Playgroups & Early Learning Classes
Whatcom Center for Early Learning provides interactive programs which allow our children to learn and play in group environments with other children and their parents/caregivers. These programs are for children to develop skills and experience peer group socialization.
If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, contact Michael Haycock.
Learn more about our playgroups and classes!
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This referral-only playgroup is pre-registered and designed for children ages 18 months to three years old who are already receiving services from WCEL. These playgroups provide socialization and play opportunities for children and their caregiver.
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A structured playgroup for children ages 18 months to three years old. This class includes a mix of children receiving services and community members. This playgroup is fee based, but scholarships are available for qualifying families. Registration is required.
All families will be notified if they were selected to participate or if they were placed on a waiting list
Click here for more information
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WCEL also hosts FREE, NO-ENROLLMENT REQUIRED, drop-in community playgroups called “Toddler Time.” These classes are located in Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale, and Lynden. There is no cost for drop-in classes but donations are always appreciated. See current class dates and times for each location on the flyers below.
At playgroups, you will find a variety of wheeled toys, balls, a sensory pool/table, Playdough, books, blocks, and new creative, hands-on activities for young ones and their parents each week. We play for a little over an hour, clean up, and share a short circle time. Families are free to leave anytime their child has had enough.
Sensational Toddlers
Our Sensational Toddler classes meet weekly for 12 weeks at both our Bellingham and Ferndale locations.
We welcome all children ages 18-36 months with their parents/caregivers to Sensational Toddlers. These classes are designed to be a mix of children receiving services through our Early Support Program and children that are not.
Classes are structured by play-based learning that is predominantly child-directed with both indoor and outdoor play. Additionally, Sensational Toddlers provides an opportunity for parents and/or caregivers to learn skills, gain information, and meaningfully connect with one another.
Session Dates:
Fall Quarter: September - December
Winter Quarter: January - March
Spring Quarter: April - June
If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, contact Michael Haycock, Early Learning Program Manager.
*Registration for our Sensational Toddlers classes is temporarily closed. Please check back in July 2026 for updates.
Registration Info:
We have changed our registration process!
Families are welcome to register for Sensational Toddlers at any time. You only need to register once per school year.
Families who register will be added to the interest list and remain there until they are selected or until the end of spring.
Families on the interest list will be randomly selected.
Families will be notified if they have been selected to fill any open spots during these times:
Fall - last week of August
Winter - first week of December
Spring - first week of March
Fall and winter classes are $120 per quarter and spring classes are $100 per quarter. The registration fee is paid in a lump sum at beginning of each quarter
Once enrolled, your child will have the option to re-enroll each quarter until they age out of the program
Current Class Flyers
(Click image to download)
