Early Childhood Education
Nooksack House of Children Head Start
Head Start is a comprehensive preschool program for children ages 3 to 5 from income eligible families. The Nooksack House of Children Head Start provides children and families with information and access to child health and development, nutrition, behavioral health, family goal setting and resources.
To support health & wellness and school readiness children receive developmental, behavioral, motor, language, social, cognitive, and social-emotional screenings. The House of Children works directly with Tribal health partners to ensure children receive dental and vision screenings, behavioral health services, and parents and families have access to health education and resources.
HOUSE OF CHILDREN (HOC) HEAD START PROGRAM
Head Start is a comprehensive preschool program serving children ages three to five from income-eligible families. The Nooksack House of Children Head Start Program supports children and families by providing access to early childhood education, health and developmental services, nutrition support, behavioral health resources, and family goal-setting assistance.
To promote health, wellness, and school readiness, enrolled children receive a range of screenings, including developmental, behavioral, motor, language, cognitive, and social-emotional assessments. The program works in close partnership with Tribal health providers to ensure children receive dental and vision screenings, behavioral health services, and that families have access to health education and supportive resources.
The House of Children Head Start Program currently operates three classrooms, with two located in Deming and one located in Everson, serving both Tribal and community families across the service area.
Head Start Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Nooksack Indian Tribal Head Start program to provide comprehensive services to the children and families of the community. Through partnerships with the tribal programs, school districts, and local agencies we will respectfully identify the needs of children, families and the community, and provide opportunities to participate in a high quality early childhood educational program that is culturally relevant to help strengthen, educate and empower children and families.
Enrollment Information
Families interested in enrolling their child in the Nooksack Early Childhood Education programs are encouraged to connect with our ERSEA and Family Services Manager for guidance and support through the application process.
For more information about enrollment eligibility and how to complete an application, please contact: Debi Bentley, ERSEA & Family Services Manager - (360) 592-5176 or email at dbentley@nooksack-nsn.gov
Debi is available to assist families with program information, eligibility questions, and enrollment steps for both Head Start and Child Care services.
Location of our Head Start Program: Deming & Everson.
To apply, please complete the Initial Application Form.
Head Start Annual Report
The Nooksack Head Start Program publishes an Annual Program Report. To obtain a copy or discuss the report please contact Early Childhood Education Director at P.O. Box 157 Deming, WA 98244.
Early Childhood Education Department
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Department of the Nooksack Indian Tribe provides comprehensive early learning services that support the development, well-being, and school readiness of young children and families across both Tribal and surrounding community populations. Through an integrated system of Head Start and Child Care programming, the department ensures that children from infancy through age five have access to safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environments.
Head Start is a free, federally funded programs designed to serve low-income families by delivering comprehensive early childhood services. These programs support children ages three to five through intentional learning experiences that promote cognitive, social, and emotional development. In addition to early education, services include health and developmental screenings, nutritious meals, and family support systems that strengthen family stability and engagement.
Complementing these services, the department’s Child Care program provides structured, classroom-based care for children from 16 weeks through age five. Operating in a group setting with multiple trained adults present, the Child Care program offers consistent supervision, age-appropriate learning opportunities, and daily activities that support early growth and development in a safe and responsive environment.
Together, these programs form a coordinated continuum of care that addresses the diverse needs of children and families while supporting early learning, health, and family engagement outcomes within both Tribal and broader community settings.
Head Start Managers
Amy Brandland
Education and Disability
Lauren Brandland
Program Administrative Assistant
A’iy Shxwelexwó:s Child Development Center
The Nooksack Indian Tribe A’iy Shxwelexwó:s Child Development Center (CDC) (Little Thunderbirds) is founded on the belief that every child is unique and deserving of unconditional care, support, and opportunities to thrive. Through collaboration with families and community partners, the CDC provides a strong foundation for early learning, development, and family empowerment. The program serves infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children by offering a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that supports growth across all developmental domains.
Through intentional learning experiences and daily interactions, children are encouraged to explore, build relationships, and develop confidence as emerging learners.
At A’iy Shxwelexwó:s CDC, children are supported in becoming capable, responsible, and lifelong learners through hands-on experiences, meaningful play, and social interaction. The program promotes whole-child development by supporting physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and cultural growth while fostering respect for self, others, and the environment. The CDC operates with the understanding that children learn best through play in a secure and trusting setting. Daily practices are guided by a balanced approach that integrates both traditional values and modern early childhood learning philosophies to support each child’s individual development.
A’iy Shxwelexwó:s Child Development Center Mission Statement
The Nooksack Indian Tribe A’iy Shxwelexwó:s Child Development Center (CDC) will offer the children and families of the Nooksack tribe community high-quality, early childhood care that is safe, dependable, and sensitive to cultural differences. For the children's physical, social, intellectual, and emotional development, CDC will provide a secure and supportive atmosphere that will help their first school experience be successful.
Vision
To develop a Child Development Center for the Nooksack Indian Tribe and community that represents the culture of the tribe and proactively meets the needs of families.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the program and facility through collaborative planning and quality craftsmanship.
To provide affordable and accessible high-quality early childhood education for infants, toddlers and preschool age children; including family resources and education.
Enrollment Information
The A’iy Shxwelexwó:s Child Development Center is not yet open but will be opening soon.
Families who are interested in child care services and would like to be added to our waitlist are encouraged to contact us. To be placed on the waitlist, please reach out to our receptionist: Calistea Harry-Roberts at (360) 306-5094 or you can email us at NITDaycare@nooksack-nsn.gov
We look forward to welcoming children and families into our program in the near future.
(Child Care)
Child Care manager
Quick Contact Info
5010 Alder St. Deming, WA 98230
Child Development Center
The NITBC serves as a foundation for the growth and education of children ages 6 weeks to 5 years to age, by collaborating with community program leaders and families to enhance the quality of life. We provide a stimulating and nurturing environment that supports the learning and development of infants, toddlers and preschoolers, to enrich the lives of the children and their families.
Our Goals is to:
Foster competent, responsible, lifelong learners and problem solvers.
Increase their own knowledge through self and teacher-initiated experiences.
Learn by manipulating materials and interacting with others.
Integrate physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual needs and interests.
Demonstrate respect and caring attitudes for oneself, others, and their environment.
Cultivate respect and appreciation of differences and the uniqueness of cultures and traditions.
Nooksack Child Development Center will build on the philosophy of creating a trusting, safe, and nurturing environment for children, and that learning will happen through play. It is through traditional and western concepts, ideologies and curricula that the daily guidance for our practice will be implemented.
Nooksack News & Updates
Upcoming Events
Facebook Updates