Learn, Grow, and Thrive with the Y
The Y is proud to partner with the Ferndale School District to provide high-quality, active learning opportunities designed to engage and expand young minds. Through our Before and After-School Enrichment (BASE) program, we provide a safe, caring, and fun environment where kids can participate in active play, arts, STEM, and other hands-on learning activities.
Before and After-School Enrichment
BASE is a school-year program that runs from the start of the school year through June. Families attending Ferndale School District sites are offered their choice of before school, after school, or both.
Locations and Registration Links
Registration will first open for current families, including siblings,
and incoming early learning students looking for full-time (4+ days a week) care. Please select your school. You will
be asked to enter the verification code you have already received before continuing to registration.
Registration
Registration for the 2026-27 school year will open as follows:
Full-Time Care (4+ Days a Week)
- May 18 — Opens for current families (BASE/Early Learning participants)
- May 26 — Opens for all community families
Part-Time Care (Up to 3 Days a Week)
- June 1 — Opens for current families (BASE/Early Learning participants)
- June 8 — Opens for all community families
Find the Info You Need to Know
Learn more about Before and After-School Enrichment (BASE) hours, financial assistance, and fees below.
Registration for the 2026-27 school year will open as follows:
Full-Time Care
- May 18 — Opens for current families (BASE/Early Learning participants)
- May 25 — Opens for all community families
Part-Time Care
- June 1 — Opens for current families (BASE/Early Learning participants)
- June 8 — Opens for all community families
Please contact our registrar to be added to a waitlist.
This year, BASE registration will include two pricing options: member rates and community rates.
In previous years, BASE participants received a youth membership through enrollment. Beginning this year, YMCA facility memberships will be separate from BASE registration. Families who choose to maintain or activate a YMCA facility membership will continue to receive member pricing on BASE, camps, sports, swim lessons, and other YMCA programs.
⭐ YMCA facility members lock in last year's 2025/2026 BASE rates. A membership also includes access to family swim, group exercise classes, the wellness center, Kids Zone drop-in care, and discounts on year-round programs.
Cost reflects the hours that kids are in the program, may vary by district and school, and may be adjusted once the school district finalizes school schedules and bell times.
2026–2027 Full-Time Monthly Rates
| District | Community Rate | Member Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Bellingham | $520/mo | $495/mo |
| Meridian | $360/mo | $415/mo |
| Ferndale | $360/mo | $415/mo |
| Mount Baker | $360/mo | $415/mo |
2026–2027 Part-Time Monthly Rates
| District | Community Rate | Member Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Bellingham | $435/mo | $342/mo |
| Meridian | $315/mo | $296/mo |
| Ferndale | $315/mo | $296/mo |
| Mount Baker | $315/mo | $296/mo |
Registration fee: $50 one-time annual fee, regardless of care option.
The Y is committed to ensuring all families access quality and enriching programs. We accept Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) and other subsidies at many locations. In addition, the Y provides financial assistance and will work with you to find a tuition amount that works within your family's budget.
Please complete this form to learn more about financial assistance. Once the form is received, our staff will contact you within three business days.
You can find this in your Daxko Partent Portal. Our tax ID number is 91-0482690. If you have questions please email our Registrar at registrar@whatcomymca.org
You can add, remove, or change authorized pick-ups through your Daxko Partent Portal. If you have questions please email our Registrar at registrar@whatcomymca.org
Yes
You can find the policy and form to make changes or cancellations by clicking here.
Please read our full inclement weather policy.
We also offer full-day programs during winter break, spring break, and some other non-school days.
Please email our Registrar at registrar@whatcomymca.org
In the Ferndale School District, the Y serves kindergarten through fifth-grade kids. They must be five years old by the first day of the program.