Early Childhood Education

Grades 10 - 12                                                 

2 units

Prerequisite: None

Through study and practical application, Early Childhood Education 1 provides students with a foundation for understanding child growth and development, child nutrition, health and safety, behavior guidance, program planning, maintenance of the child's environment, and management of routine child-centered activities.  Students will also study the laws, regulations, and policies governing child care services.  Direct hands-on work experience with children is incorporated into this program and constitutes 25% of class time.

Taken at CCTC

Grades 11 - 12                                                    

1 unit

Prerequisite: Early Childhood Education 1 and enrolled in ECD 101 

This course builds on the Level 1 program.  Students will continue the academic study of child growth and development, child nutrition, health and safety, behavioral guidance, program planning, maintenance of the child's environment, and management of routine activities.  Students will be engaged in practical application through on-site training in the adjoining childcare center and/or in centers and schools throughout the community.  WTC and CCTC offer a dual credit option for juniors/seniors. Qualified students will enroll in CCTC and take courses. Students who complete the program will earn their Child Care Assistant Certificate before graduation. In order to enroll in Early Childhood Education 2, students are required to enroll in the dual credit class ECD 101 - Introduction to Early Childhood. 

Taken at CCTC

Grades 11 - 12                                                    

1 unit

Prerequisite: Earn a qualifying score on the CCTC placement exam or have a satisfactory SAT/ACT scores

This course is an overview of growth and development, developmentally appropriate curriculum, positive guidance techniques, regulations, health, safety, and nutrition standards in early care and education.  Professionalism, family/cultural values, and practical applications based on historical and theoretical models in early care and education are highlighted in this course.

Taken at CCTC

Grades 11 - 12                                                    

1 unit

Prerequisite: Earn a qualifying score on the CCTC placement exam or have a satisfactory SAT/ACT scores

This course is a study of the purposes of higher education and provides a general orientation to the functions and resources of the college.  The course is designed to help freshmen adjust to the college community, develop a better understanding of the learning process, and acquire essential academic survival skills.  New transfer students are also encouraged to complete this course to assist in familiarity with CCTC Student Support and Resources.

Taken at CCTC

Grade 12                                                 

1 unit

Prerequisite: Early Childhood Education 2 and teacher recommendation

Students who have successfully completed the Level 1 and Level 2 courses have the option of registering for Level 3 with the recommendation of the teacher. Curriculum continues beyond level 2 and may include internship opportunities.  

Taken at CCTC

Grade 12                                                    

1 unit

Prerequisite: ECD 101

This course provides students with a basic understanding of infant & toddler development and care from an ecological perspective. Assessment of children in various settings is emphasized. Students are required to participate in a practicum in infant & toddler development and care which includes service learning. 

Taken at CCTC

Grade 12                                                    

1 unit

Prerequisite: ECD 101 and EDU 204

This course is a study of methods and materials in age-appropriate language experiences. Opportunities are provided to develop listening, speaking, prereading, and prewriting skills through planning, implementation, and evaluation of media, methods, techniques, and equipment. Methods of selection, evaluation, and presentation of children’s literature are

Taken at CCTC

Grade 12                                                    

1 unit

Prerequisite: ECD 101 and EDU 204

This course is an overview of developmentally appropriate, effective guidance and classroom management techniques for the teacher of young children. A positive pro-active approach is stressed in the course.

Taken at CCTC

Grade 12                                                    

1 unit

Prerequisite: ECD 101 and EDU 204

This course is an in-depth study of preschool children growing and developing in today’s world. Focus is on “total” development of the child with emphasis on physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and nutritional areas of development. Developmental tasks and appropriate activities are explored in the course.

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.

Students who complete ECD 101, Introduction to Early Childhood may be eligible for the South Carolina Early Childhood Credential.