WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Several Whatcom County schools are getting new resources through a statewide expansion of early education.

Governor Bob Ferguson and the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) have announced 42 new sites for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program this school year.

The program provides access to free, high-quality preschool and family support for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds from low-income households.

The new locations include Isom Elementary and Main Street Campus in Lynden, Mountain View Elementary in Ferndale and Blaine Primary School.

Several new sites are also coming to Skagit County, including locations in Burlington, Sedro-Woolley and Concrete.

According to the state, this latest expansion will serve 2,400 more children this school year. It’s being funded through a partnership between the state and the Ballmer Group.

“As we’re facing budget challenges, our public-private partnership is expanding access to high-quality early education for thousands of kids across our state,” Governor Ferguson said in a news release. “This expansion means more children, including our most vulnerable, will get the support they need to thrive in school and beyond.”

There have been some hurdles with the program, however, as some sites that previously accepted funding have returned the funds, citing workforce shortages and unexpected challenges with opening a new classroom. DCYF says it’s continuing to work with program applicants to address those problems.