive Kindergarten prep from 9:30-10:30 before being joined by younger students at 10:30am.
We are proud of our inclusion model and partnership with the Bellingham School District Special Education Program.
Tuition:
Pre-K Program ages 4-5 $490 per month
Mixed-age Preschool ages 2.8-3 $370 per month
September tuition due by August 5th.
Registration/Activities/Supply fee: $250 *Non-refundable/one-time fee*
Financial aid available upon request
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Multiage Preschool at Whatcom Community College
For children age 3 by Jan 1, 2026
9:30am -1:00pm. Monday-Thursday (14 hrs./week)
Teacher Mary and Teacher Ashley
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This program is play-based and focuses on activities that foster creativity and social emotional development. This program includes visits to the WCC library and other campus events throughout the year. The mixed-age class includes Pre-K instruction throughout the class time, and is an integral part of daily curriculum.
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Tuition:
$430 per month - September tuition due by August 5th.
Registration/Activities/Supply fee: $250 *Non-refundable/one-time fee*
Financial aid available upon request
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Toddler class at Whatcom Community College
(Kelly Hall)
Spots Available
Fridays -10:00-11:30am
Parent/caregiver and toddlers age 18 months + with Teacher Janel
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Children and their families enjoy songs, stories, movement, art exploration, dramatic play, sensory experiences, science investigations, outdoor play and more in a safe, child-centered environment. Parents/caregivers have the option to practice separation throughout the year.
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Tuition: $110/month - September tuition due by August 5th.
Registration/Activities/Supply fee: $100 *Non-refundable/one-time fee*
​Financial aid available upon request
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2024-2025 Class Schedule
To register click here:
Whatcom Family Cooperative Preschool (jovial.org)
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Registration is currently OPEN
Multiage Preschool at Wade King Elementary
Spots Available
For children age 3 by Jan 1, 2025
10am -1:30pm. Monday-Thursday (14 hrs./week)
Teacher Ashley and Teacher Janel
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This program is play-based and focuses on activities that foster creativity and social emotional development. We collaborate with the Wade King community. The program may include visits to the library, music classroom, and reading buddies. We are proud of our inclusion model and partnership with the Bellingham School District Special Education Program.
Tuition: $415 per month - September tuition due by August 5th.
Registration/Activities/Supply fee: $250 *Non-refundable/one-time fee*
Financial aid available upon request
Multiage Preschool at Whatcom Community College
Class Full
For children age 3 by Jan 1, 2025
10am -1:30pm. Monday-Thursday (14 hrs./week)
Teacher Mary and Teacher Hanako
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This program is play-based and focuses on activities that foster creativity and social emotional development. This program includes visits to the WCC library and other campus events throughout the year.
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Tuition: $415 per month - September tuition due by August 5th.
Registration/Activities/Supply fee: $250 *Non-refundable/one-time fee*
Financial aid available upon request
​
Toddler class at Whatcom Community College
(Kelly Hall)
Spots Available
Fridays -10:00-11:30am
Parent/caregiver and toddlers age 18 months + with Teacher Janel
​
Children and their families enjoy songs, stories, movement, art exploration, dramatic play, sensory experiences, science investigations, outdoor play and more in a safe, child-centered environment. Parents/caregivers have the option to practice separation throughout the year.
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Tuition: $100/month - September tuition due by August 5th.
Registration/Activities/Supply fee: $100 *Non-refundable/one-time fee*
​Financial aid available upon request
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For information about other cooperative preschool programs affiliated with Whatcom Community College, please visit WCC's website.
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