Early Childhood Education

Full Day Kindergarten 

Thanks to supportive voters, Bellingham Public Schools got a jump-start on early learning to become a state leader in providing full-time kindergarten for all students since fall 2011. 

Kindergarten Registration 

Bellingham Public Schools Kindergarten registration opens in February (although registrations are accepted all year) alongside other Whatcom County districts. Children must be 5 before Sept. 1 to attend kindergarten. View the registration webpage for information. 

Ideas for you and your child to explore: 

• Play board games with your child to practice taking turns. 
• Visit the local library. 
• Set up several play dates this summer. 
• Visit your child’s school playground and practice playing on the equipment and following rules such as ‘slides are for going down.’ 
• Have your child practice following one-step and two-step directions. This could easily be done by making lunch together, or having them pick up their toys. 
• Read to your child for a combined total of at least 20 minutes a day. 
• Draw together, allowing your child time to practice using different tools (crayons, markers, pencils, side walk chalk). 
• Have your child practice writing their name multiple ways (with playdough, using a stick in the dirt/sand, in shaving cream, using side walk chalk, or on paper for example). 
• Have your child practice sorting objects around the house, this is especially fun while doing chores together (sort clothes, silverware, their toys). 
• While driving in the car or shopping in a grocery store, notice letters, numbers, colors on signs, or in the objects around them. 
• Practice counting to 20 while taking a walk or driving in the car. 
• Count objects together. Count everything in and out of the home. While collecting rocks is especially fun! 
• Engage in pretend play together. For example, use a plain cardboard box to go on an adventure to the moon! 
• Visit local parks and beaches and take time to notice the amazing wonders nature has to offer. 
• Provide plenty of opportunities to allow your child to engage in free play both inside and outside the house on a daily basis. 

About Promise K 

Promise K is a transitional kindergarten program for 4-year-olds who do not have access to early learning experiences. Promise K is a full day program that follows the elementary school year calendar.  

The Promise K learning environment aligns with our district early childhood curriculum: play-based learning focused on social-emotional learning and student directed exploration. All Promise K students have access to outside  space for movement and play. 

Children may enter Promise K based on ability and/or need, such as, social emotional or developmental needs.  

Promise K is a key component of our commitment to Early Childhood Education in The Bellingham Promise. 

Promise K is one of many early learning programs in our community. For more information about community programs, please visit our early learning community partners web page or contact Kerry Allen.   

Eligibility for Promise K 

Eligibility includes:  

• The child must be 4 years old by August 31 of the school year for which they are registering and not yet 5 years old. (5-year-olds can register for traditional kindergarten, and this registration opens in late winter.) 

• The child resides within the attendance boundaries of Bellingham Public Schools.  

• The child is not currently enrolled in an early learning program, such as: licensed childcare, preschool, co-op preschool, ECEAP, Head Start, etc. (full or part-time) 

• The child demonstrates learning and/or social-emotional needs through a screening process. 

• Priority will be given to children most in need who have had little or no access to an early learning experience. 

Program dates and times:  

Promise K is a full school year program, and the anticipated first full day will be September 2, 2026. Family conferences will be scheduled prior to your child’s first day of Promise K. Promise K students attend the same daily schedule as our elementary schools and follow the school district calendar for school days, early dismissals and holidays. Promise K does not continue during the summer.   

Inquire here:  

As of Aug. 18, 2026, we are no longer accepting interest forms or registering Promise K students. We are at capacity for Promise Kindergarten in the 2026-27 school year, and the waitlist is full.

Please reach out to community partners for interest in pre-kindergarten opportunities. The state has reduced its funding for transitional kindergarten, which is limiting the number of students we can serve.

If you have any questions, please contact Kerry Allen in the Department of Teaching and Learning or call 360-676-2783.     

 

 

Early childhood preschool programs provide a language-based classroom to students ages 3-4 who have been identified with developmental delays and qualify for special education services. Programs provide direct, integrated, and/or consultative services to students with mild to moderate disabilities in general education. Bellingham Public Schools participates in “Child Find” activities. If you are interested in participating in a Preschool Special Education Screening  for the purpose of locating, identifying and evaluating your child’s  potential disabilities and  possible need of special education services click the link below. 

Preschool programs are based in the following locations: 

• Alderwood Elementary 
• Cordata Elementary 
• Happy Valley Elementary 
• Sunnyland Elementary 
• Silver Beach Elementary
   

Click here to request a Preschool Special Education Screening

For more information contact Belinda Schacht at 360-676-6470 ext. 4408 or Belinda.Schacht@bellinghamschools.org

Click button for a list of early childhood community partners in Bellingham. Please check with organization for updated information.
Early Learning
Community Partners