With Bates Technical College, students can take the first step in making a difference in children’s lives. Our early childhood education program is designed to help students discover a rewarding career dedicated to making an impact in the lives of young people and their families. Students prepare for positions as early learning program teachers, assistant teachers, program supervisors and center directors. Students prepare for careers in Early Childhood Education (ECE) for such positions as Early Learning Program teacher, assistant teacher, program supervisor, and/or center director. The ECE curriculum prepares students to work with children birth to 8 years of age in diverse early childhood environments. The competencies are aligned with Washington State Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals and national standards (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and identify eight (8) content areas organized into five (5) levels of proficiency. Early Childhood students will combine learned theories and practical laboratory experiences with young children in the college early childhood learning center under supervision with qualified educators.