Child Studies

Bates' Child Studies department offers job training and extended learning programs emphasizing knowledge, skills, and the understanding of values, attitudes, and standards that are important to specific careers. For more information, please call 253.680.7500.

Child Development/Early Education Staff Training Program

This program is a cooperative effort between approximately 34 licensed childcare centers and Bates Technical College. The program offers affiliation opportunities for licensed childcare centers in the greater Pierce County area to receive on-site technical training, formal classes and support in early childhood education.

Cooperative Preschools

Parents participate in a hands-on, interactive parent/child preschool classroom, learning the newest developmentally appropriate early childhood education and guidance techniques to meet the developmental needs of children aged two through five years. Experienced, trained teachers supervise in a safe and secure preschool environment. 

College faculty provide training, assistance, and support. A trained early childhood educator assists children in activities and provides safety and supervision. Professional college staff also provide parenting education classes, teacher and preschool board leadership training, and non-profit business assistance and support.

Early Education Resource Center

A resource center for teachers and parents is located at Bates South Campus to help students, teachers, parents, and childcare staff facilitate learning for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. 

Ongoing displays and activities include music, language, math, social skills, cognitive development skills, science, games, and rule development. A library of resource books, videos, curriculum kits for teachers, and take-home activities is available.

Washington State Training and Registry System (STARS)

STARS is based on Washington state WAC requirements for licensed childcare centers.