Northwest Indian College » Early Learning Center

Announcement Regarding Early Learning Center

The ELC was established in spring 2009 in response to student surveys which indicated that the lack of childcare was a barrier to student success and retention. The cost of the ELC was initially subsidized by the College and heavily supported by grants, which covered a number of staff positions.

Unfortunately, the costs of operating the center has become unsustainable. Further increasing the problem, the COVID-19 pandemic has directly impacted auxiliary departments, especially the ELC, and their extended closure has significantly constrained their ability to generate revenue to offset expenses to keep the doors open.

After thoughtful consideration of options that was beneficial for students, staff and the College, and after consulting with the Board of Trustees, it became more evident that closing the ELC was inevitable given the unprecedented circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty of when the College can safely re-open, combined with mounting expenditures, made this decision to close the ELC a difficult but necessary one.

The last day of the ELC will be Tuesday, May 5, 2020. HR is currently working with staff on final activities and developing a smooth transition plan according to the personnel policy manual.

In terms of the future of the facility, the ELC will be closed indefinitely; however, the College will be exploring options, including developing local partnerships, and creating a plan for a more sustainable program based on the needs of the College and students.

We apologize if this closure may present a hardship to some families who will have to find alternative child care. It is our hope that this closure will only be temporary.

Child Care on Campus

The Northwest Indian College’s Early Learning Center is an Early Achievers rated program that provides high-quality care and early learning opportunities for the children of students and staff at Northwest Indian College. Our state licensed and Early Achievers rated program offers family-centered care for children ages 1 month to 5 years in our Infant, Toddler and Preschool classrooms.

The ELC provides a quality early learning program offering culturally relevant experiences for the young children in our care. Incorporating ideas from within the community, we support the Lummi belief of LENGESOT: we take care of ourselves, watch out for ourselves, and love and take care of one another.

The Early Learning Center staff are highly trained, and offer a nurturing learning environment with excellent child to caregiver ratios. The staff is committed to protecting children’s health and safety, and creating an environment that is sensitive to supporting children’s home culture, language and values. Our program supports student families to reach their academic goals through flexible scheduling, affordable rates and convenient Lummi campus location.

Operating hours are 7:45 a.m. through 5:15 p.m., Monday-Friday. Classrooms enroll each quarter, and families are accepted on a space-available basis. For more information on current rates or enrollment please contact our office at 360-392-4260 or elc@nwic.edu . To enroll in the online waiting list, please visit https://daycare.nwic.edu .

Contact Us

For more information contact:
Katherine Friday, Early Learning Center Director, by email at elc@nwic.edu or by phone at 360-392-4264 or toll free at 866-676-2772 ext. 4264

Click here to register for the ELC wait list

The Early Learning Center

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Early Learning Center