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Who We Are
Pierce College Child Development Centers are places where the needs of the child come first. We see ourselves as an extension of the family home providing a caring, warm, and nurturing place for children and their families. In doing so, we succeed by tapping into the educational power of family life. Our program is built on the cultural background and environment of each family. In addition, we see ourselves in partnership with the community as we all come together to help children grow, develop and reach their potential.
We believe children have enormous potential and capability. We believe that we must give them the same trust, patience, dignity, and respect we would offer anyone embarking on an important and serious educational journey. We believe we can best guide children by listening to them. We believe we are in a partnership with parents and the community.
Who We Serve
Children must be 12 months or older to start in our centers. They can remain in the centers until they are five years of age and kindergarten eligible (the September after they turn five years of age.)
The majority of the enrollment spots in the Pierce College Child Development Centers are specifically for Pierce College students so they can attend classes and move towards their educational goals. Any remaining enrollment spots are for Pierce College faculty/staff and community members.
Vacancy Information
Our vacancy numbers are always changing due to graduations, children going to kindergarten, children moving to the preschool classroom from the toddler classroom, changing from Fort Steilacoom to Puyallup, and more. For the most up-to-date vacancy information, please call the center you wish to attend.
- Priority is given to those families who are low income or receiving DCYF subsidies* and interested in the early head start or head start program.
- Each center maintains their own Interest List. To place your child on our Interest List, please complete the Pierce College Child Development Center Enrollment Interest Form. When there are vacancies in the center, both centers go to the Interest List to fill those vacancies. There is no financial obligation to being on the Interest List.
*If receiving a DCYF subsidy for childcare, family MUST be a Pierce College student.
About the Child Development Centers
Our Affiliations
Pierce College Child Development Centers are licensed by the Department of Children, Youth and Families, to care for the children of Pierce students, faculty/staff, and community members.
Both centers are also members of, and accredited by, National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs.
Both centers are also sub-contractors of Puget Sound Educational School District for our Early Head Start and Head Start Programs.
Both centers participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program through OSPI (the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) to provide healthy and nutritious meals and snacks to our children and staff.
About Us
The majority of our staff members have degrees in Early Childhood Education or higher.
Our staff has been with us for an average of just under eight years, with eight staff members being employed in the centers for more than ten years!
Rates and Payment
Rates
Effective Fall 2021
There is an annual $50 registration fee per family for all categories.
How to Pay
Payment Confirmation must be given or emailed to office staff each month in order for care to continue.
Online
You can pay online via our Simple Pay system.
Phone
- Fort Steilacoom Cashiering: 253-964-6700
- Puyallup Cashiering: 253-840-8405
In-person
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fort Steilacoom Cashiering
Cascade Building, Room 305
Puyallup Cashiering
Gaspard Administration Building, Room 118A
Payment Assistance Programs
- DCYF/DSHS Child Care Subsidy
- Child Care Access Means Parents In School (CCAMPIS) Grant
- Child Care Aware of America – Military/DoD Fee Assistance
Contact center staff to learn more about these assistance programs.
Policies and Procedures
COVID-19 Policy Updates
The Pierce College Child Development Centers take the safety of our families and staff seriously. Updates have been made to our policies and procedures at this time, including modified hours, reduced class sizes, and changes to our illness policy. For a full description of these updated policies and procedures, please download the Parent Handbook.
Parent Handbook
The Parent Handbook contains everything you need to know about the Child Development Centers, from our goals and beliefs to classroom policies and procedures.
Calendars
Calendar
All dates are subject to change according to Pierce College District changes.
January to July 2022 Pierce College Child Development Centers Parent Calendar
Menu
Forms
Pierce College Child Development Center Enrollment Interest Form
Hours of Service Requested - Update your child's schedule.
Change of Schedule Form - Request extra time outside of your child's regular schedule or schedule vacation days.
Student Employment
Are you a Pierce College student interested in working at the Child Development Centers? Opportunities are available through work-study programs, as well as to students in our Early Childhood Education program.