Early Childhood Development Certificate (ECHC) – 31 Semester Hours

The Early Childhood Development Certificate program prepares graduates for employment in educational programs for children from birth to age eight. Individuals will obtain a basic understanding of the developmental needs of young children and will learn how to create a nurturing environment in preschool and after school programs. All courses in the Early Childhood Development Certificate program can be applied toward the Associate Degree in Early Care and Education.

Job opportunities in this area are increasing because more children are attending pre-primary schools than ever before. Job opportunities are available in public and private nursery schools and child care.

Courses in the program are available in a variety of formats.

Students entering this program of study must furnish a copy of High School Diploma or GED Certificate.

The T.E.A.C.H. South Carolina scholarship may be available for students already employed in child care. Students who complete ECD 101, Introduction to Early Childhood may be eligible for the South Carolina Early Childhood Credential.

This program is aligned with the following career clusters: Education & Training.

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Program Contact:

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Following is a list of courses required to complete this program. Since some courses are offered once a year, courses should be taken in the following sequence in order to complete the program in a timely manner:

The Infant and Toddler Certificate program specifically prepares graduates for meeting the specialized needs of children under age three. The individual will obtain a basic understanding of the developmental and care needs of young children and will learn how to create a nurturing environment in infant and toddler programs in order to meet the needs of young children and their families. Special needs and early intervention will also be addressed. All courses in the Infant and Toddler Care Certificate program can be applied toward the Associate Degree in Early Care and Education.

Job opportunities in this area are increasing because large numbers of infants and toddlers are enrolled in child care and federally funded programs. Job opportunities are available in Early Head Start and public and private child care programs.

Courses in the program are available during the day and evening. Students entering this program of study must furnish a copy of High School Diploma or GED Certificate. The T.E.A.C.H. South Carolina scholarship may be available for students already employed in child care. Students who complete ECD 101, Introduction to Early Childhood may be eligible for the South Carolina Early Childhood Credential.

Students who complete the Infant and Toddler Care Certificate may be eligible for the South Carolina Infant-Toddler Credential.

This program is aligned with the following career cluster: Education & Training.

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Program Contact:

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Following is a list of courses required to complete this program. Since some courses are offered once a year, courses should be taken in the following sequence in order to complete the program in a timely manner:

The Child Care Assistant Certificate program specifically prepares graduates for assisting classroom teachers in the care and supervision of children in preschool and child care settings. This certificate meets the skill proficiencies of an Early Childhood Educator Level 1 (ECE 1) designated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in the Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators. The ECE I is expected to demonstrate introductory knowledge and application of the standards and competencies. All courses in the Child Care Assistant Certificate program can be applied toward the Associate Degree in Early Care and Education.

Job opportunities are available in assistant positions in child care programs, preschools, Head Start programs, child development centers, after school programs, programs for children with special needs, and self-employment.

The T.E.A.C.H. South Carolina scholarship may be available for students already employed in child care. Students who complete ECD 101, Introduction to Early Childhood may be eligible for the South Carolina Early Childhood Credential.

Courses in the program are available in a variety of formats.

This program is aligned with the following career cluster: Education & Training.

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Program Contact:

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Following is a list of courses required to complete this program. Since some courses are offered once a year, courses should be taken in the following sequence in order to complete the program in a timely manner:

The Early Care and Education Associate Degree in Applied Science program is designed to prepare individuals for employment in a variety of educational and child care programs for children from birth through school age. Recent research and interest in the importance of education of children during the first three years of life has provided for a growing number of new opportunities in the field. Graduates are prepared to assume positions in programs such as Head Start, Early Head Start, public schools, childcare, after-school care, public or private preschools or kindergartens, or working with children with special needs.

Courses in the program are available in a variety of formats.

Students entering this program of study must furnish a copy of High School Diploma or GED Certificate.

The Associate Degree in Applied Science with a major in Early Care and Education does not lead to teacher licensure, but opportunities for transfer to senior colleges and universities are available. The T.E.A.C.H. South Carolina Scholarship program may be available for persons already employed in child care.

*Required for student to obtain the South Carolina Early Childhood Credential.

**Required for students to obtain the South Carolina School-Age Credential

***Intended for those desiring to transfer.

This program is aligned with the following career cluster: Education & Training.

The Associate of Applied Science in Early Care and Education is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The current accreditation term runs from June 2021 through July 2028. 

Click here for Candidate Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Click here for NAEYC Data Report

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Program Contact:

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Following is a list of courses required to complete this program. Since some courses are offered once a year, courses should be taken in the following sequence in order to complete the program in a timely manner: