History
Interlake Child Care and Learning Center is a Early Achievers accredited, non-profit 501(c)3 organization, founded in 1982. Our staff is dedicated to establishing a supportive, child-centered environment that enriches each child’s love of learning. We recognize that everyone brings their own rich history and a variety of learning techniques to share with the children.
Land Acknowledgement
Interlake acknowledges that we are on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle– the Duwamish People, past and present– and honor with gratitude the land itself, the Duwamish Tribe, and the Salish Coast peoples. Though the city named for the Duwamish leader continues to thrive, the Tribe has yet to be justly compensated for their land, resources, and livelihood. Interlake joins others in taking the initial steps to stand in solidarity with the First Peoples of this land by paying Real Rent. All funds go directly to Duwamish Tribal Services to support the revival of Duwamish culture and the vitality of the Duwamish Tribe. Consider joining us, and making a donation.
Accreditation
Interlake Child Care and Leaning Center is accredited through Early Achievers.
Philosophy
Interlake’s philosophy of early childhood education embraces the notion that children develop best by exploring the world around them at their own pace. Our curriculum emphasizes individual creativity and positive social interactions, with the goal of broadening children’s worldview and increasing their sense of accomplishment. Children guide the direction of their own learning while teachers carefully observe, guide when needed and support each child’s development.
Social Learning
Interlake’s programs support the healthy development of the expressive, cooperative and problem solving skills children need to successfully function as social beings. Children are encouraged to constructively identify (to themselves, classmates and caregivers) their own feelings and needs, while also respecting the needs and feelings of others. This approach, which includes our anti-bias curriculum, endows children with lasting social skills, respect for others, healthy self-esteem and the formative experience of participation and pride in a community.
Extended Family Model
Interlake emulates the extended family model of care, which emphasizes the importance of relationships and allows children to join together with people of different ages, personalities and teaching styles. It also promotes peaceful conflict resolution and supports a close-knit community of parents, teachers and children.
We encourage families to become part of the Interlake community through family education seminars, summer camp-outs, evening socials, Family Committee sponsored-events, and many more fun activities.
If you want to be more involved in your child’s classroom, reach out to admin@interlakechildcare.org for further information.
Food Program
We provide a delicious vegetarian meal program featuring wholesome, homemade foods that offers plenty of variety. Breakfast, lunch, and two afternoon snacks are included in the cost of tuition. We can adjust the menu to accommodate a child’s medical or food allergy requirements. We are also a nut-free center, and ask families to keep outside food from the center.
Health Policy
Interlake follows all guidelines from Washington State Department of Health regarding child care guidance. Click here for our latest COVID Health and Safety Plan.
As of November 2022, our latest health policy asks all children over 6mo who are medically able to complete the COVID-19 vaccine series. This health policy addendum was approved by our Board of Directors. All staff are already fully vaccinated, per Washington mandate.