Pierce Labor Childcare & Workforce Ed Center secures funding

The innovative proposed site would expand access to low-cost, non-standard-hour childcare for working families and support parents in registered apprenticeship and workforce training programs

The following is from Pierce County Central Labor Council:

TACOMA, WA (October 3, 2025) — The Pierce County Labor Community Services Agency (PCLCSA), the nonprofit arm of the Pierce County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO (PCCLC), is honored to announce that its proposal for the Pierce Labor Childcare and Workforce Education Center is to be awarded $300,000 in funding through the Pierce County Executive’s Community Needs Grant Program.

This award comes as part of Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello’s first biennial budget submission, which advances the County’s “Forward Together” vision in building safe, connected, and opportunity-rich communities, even amid challenging economic conditions.

“On behalf of working families across Pierce County, I want to thank Executive Mello for recognizing that childcare is a necessity,” said Alice Phillips, President of PCCLC. “When our county invests in supports for people who work in order to provide for their families, we all win. We’re grateful to see solidarity reflected in the County’s budget priorities.”

The proposed site of the Pierce Labor Childcare and Workforce Education Center. Photo: Pierce CLC

Executive Mello noted in his budget message: “Within County offices and along cities’ and towns’ main streets and squares, I meet people every day whose dedication and passion for their work make Pierce County such a special place. Investing in our people and communities helps us all feel proud to call this home.”

The proposed Pierce Labor Childcare and Workforce Education Center brings an exciting new vision to the Tacoma Eastside’s former Willard Early Learning School. Investments like the County’s will:

• Expand access to low-cost, non-standard-hour childcare for working families.
• Support parents in registered apprenticeship and workforce training programs.
• Build career ladders and competitive wages for childcare workers.
• Strengthen the local economy by keeping skilled workers in Pierce County’s labor market.

“This is exactly what it means to move Forward Together,” said Nathe Lawver, Secretary-Treasurer of PCCLC and President of PCLCSA. “Removing barriers like childcare that hold folks back from full participation in the workforce, we’re building an economy where working people can train, grow, and thrive in Pierce County.”

PCLCSA looks forward to continued partnership with the Executive’s Office, Pierce County Council, and community allies as this vision takes shape.

The Pierce County Central Labor Council is the AFL-CIO local labor council for the second-most populous county in Washington. Learn more.