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Early Care and Education

Early Care and Education - Associate in Applied Science Degree

Program Requirements:

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Admission Type:

General College Admission
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Locations:

Conway

Contact:

Admissions
(843) 347-3186

Early care and Education

If you enjoy children and creative activities, possess patience, excellent communication skills, 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 childcare 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 lab classes and field experiences in 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 (prior to graduation)

Course Sequence and Progression Requirements
A minimum grade of C or better is required for all ECD-prefixed courses and SAC 101 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.

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

Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money.
Go to the University Transfer page for more information.

For more information, contact:
Becky Hubbard - (843) 349-7117
Allissa Santmyer - (843) 349-7500
Babs Crane - (843) 349-5266
Jennifer Cusack - (843) 349-5261

T.E.A.C.H. LogoT.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

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
 

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS

63-64

*Students are required to conduct observations of children, families, and learning environments in a variety of early childhood settings.
**Students are required to participate in lab/class assignments involving visits to licensed childcare facilities.
***PSC 201 and HIS 201 recommended for transfer (Reach Act).
****Students must take the following general education classes: MAT 155, PSY 201 and EDU 201; and must choose one from the following general education electives: BIO 105, PSC 201 or HIS 201; and must choose one Humanities: ART 101, MUS 105 or THE 101; and must choose one ECD elective: ECD 201, ECD 205, ECD 109 or SAC 101.
Note: ECD 107 is also available in the spring and ECD 135 is also available in the fall.