Bellingham’s Standout School for Early Childhood Development
We Exceed Licensing Standards
James Place is proud to meet all the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics as regards early childhood education, which tend to exceed basic licensing requirements. We are happy to provide parents with a copy of the AAP checklist when they take a pre-enrollment tour.
High Staff Ratios
While state childcare licensing standards assure safe, custodial care, at James’ Place we do more. Staffing ratios 30% – 50% beyond regulation allows us to provide many extras individually to each child.
Parent Webcam
Our parent webcam program facilitates observation of your child in his/her classroom in real time. We have found this element of our program to be reassuring for parents who can log on at any time, thus assuring themselves that their child is happy and well cared for. Signed agreement to a strict confidentiality protocol is required for participation, any violation of which will result in suspension of access to the cameras.
Bonding Room for Breastfeeding Mothers
The ability to continue breast feeding after returning to work provides ongoing health and nutritional advantages for the baby. It continues to build on the mother-infant bonding process and decreases separation anxiety for child and parent. We provide a secure, private room for a nursing mother to come and feed her infant during the work day.
In the Heart of Downtown Bellingham
We attend story hour weekly at the Bellingham Public Library, run and play on the library lawn, walk the trails around Whatcom Creek, visit the fish hatchery, tour the police and fire stations, and visit local businesses such as the Bagelry (where we get our week’s supply.) Every October we dress up and participate in the Downtown Trick or Treat event.
Specialized Learning Professionals
Mission Statement
We are committed to providing a loving and professional environment where children know they are safe, nurtured and respected as they explore our rich learning environment. James’ Place Child Development Center serves families in need of full or part time child care. We value the opportunity to get to know each of our families and help meet the developmental needs of their children.
Our Programs
Infants
Ages 1 to 12 months
Maximum class size = 6
Teacher Ratio: 1 - 3 children
Toddlers
Ages 12 months to 2.5 years
Maximum class size = 10
Teacher Ratio: 1 - 4 children
Preschoolers
2.5 to 5 years
Maximum class size = 7
Teacher Ratio: 1 - 5 children
News & Events
Childcare and Corporate America
Childcare is in crisis. Although the childcare crisis has been growing for many years, the direct effects have been felt almost exclusively by families in which both parents are employed. The COVID pandemic, during which a critical mass of families all had to alter...
Returning to “Normal”
The COVID-19 pandemic had profound consequences worldwide. Thousands of families lost loved ones. Children did not attend school. Businesses closed and business owners lost their livelihoods. People were isolated in their homes, including separation from extended...
2020 Reflections
Resilience is defined by Webster as "the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness;" and is one of humankind's most critical qualities. Adaptability is a close 'cousin' to resilience. What this past year has taught us is the power contained in groups...