The BAS-T program builds off the strong foundation of a professional/technical associate in applied science (AAS-T) degree in Early Childhood Education.
Application for the 2024 - 2025 BAS-T cohort(s) is open beginning February 1, 2024.
Please read the BAS-T application instructions before beginning your application.
Application Period
- First Application Cycle Deadline: April 15, 2024
- Second Application Cycle Deadline and Final Deadline for Summer Cohort Start: June 1, 2024
- Final Application Cycle Deadline for Fall Cohort Start: August 15, 2024
Steps to Apply
As you prepare to apply, we encourage you to use the following step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Apply to Pierce College
If you are not yet a Pierce College student, apply to Pierce College. Be sure to choose the correct starting quarter for the cohort you wish to apply to (summer quarter for the part-time cohort and fall quarter for the full-time cohort).
Step 2: Fulfill the Entrance Exam Requirement
Determine how you will fulfill the entrance exam requirement. All students applying to Washington teacher preparation programs must submit score reports showing completion of a basic skills exam that includes reading, mathematics, and writing. Most students take the WEST-B (or Washington Educator Skills Test Basic) exam or submit scores from the SAT or ACT exam.
- The exam (WEST-B, SAT, or ACT) must be scheduled, if not completed, at the time the BAS-T application is submitted. The online application allows students to list their anticipated test date to move forward with the application.
Step 3: Collect Your Transcripts
Collect unofficial transcripts for each institution you have attended, including Pierce College, to upload with your online application.
- Pierce College unofficial transcripts can be retrieved by the student through ctcLink. To do so, log into ctcLink and access the Academic Records tab from the Student Homepage.
- Once admitted to the program, students must submit official transcripts from all institutions (excluding Pierce College) to Pierce College's Evaluations Office prior to program start.
Step 4: Gather Your References
Identify three (3) professional and/or academic references that can be contacted by Pierce College Education Programs staff to discuss your candidacy for the program. In the online application, we ask that the references' contact information be provided. Pierce College staff will use this information to contact your references with a link to a brief, online survey.
- Two (2) of the three (3) references should be from current supervisors or others who have formally evaluated your work. We recommend prioritizing references who may have evaluated or observed your work with young children.
Step 5: Prepare Application Documents
Prepare the following documents to upload with your online application:
- A professional resume with particular emphasis on experience (working or volunteer) with young children.
- A personal essay based on the prompt included in the BAS-T application instruction guide.
- A parent email response using the instructions included in the BAS-T application instruction guide.
Step 6: Apply to the BAS-T Program
Enter the BAS-T Application and use the information/materials collected above to submit your application!
Recommended: Financial Aid and Funding
Begin to prepare your funding by submitting a financial aid application. You can submit either the FAFSA or the WASFA depending on whether you qualify for federal and state aid (FAFSA) or state aid only (WASFA). We also recommend exploring scholarships and grants through programs such as Washington Scholarships for Child Care Professionals and Washboard.