Bates Early Learning Center is available to students, staff, and community children. The Bates Early Learning Center has locations at Downtown Campus and South Campus with three off-campus locations, in Eastside Tacoma, Fife/Milton, and Puyallup:

The center follows the college calendar for open days.

Early Head Start, for infants and toddlers, is a low-cost program for families that qualify for the DSHS Working Connections Child Care Subsidy. ECEAP is a free preschool program for qualifying children ages 3-5 years. ECEAP has two program models: a six-hour, school-day program from 8:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m., or an extended-day program outside those hours.

We also offer fee-based Child Care on a sliding-scale basis for those who do not qualify for Early Head Start or ECEAP. Child care scholarships are available for students who qualify through the Bates Technical College Foundation.

We offer:

• Quality learning opportunities

• Quality care for Children

• Child Education & Family Support services

• Social/Emotional Support for children & Health services

• Education, employment support, and job skills training

• Nurturing supportive relationships

• Supportive staff and Family Engagement

• Nutritious meals