Early Chilhood Development

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Quality early childhood programs are vital to the future success of young children. The Early Childhood Development (ECD) program prepares students who are entering the field as well as students already employed in the field through coursework infused with a variety of learning experiences, on-site placements for labs in local early care and public school settings, and interactions with faculty and community professionals. The curriculum for ECD's certificates, diploma, and associate degree are designed to help students become committed, capable, and compelled early care and education professionals. Recent graduates are employed as public school teacher assistants, as teachers or teacher assistants in Head Start and other early care programs, and as directors of early care programs.

The ECD program offers an associate degree, diploma, and three certificates. Credit for courses in the certificates or diploma may be applied toward the associate degree.

The ECD program's associate degree is accredited by the National Association of Education for Young Children, 1313 L Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005-4101, telephone: 202-232-8777.

SCHEDULING AND ENTRY OPTIONS
SPECIAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
RELATED DIPLOMA AND CERTIFICATE(S)

SCHEDULING AND ENTRY OPTIONS
Students may enter any term. Day and evening classes are available. Evening students and part-time day students should allow additional terms to complete degree requirements. Evening students will also need to allow time during the day when lab or field experiences are required to complete course requirements. General Education course requirements can be completed at any time during the program. Courses can be completed in any order subject to the completion of course prerequisites.

ADDITIONAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
In addition to meeting general admission requirements, Early Childhood Development majors are required to meet the specific requirements outlined below:

1. Credit towards graduation requirements for ECD courses over five years old must be approved by the program coordinator.

2. A grade of "C" or better is required for ECD courses fulfilling prerequisite and graduation requirements.

3. A student must be able to enter and/or remain in all lab and/ or field experiences to progress within the ECD program. Prior to the first day of lab or field experiences, students must provide proof of eligibility to work with young children by completing the following forms that are available from the program coordinator:
a. South Carolina Department of Social Services Health Assessment and Medical Statement forms documenting that the student has no significant problems that would interfere with his/her ability to care for children including tuberculosis status. b. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Check for Criminal History indicating a record that complies with South Carolina Department of Social Services Child Care Regulations.
c. Tri-County Technical College ECD Discipline Policy indicating adherence to positive child guidance techniques.

4. In addition to College tuition and fees, ECD students will incur expenses for professional liability insurance and supplemental printed materials. Contact the program coordinator for additional details.

DEGREE:
Associate in Applied Science
Major: General Technology
Concentration in Early Childhood Development
Graduation Credits Required: 66

The Early Childhood Development program provides students with learning opportunities to pursue their education in the field of early childhood as well as to formalize their prior experiences with young children. The program of study is designed to prepare students to offer learning experiences in early care and education settings that promote positive development and learning opportunities for all young children. Additionally, program specific and general education requirements help to prepare students to know and to use ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to early childhood practice.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
General Education: 15 Semester Credit Hours

ENG 155 Communications I - 3 credits
ENG 156 Communications II - 3 credits
MAT 155 Contemporary Mathematics - 3 credits
PSY 120 Organizational Psychology - 3 credits
Humanities Requirement - 3 credits

NOTE: See also “General Education Course Requirements/Substitutions”

Major Concentration Courses:
51 Semester Credit Hours, Early Childhood Development

CPT 170 Microcomputer Applications - 3 credits
ECD 101 Introduction to Early Childhood - 3 credits
ECD 102 Growth and Development I - 3 credits
ECD 105 Guidance-Classroom Mgmt - 3 credits
ECD 106 Observation of Young Children - 3 credits
ECD 107 Exceptional Children - 3 credits
ECD 108 Family and Community Relations - 3 credits
ECD 109 Administration and Supervision - 3 credits
ECD 131 Language Arts - 3 credits
ECD 132 Creative Experiences - 3 credits
ECD 133 Science and Math Concepts - 3 credits
ECD 135 Health, Safety and Nutrition - 3 credits
ECD 203 Growth and Development II - 3 credits
ECD 237 Methods and Materials - 3 credits
ECD 243 Supervised Field Experience I - 3 credits
ECD 244 Supervised Field Experience II - 3 credits
MGT 120 Small Business Management - 3 credits

General Elective:
0 Semester Credit Hours

Also see COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

DIPLOMA:
Early Childhood Development
Graduation Credits Required: 45

REQUIREMENTS
General Education: 9 Semester Credit Hours

ENG 155 Communications I - 3 credits
MAT 155 Contemporary Mathematics - 3 credits
PSY 120 Organizational Psychology - 3 credits

Required Program Courses:
36 Semester Credit Hours

ECD 101 Introduction to Early Childhood - 3 credits
ECD 102 Growth and Development I - 3 credits
ECD 105 Guidance-Classroom Mgmt - 3 credits
ECD 107 Exceptional Children - 3 credits
ECD 131 Language Arts - 3 credits
ECD 132 Creative Experiences - 3 credits
ECD 133 Science and Math Concepts - 3 credits
ECD 135 Health, Safety, and Nutrition - 3 credits
ECD 203 Growth and Development II - 3 credits
ECD 237 Methods and Materials - 3 credits
ECD 243 Supervised Field Experience I - 3 credits
ECD 244 Supervised Field Experience II - 3 credits

CERTIFICATE:
Early Childhood Development
Graduation Credits Required: 27

REQUIREMENTS
Required Program Courses: 27 Semester Credit Hours

ECD 101 Introduction to Early Childhood - 3 credits
ECD 102 Growth and Development I - 3 credits
ECD 105 Guidance-Classroom Mgmt - 3 credits
ECD 107 Exceptional Children - 3 credits
ECD 131 Language Arts - 3 credits
ECD 132 Creative Experiences - 3 credits
ECD 133 Science and Math Concepts OR
SAC 101 Best Practices in School-Age and Youth Care Skills - 3 credits
ECD 135 Health, Safety, and Nutrition - 3 credits
ECD 203 Growth and Development II - 3 credits

CERTIFICATE:
Child Care Management
Graduation Credits Required: 30

REQUIREMENTS
Required Program Courses: 30 Semester Credit Hours

CPT 170 Microcomputer Applications - 3 credits
ECD 102 Growth and Development I - 3 credits
ECD 105 Guidance-Classroom Mgmt - 3 credits
ECD 106 Observation of Young Children - 3 credits
ECD 108 Family and Community Relations - 3 credits
ECD 109 Administration and Supervision - 3 credits
ECD 135 Health, Safety, and Nutrition - 3 credits
ECD 203 Growth and Development II - 3 credits
ECD 237 Methods and Materials - 3 credits
MGT 120 Small Business Management - 3 credits

CERTIFICATE:
Infant/Toddler
Graduation Credits Required: 27

REQUIREMENTS
Required Program Courses: 27 Semester Credit Hours

ECD 101 Introduction to Early Childhood - 3 credits
ECD 102 Growth and Development I - 3 credits
ECD 108 Family and Community Relations - 3 credits
ECD 132 Creative Experiences - 3 credits
ECD 135 Health, Safety, and Nutrition - 3 credits
ECD 200 Curriculum Issues in Infant/Toddler Development - 3 credits
ECD 205 Socialization and Group Care of Infants and Toddlers - 3 credits
ECD 207 Inclusive Care - 3 credits
ECD 251 Supervised Field Experiences in Infant/Toddler Environment - 3 credits