Business Details
24 Years
experience
Your Trusted Preschool in Bellingham, WA
A Child's Life Learning Center was founded in 2002 by Alife Church with a mission to provide children with a strong foundation for educational and personal growth. As a Christian preschool, we believe in fostering an environment where love, acceptance, and individuality are celebrated. Our diverse team of educators brings unique talents and cultural perspectives, enriching the learning experience for every child. We prioritize emotional development alongside academic readiness, ensuring children feel safe, valued, and empowered. Our programs for toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-kindergarten students focus on holistic growth through structured learning, creative expression, and social interaction.We maintain a commitment to quality through partnerships with USDA nutrition programs and the Early Achievers framework. By encouraging independence and nurturing curiosity, we prepare children for lifelong success while supporting families with compassion and expertise. Our values guide every decision, ensuring the best interests of children and families remain central to our work.
Services
Toddlers Program
Preschool Program
Kindergarten Prep
Language Development
Social Skills Training
Outdoor Play
Emotional Development
Parent Communication
Early Literacy
Nutrition Program
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of experience in early childhood education
- Our multilingual staff incorporates diverse cultural perspectives into daily learning
- We maintain a 10:1 child-to-teacher ratio for personalized attention
- Our USDA-certified kitchen provides nutritious, home-cooked meals daily
- We implement the evidence-based Early Achievers quality improvement framework
What people say
Loves the staff
Feels like family
Genuine care
Great big family
Children thrive
Services
Toddlers Program
Our Toddlers Program serves children aged 12-30 months with structured play and socialization activities. Certified educators focus on peer interaction, motor skill development, and emotional growth through daily routines. The curriculum includes dramatic play, art projects, and sensory exploration to support early learning milestones.
Preschool Program
Designed for 30-month to 3-year-olds, this program develops fine/gross motor skills, potty training, and foundational literacy. Multilingual instruction, math concepts, and social-emotional learning occur through themed centers including art, sensory play, and dramatic activities. Outdoor play and structured routines prepare children for pre-kindergarten.
Kindergarten Prep
Our Kindergarten Prep program readies 4-5 year olds for school with writing, counting, and social skills. Teachers use science centers, literacy activities, and conflict resolution exercises to build academic and interpersonal competencies. Daily schedules include structured learning, creative play, and character development focused on empathy and teamwork.
Language Development
Integrated language instruction occurs through music, storytelling, and multilingual activities. Teachers incorporate sign language, phonics games, and interactive reading to build vocabulary and communication skills. Individualized attention supports children's unique language acquisition timelines within age-appropriate curricula.
Emotional Development
We prioritize emotional intelligence through guided peer interactions and conflict resolution training. Daily group activities teach empathy, personal boundaries, and emotional expression. Teachers model positive behaviors while creating safe spaces for children to explore feelings through art, play, and structured discussions.
People
Jonathan and Danie Hanson
Owners
Co-owners with over 10 years of leadership experience, Jonathan and Danie prioritize family values and community support. They oversee operations, culture, and design while maintaining focus on quality childcare.
Mindy Drewer
Director Coach
With 18+ years in early childhood education, Mindy specializes in individualized learning approaches. She returned to ACLLC in 2022 to enhance developmental programming and teacher support systems.
Kendra Lee
Team Director
Three-year veteran of ACLLC, Kendra leads with emphasis on child-centered learning. Her experience across all programs informs leadership decisions focused on staff development and educational quality.
Larissa de Forrest
Program Supervisor
Early childhood educator since 2016, Larissa integrates German language instruction into daily routines. Her background as au pair and nanny informs practical approaches to toddler development and parent communication.
Meg Reeve
Teacher of Teachers
With 16 years in early education, Meg specializes in toddler engagement strategies. She combines writing expertise with classroom experience to enhance teaching methodologies and staff training programs.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children aged 12 months to 5 years through three distinct programs: Toddlers (12-30 months), Preschool (30 months-3 years), and Kindergarten Prep (4-5 years).
What curriculum do you use?
Our programs combine the Funshine Curriculum with individualized learning approaches. We emphasize social-emotional development, language skills, and creative expression through structured activities and free play.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we provide USDA-certified home-cooked meals and snacks daily. Our kitchen prepares balanced nutrition that meets dietary guidelines for growing children.
How do you communicate with parents?
We use digital applications for daily updates and maintain open-door policies for parent-teacher communication. Regular progress observations help track each child's development journey.
What safety measures are in place?
Our center maintains strict child-to-staff ratios, secure facilities, and comprehensive health protocols. All staff undergo background checks and receive ongoing training in early childhood safety practices.
Do you offer part-time enrollment?
We primarily offer full-time programs to maintain consistent learning environments. Please contact us directly to discuss specific scheduling needs and availability.
