Whatcom Community College
Home MenuParenting Education Program
Whatcom Community College (WCC) offers parenting education and family support programs via WCC-affiliated cooperative preschools to meet the changing needs of families. Based on the belief that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children, cooperative preschools offer an educational experience for both parents and children.
Parents/caregivers enroll in a 3 credit WCC Parent Education class and a child is enrolled in one of four WCC-affiliated preschools in Bellingham or Lynden. Children attend preschool 3-4 days a week and parents/caregivers actively participate in the running of the cooperative preschool, and may complete a certificate in Parenting Education after two years of enrollment.
What ages of children can attend?
Different programs are offered at each preschool. Most preschools offer programs for ages 2 1/5 to 5 year olds. Parent/child toddler classes available at some preschools. Please visit the preschools' websites for more information.
What do parents do?
- Work in the classroom, assisting the professional teacher, on a regular basis (typically twice a month).
- Help manage the school by performing a job like serving on the board or helping to organize field trips.
- Attend monthly meetings and parent education classes. Topics include such favorites as discipline and sibling rivalry.
- Participate in fundraising events.
What do the children do?
The preschool program is run by each school's professional teacher and is developmentally appropriate. Children typically have experiences in art, dramatic play, fine and large motor activities, music, snacks and more.
Where are the preschools and when do they meet?
All programs run from September through May. In response to COVID, each program has implemented different measures to ensure the safety of its children, families, and teachers, as outlined below.