Early Care and Education - Associate in Applied Science Degree
Program Requirements:
Admission Type:
General College Admission
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Contact:
Admissions
(843) 347-3186
If you enjoy children and creative activities, possess patience, excellent communication skills, and sound decision-making abilities, and have a strong work ethic, HGTC's Associate in Applied Science in Early Care and Education (ECD) might be the right career path for you. Early Care and Education professionals work in partnership with families to create a nurturing environment that is respectful of culture and rich in experiences to promote the optimal growth and development of each child. Students in this program receive the tools and resources necessary to provide language- and literacy-rich environments, appropriate math and science skills, an inquiry-based approach to learning about the world, and safe, healthy environments that promote emotional and social well-being. The program includes interactive classroom experiences, as well as off-site experiences in a variety of child-care and early-education environments.
The Early Care and Education Associate Degree prepares students for careers and/or advancement in the early childhood profession. Graduates will be qualified to work in childcare centers, family childcare homes, morning preschool programs, after-school programs, summer camp programs, and some private school programs.
Specific Admission Requirements for Program
- Criminal Background Check is a prerequisite to labs and licensed child care centers (not required for ECD 101)
- Obtain Negative PPD (not required for ECD 101)
- Certification in Pediatric CPR and First Aid in ECD 135
Course Sequence and Progression Requirements
A minimum grade of C or better is required for all ECD-prefixed courses for progression
and graduation. Most Early Care and Education (ECD) courses are offered only once
each year, so following the recommended course sequence is extremely important.
Student Resources
Career Outlook
Recent scientific research has confirmed the need for high-quality care and education during a child's early years, when optimal brain growth and development occurs. This has increased the demand for highly qualified early-childhood professionals. The Associate in Applied Science in Early Care and Education prepares graduates to work in a variety of settings for children ages birth through eight years. These settings include:
- Childcare centers
- Head Start centers
- Family childcare homes
- Morning preschool programs
- After-school programs
- Programs for children with differing abilities
- Summer camp programs
- Private schools
- Public schools
Employers of HGTC Alumni Include:
- Horry and Georgetown County Schools
- Horry County Head Start
- Child Development Ministries at First United Methodist Church
- Carolina Forest Child Development Center
- The Learning Tree Day School
- The Learning Station
- Gateway Academy
For more information about careers, visit O*Net Online for an overview of South Carolina and National earnings statistics, and Career Services for more employment, career, and professional development resources.
Career Pathways
For more information, contact:
Becky Hubbard - (843) 349-7117
Allissa Santmyer - (843) 349-7500
Babs Crane - (843) 349-5266
Tina M. Winesette - (843) 349-7822
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® South Carolina provides scholarships for teachers, directors, owners, and family/group providers
working in childcare to complete coursework in early care and education with little
to no cost. These scholarships are available to eligible individuals working a minimum
number of hours per week and meet the maximum pay requirements in a licensed or registered
child care facility through the South Carolina Department of Social Services. T.E.A.C.H.
Early Childhood® South Carolina provides scholarships to complete course work in early
childhood education courses toward the South Carolina Early Childhood Credential,
a Certificate or an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Eligible individuals
can even transfer to a partnering 4-year college/university to complete a bachelor’s
degree in Early Childhood Education. Students who earn credentials may be eligible
for a Smart Money bonus through this organization as well.
- Level One The SC Early Childhood Credential - $400:
- ECD 101 Introduction to Early Childhood
- Level One The SC School-Age Credential - $400:
- SAC 101 Best Practices in School-Age &Youth Care Skills
- Level Two Infant/Toddler Credential – $600:
- ECD 102 Child Development I
- ECD 200 Curriculum Issues in Infant/Toddler Care
- ECD 205 Socialization and Group Care of Infants and Toddlers
- Level Two Preschool Credential - $600:
- ECD 102 Child Development I
- ECD 105 Guidance and Classroom Management
- ECD 107 Exceptional Children
- Level Two Director Credential - $600:
- ECD 105 Guidance and Classroom Management
- ECD 108 Family and Community Relations
- ECD 109 Administration and Supervision
- Level Two Special Needs Credential - $600
- ECD 102 Child Development I
- ECD 107 Exceptional Children
- ECD 132 Creative Expressions
- Level Two Family Child Care Credential - $600:
- ECD 102 Child Development I
- ECD 135 Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- ECD 205 Socialization and Group Care of Infants and Toddlers
- Level Three Preschool Credential - $1,000:
- ECD 131 Language Arts
- ECD 132 Creative Expressions or ECD 133 Science and Math
- ECD 203 Child Development II
- Level Three Director Credential - $1,000
- ECD 135 Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- ECD 201 Principles of Ethics and Leadership
- MGT 120 Small Business Management or MGT 101 Principles of Management
- Level Three Family Child Care Credential - $1,000:
- ECD 108 Family and Community Relations
- ECD 131 Language Arts
- MGT 120 Small Business Management or MGT 101 Principles of Management
Curriculum Sequence |
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| First Semester - Fall | Course Title | Semester Credit Hours |
| ECD 101 | Introduction to Early Childhood | 3 |
| ECD 102 | Growth and Development I | 3 |
| ECD 108 | Family and Community Relations | 3 |
| ENG 155 | Communications I | 3 |
| Choose from list of courses below**** | 3 | |
| TOTAL | 15 | |
| Second Semester - Spring | ||
| ECD 105 | Guidance - Classroom Management* | 3 |
| ECD 131 | Language Arts** | 3 |
| ECD 203 | Growth and Development II* | 3 |
| Choose from list of courses below**** | 6 | |
| TOTAL | 15 | |
| Third Semester - Summer | ||
| ECD 107 | Exceptional Child* | 3 |
| ECD 133 | Science and Math Concepts** | 3 |
| ECD 135 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition** | 3 |
| TOTAL | 9 | |
| Fourth Semester - Fall | ||
| ECD 132 | Creative Experiences | 3 |
| ECD 200 | Foundations of Special Education | 3 |
| ECD 237 | Methods and Materials** | 3 |
| Choose from list of courses below**** | 3-4 | |
| TOTAL | 12-13 | |
| Fifth Semester - Spring | ||
| ECD 252 | Diversity Issues in Early Care and Education* | 3 |
| ECD 243 | Supervised Field Experience** | 3 |
| Choose from list of courses below**** | 6 | |
| TOTAL | 12 | |
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TOTAL CREDIT HOURS |
63-64 |
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*Students are required to conduct observations of children, families, and learning
environments in a variety of early childhood settings. |
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