Frequently Asked Questions

Students move through the program together, taking the same courses on the same schedule each quarter. The BAS-T cohort begins once a year in fall quarter and progresses through the program together until graduation.

No. A new cohort begins each fall. Students cannot join the program outside of that start time.

Our BAS-T courses are regionally accredited and may be transferable. However, transfer decisions are made by the receiving institution. Because these courses are specialized, they may not be considered equivalent elsewhere. If you are considering transferring, contact the institution directly to confirm how credits would apply.

No. You may apply if you have at least 90 college level credits that meet certain distribution areas (like humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, etc.) and have completed the specific early childhood education prerequisites needed. You can review eligibility details  or request a transcript evaluation at the BAS-T application page, or email Teaching@pierce.ctc.edu.

Possibly. Applicants with at least two years of experience working with children ages 0–8, along with relevant professional development, may request a waiver for select prerequisites (EDUC&150, ECED&160, and ECED&190). This requires submitting a portfolio for review as part of the application process. Contact Teaching@pierce.ctc.edu for portfolio guidelines.

Yes. You may apply while completing prerequisites. However, ECED&105, EDUC&115 and EDUC&130 must be finished before the program begins in fall.

Almost! The AA-DTA meets general education requirements, but you must also have completed the six specific early childhood education prerequisites. An advisor can help you incorporate these into your degree plan, so be sure you meet with them as soon as possible.

No, there is no limit to the number of times a you can retake a prerequisite course and there is no expiration date for prerequisite courses.

Yes. Applicants must have:

• A 2.0 cumulative GPA in all college‑level coursework
• A 2.5 GPA in education‑related coursework

If you have concerns, email Teaching@pierce.ctc.edu to discuss your situation.

No. There is no minimum required score. Basic skills exam results are used to connect you with academic support if needed, not to determine admission.

To apply, you must complete the BAS-T Application linked at the top of the BAS-T Application webpage.

No. There is no application fee for the BAS-T program.

You do not need to complete the exam before applying, but it must be scheduled before you apply and completed before the program begins.

Applications are reviewed by our Application Committee holistically. We consider academic readiness, disposition for teaching, and all required materials. Admission is not based on grades alone.

Applicants who apply by June 1 typically receive decisions in late June or July. Those who apply by August 15 usually hear back in late August or early September.

Pierce College partners with school districts throughout the south Puget Sound region. District availability can change, so email Teaching@pierce.ctc.edu for current placement information.

Because the program leads to two endorsements (preschool through third grade general education and special education), residency lasts a full academic year, from September through June.

Student teaching placements are typically unpaid. We encourage students to plan ahead and reach out to our department to discuss available supports.

Yes, but work must be outside of student teaching hours. Candidates are expected to be at their placement five days a week during standard teacher contract hours, which are typically between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

In addition to completing the coursework required for the BAS-T degree, candidates seeking teacher certification must:

1. Pass all required basic skills and content exams, including three assessments: the WEST‑B or an approved equivalent, the NES Early Childhood Education exam, and the WEST‑E Early Childhood Special Education exam.
2. Complete the Holistic Educators Pedagogical Portfolio (HEPP).
3. Fulfill residency clinical hours in both Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE).
4. Receive formal evaluations from a mentor teacher and a faculty field supervisor that result in a recommendation for licensure.

Candidates must also maintain ongoing eligibility throughout the program, including required fingerprinting and background checks.

No. Our program specifically leads to endorsement in early childhood education and early childhood special education, which only allows individuals to teach up to third grade.

No. Pierce College uses the Holistic Educators Pedagogical Portfolio (HEPP), developed by Pierce College faculty and completed during residency at no cost.

No. Both endorsements are integrated into the BAS-T curriculum and required for program completion.

No. The BAS-T degree and certification requirements are completed together. Students with prior bachelor’s degrees may want to explore post baccalaureate or master’s programs elsewhere.

For the 2025–26 academic year, tuition is approximately $2,800–$2,900 per quarter, totaling about $17,300 total for the program. This does not include prerequisite coursework or certification fees. Tuition details are available on the Pierce College Tuition and Fees page.

Yes. Costs such as fingerprinting, exams, and state certification application fees typically total about $500 to $600. Also, please consider that residency often requires taking leave from weekday work, which can impact candidates’ income.

Yes. The BAS-T program is eligible for federal and state financial aid.

No. Early Achievers funding applies only to associate degree coursework.

Scholarships and funding opportunities are listed on the Education Programs scholarships webpage and are updated regularly.

Yes. Many graduates of this program pursue master’s programs. Check directly with your intended institution for admission requirements.

Program graduates may teach preschool through third grade in general education or special education classrooms in Washington state.

Possibly. Acceptance depends on the receiving state. Contact that state’s Department of Education or Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to confirm requirements.

This usually requires additional coursework or certification. The pathway to teaching young children versus teaching older children, particularly when it comes to teaching specific subjects or content areas, is very different. If you are exploring options, Pierce College Education Programs staff are happy to talk through next steps.