Early Care and Education

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.

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

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:

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.

For more information about careers, visit O*Net Online for an overview of South Carolina and National earnings statistics, and Horry-Georgetown Technical College's Office of Career Services for more employment, career, and professional development resources.

Employers of HGTC Alumni Include: