Early Childhood Program

3326 E. Badger Rd.
Everson, WA 98247

Phone: (360) 988-4754
Fax: (360) 988-8983

Contact: Doreen Vermeulen

The Nooksack Valley Collaboration for Children and Families serves families with children age’s birth to five through a collaboration that involves Nooksack Valley School District, Opportunity Council’s Early Learning and Family Services (ELAFS).

The primary purpose for the collaboration is to ensure access to quality early childhood services for families in the Nooksack Valley School District. The focus of the birth to five programs is to support each and every child’s individual development, ensuring school readiness when entering kindergarten. Classrooms are rich in early literacy and language experiences and focus on the emerging social skills that will enable children to be successful in a group!

For more information about Opportunity Council's early learning programs, click here. 

Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program (ITEIP):

ITEIP is intended for infants and toddlers with disabilities, birth to 3 years of age, providing early intervention to eligible children and their families through the development and implementation of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).  Eligibility is based on developmental delay, or established conditions that have a high probability of resulting in developmental delays. Services are home based and are provided by the Opportunity Council's Early Support For Infants and Toddlers.

Early Head Start (EHS):

Early Head Start is a home based program that is free for eligible families and is designed to meet the needs of pregnant women, infants, toddlers and their families. Services provided through home visits include prenatal education and support for expectant parents, health and nutrition services, family development support and group socializations focusing on child development and quality early education. Services are provided by the Opportunity Council's Early Learning and Family Services. 

Head Start/Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP):

Individual Education Program (IEP):

IEP’s are intended for children with disabilities and provides a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to eligible children through the development and implementation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).  Eligibility is based on a child having one or more identified categories of disability. Early childhood and support services are available for families whose child qualifies, based on a documented delay in their development.

Tuition Preschool

For the 2022-2023 school year, the Nooksack Valley School District will continue to provide an additional preschool opportunity for students in our community. 

Our integrated preschool classrooms are a part of our district’s Special Education program which will serve preschool children with developmental delays as well as their typically developing peers.  For the 2022-2023 school year, we will continue to offer a limited number of tuition-based openings. 

The class options are listed here: 
 

Families may apply for a tuition wavier to support their child’s preschool tuition by completing an “Application for Free and Reduced Priced Meals”.   

You must meet the requirements for free or reduced meals to qualify for the tuition waiver.  Parents may request a scholarship at any time during the school year.  

If you are interested in enrolling your child or would like to learn more about the Nooksack Preschool Program, please call Doreen Vermeulen at 360-988-4754. 

Free screenings are available to help identify children ages birth to five who may have developmental delay. Our assessment team assesses children in the areas of speech and language, motor, adaptive skills, social and cognition to determine the need for early intervention. If a child is found to be eligible for services, an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or an Individual Education Program (IEP) is written to address the needs of the child.

If you have concerns regarding your child’s growth and development please call: Doreen Vermeulen: (360)988-4754 to begin the intake process and arrange for an appointment. If your family is living in a temporary situation, you may contact the district where you are currently staying for a screening. 

Our Early childhood program includes six basic areas of early childhood development. Experiences are provided with structured and unstructured activities in both group and individual activities.

1.       Cognitive: Learning concepts, problem solving, organization, and categorizing and readiness skills.

2.       Social/emotional: Learning to cooperate, take turns, express emotions appropriately and interact with peers and adults

3.       Self-help & Adaptive Skills: Learning to become independent with cleanup, buttoning, zipping, toileting, hand washing, dressing and eating skills.

4.        Gross Motor Development: Large muscle groups involving sitting, walking, running, skipping, swinging, jumping, ball skills, climbing and tricycle riding.

5.       Fine Motor Development:   Small muscle groups involving using the hands for drawing, cutting, turning pages and small toy play.

6.       Language and Articulation:  Learning to listen to others, communicating wants, needs and ideas, and production of sounds in speech

Child Find Brochure 

The following information is needed to determine your child’s eligibility for Head Start, Early Start or ECEAP:

1. Initial Application Forms
Click Here to visit the Opportunity Council's website to complete the application.

To have an application mailed to you or if you would like to come into the office to fill out a paper copy, please contact Doreen Vermeulen at our district office at (360) 988-4754.

2. Verification of Child’s age

3. Verification of Income

4. Immunization Records

Please return these items to:
Doreen Vermeulen (360) 988-4754

3326 E. Badger Rd., Everson, WA 98247