The Children's Center
The Children's Center, located on the Fort Steilacoom campus, is a model laboratory school specially designed with an expansive outdoor and indoor learning environment that provides many opportunities for children to grow physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.
The Center is staffed by Pierce College's Early Childhood Education program instructors and students. To earn an ECE degree, students complete one of their four practicums developing and applying professional skills with the children and families enrolled at the Center. Unique laboratory observation facilities provide further learning experiences for students and parents. The Center is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.
The Children's Center Nursery School
- Children's Program
- The children's program includes developmentally appropriate activities in curriculum areas such as large and small motor skill development, music, science, dramatic play, art, literature, and math. The program emphasizes the value of play and hands-on experiences as children grow physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.
- Ages
- Children who are three years of age (toilet trained) by August 31 through six years of age (prior to entering kindergarten). For younger children, see "Classes for parents and children."
- Hours
- 9:15 - 11:15 a.m., Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
- Cost
- $270 per child, per college quarter, or three payments of $90 each. A nonrefundable registration deposit of $90 is required upon notification of an opening.
- Staff
- Instructors and second year students from the Early Childhood Education Program plan and present the children's program in the laboratory school setting.
- Parent Education
- A parent education component is included in the The Children's Center program.
Calls for fall quarter waiting list will be accepted Sept. 1 to Feb. 15 of the year previous to the child's eligibility for enrollment.
