teacher standing in front of classroom where children are raising their hands

Alternative Routes Program

Name of Program

Bachelor of Applied Science in Teaching

Route(s) Offered

Route 1 for classified instructional employees (paraeducators) with an associate degree

Endorsement(s) Offered

Early Childhood Education (P-3) and Early Childhood Special Education (P-3)

Main Address

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Delivery Method

Hybrid; this program is not available online

Delivery Format

Full-time enrollment as a cohort with late afternoon and evening courses

Regions/School Districts Served

Auburn School District, Bethel School District, Chief Leschi Schools, Clover Park School District, Eatonville School District, Federal Way Public Schools, Fife School District, Franklin Pierce School District, Kent School District, North Thurston Public Schools, Olympia School District, Orting School District, Puyallup School District, Steilacoom Historical School District, Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, Tacoma Public Schools, University Place School District, White River School District, Yelm Community Schools

Brief Description of Program

The BAS-T program serves individuals seeking Washington state initial residency teacher certification in early childhood education and early childhood special education. The first year of the program is 300-level coursework focusing on teaching methods and theory followed by a yearlong residency, which allows candidates to learn to teach while co-teaching with a mentor teacher. The BAS-T program combines outcomes for early childhood general education and early childhood special education with a focus on preparing graduates to work with children and families who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse. This provides graduates with a holistic view of children and ensures that they have the knowledge, skills and dispositions to work in programs serving children representing the diverse population of Pierce County and surrounding areas.

Contact Information

teaching@pierce.ctc.edu

Estimated Time to Complete Program

2 years

Prerequisites

Completed application, AAS-T in ECE or equivalent and scores on the WEST-B (or equivalent SAT or ACT scores)

Sample Cost Breakdowns

Approximately $2,722 to $2,771 per quarter for 6 quarters (based on 2024-2025 WA state tuition rates and college-specific fees).