Academic programs
Quality early childhood education programs (birth through age eight) can have both short- and long-term positive effects on young children and their families. A career in early childhood education presents an opportunity and responsibility to make a difference in how we care for our nation's children.
The Early Childhood Education program is designed to prepare people to work with young children and parents in a variety of settings. Classes help adults to increase their understanding of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of children and families, and to apply developmentally appropriate guidance and curriculum methods to meet the individual and group needs of children and their families.
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
Pierce College offers an associate degree program in Early Childhood Education which prepares individuals to teach young children in a variety of settings, including:
- Head Start
- The Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECEAP)
- cooperative nursery schools
- child care
- private nursery schools
Students fulfill practicum experiences in the college laboratory school on the Fort Steilacoom campus and in community child-care centers and special education and Head Start/ECEAP classrooms.
To tranfer to a four-year college or university, students may choose to complete an A.A.S. (Associate of Arts and Sciences) with electives in ECE, or complete both the ECE and A.A.S. degrees. Graduates can transfer into a wide variety of disciplines, including:
- K-3 elementary education
- special education
- child psychology
- social services
- family studies
Day, evening and some Saturday classes are available; students may attend full- or part-time. Students can begin the ECE program in any quarter. A tentative annual schedule is available.
See the College Catalog for program requirements or contact the ECE office for more information.
