Tips for students
Registration
We've provided a tentative schedule of courses to assist you with your planning.
New students
When you're planning your classes, you should not wait to take ECE classes. It will be beneficial to mix ECE courses with other types of courses. But do take ECE 111 as soon as possible: it will give you ideas of career choices, transfer options and ECE program requirements.
Current students
See your advisor on your designated advising day. You will receive a letter from the ECE advisors indicating scheduled advising time options. Talk through your class schedule and obtain your advisor's signature. If you need to discuss your educational plans and your particular ECE advisor is not available, please work with another program advisor in ECE. (See the "Contact us" page for a list of advisors.)
Work-Based Learning Process
ECE 222, 223, and 224
- Child Care Work Based Learning (222)
- Special Education Work Based Learning (223)
- Head Start/ECEAP Work Based Learning (224)
Each class is two credits and requires 50 hours of work in a center program. ECE permission is required so check with an ECE advisor well in advance. You may do these work based classes your first year. These classes can be done with options and flexibility - check with an ECE advisor.
Prerequisites:
- ECE 111 and 112
- At least one of the following: ECE 202, 205, 213, or 215
ECE 210/220 - Nursery School Practicum
Total of eight credits to be taken any quarter. ECE permission is required. Check with an ECE advisor well in advance as there is a waiting list for most quarters and an application process.
Summer Practicum is never assured (because of state funding) and usually only for full-time teachers currently teaching in ECE.
Prerequisites:
- ECE 111, 112, 202, 205, 213, 215
- Completed negative TB (tuberculosis) test or negative chest X-ray
ECE 256-260 - Field Experience
These courses (one - five credits each) are not required for any degree. Field experience can give students opportunities to work in school environments before doing the above courses or for those who do not choose to get the entire ECE degree.
Students will require an ECE advisor's assistance and ECE permission to take these courses.
Possibilities for work-based learning:
- Head Start program at Pierce College if the student has completed ECE 111
- A situation of the student's choice - written proposal required
After Pierce: transferring into elementary education
If you are entering an Elementary Education program you will want to:
Ask the four-year college or university what prerequisites are needed for entrance into the teaching certification program.
Ask if you will need to arrange a "September Experience" before beginning your junior year. Field experience credits may count toward elementary degree prerequisites/requirements if it is done with kindergarten or above grades. Check into it!
Use ECE courses from Pierce as electives. You may need to show advisors the syllabus for the course in question and possibly show materials that were completed in that course (art file, science/math file, etc.).
Negotiate ECE credits toward elementary education requirements. This is usually arranged on an individual basis with each college/university advisor, and is not a given.
Your attitude as a transfer student is very important. Be patient if courses you take include some repetition. Demonstrate your maturity by creating your own personal goals for each course.
Courses may be very difficult. But, you have already proven that you don't give up easily. Go for it! Get help! Find a tutor! Talk to the professor! Work with other students!
Call or write us to let us know how you are doing.
Let other people know about the options for teachers of young children at Pierce College. You are our best public relations resource.
