As state funding changes threaten co-op preschools, Edmonds College remains hopeful

LYNNWOOD — A statewide change to community and technical college funding could jeopardize cooperative preschool programs offered through Edmonds College.

While the funding change is causing some other colleges to end their parent education programs, Edmonds College officials remain optimistic.

Under the new model, which goes into effect July 1, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges will allocate funding based on a school’s total enrollment rather than enrollment targets. For a program to count toward total college enrollment, a college must prove that it leads to an approved, in-demand workforce credential, said Rachelle Alongi, spokesperson for the state board, in an email Tuesday.

Seven co-op preschools across Snohomish County are affiliated with Edmonds College. At each school, parents receive parent education credit for working at the school with their child one day per week, which teaches them about parenting and child development. Members are also required to attend a monthly meeting, where they discuss co-op business and participate in parent education discussions.

https://www.heraldnet.com/2026/06/09/as-state-funding-changes-threaten-co-op-preschools-edmonds-college-remains-hopeful/