Early Childhood Development

Early Childhood Development

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Mission

The Early Childhood Development Certificate program mission is to foster and support creative and positive learning experiences within an atmosphere of academic excellence and continuous improvement. The program will prepare students for specific careers and employment in various early childhood development related areas and/or for the pursuit of advanced degrees in Early Care and Education by educating them in the fundamental concepts, knowledge, and laboratory/ field techniques and skills of the Early Childhood Development program. The ECD program is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion of all candidates.

Program Quick Facts

SC State Technical College System Community Service Award Recipient (ECD Club)
TEACH Scholarships Small Class Sizes ( 1 Faculty to 10 Students)
Child Care Credentials ECD Week of the Young Child Fun Day
SC WINS Financial Aid Awards
Early Childhood Development Club

Learning Opportunities

The ECD program operates under all SACSCOC guidelines, the State Technical College System and Denmark Technical College best practices. The program is outline with a curriculum display that have been approved and adopted thru the proper channels of the educational system. For entry into the program all students must have a high school diploma or its equivalence. All students are treated equally and fair regardless of race, nationality, religion or sex. To meet the needs of our stakeholders and to ensure candidate’s readiness for work, candidates are required to have a SLED background check, TB skin test, and CPR and first aid certifications upon completion of the program. Some candidates master their skills by pursuing credentials in SC Early Childhood Credential, SC Director Credential, Preschool Credential 2, Preschool Credential 3 and Special Needs Credential 2. The credentials are submitted by the South Carolina Early Care and Education Credentialing System. Once received, upon successfully passing selected courses with a “C” or higher grade from the course, the SC Endeavors will issue the credentials to the candidates. Stakeholders view the credentials as an important tool for new hires as noted to be exceptional workers. All of the above run hand to hand with the mission statement and conceptual framework guidelines. Candidates explore experiential learning through various early childhood field internships that yields 180 laboratory hours within the one year program. Candidates have the opportunity to attend Early Childhood Conferences (SCAEYC, NAEYC, Low Country Early Childhood Conference) on a yearly basis.

Major

Applied Science in Early Childhood Development Certificate

Projected Career Salaries

Career Salaries range: 

  • Child Care workers annual median wage is $18,370.00
  • Head start workers annual median wage is $23,080.00
  • Pre-K Teachers annual median wage is $24,960.00

Graduate Placements

Graduates are placed 95% -100% in employment or transfer to four year colleges and universities.

Possible Memberships in Subject Area

  • Memberships in SCAEYC (South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children) & NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children).
  • Memberships into Denmark Technical College Chapter National Technical Honor Society (2.5 GPA or higher)

Program Courses

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