Program Description

This program gives students an understanding of the needs of young children and prepares them to implement quality pre-school programming. An introduction to administration of programs for young children is also included.

Embedded Certificate
This program contains one or more embedded certificates which will automatically be awarded if the certificate requirements are met unless the student completes and submits the Program of Study Change Form requesting to opt out of the embedded certificate. 

Mission Statement

The Early Childhood Department views its primary mission as educating and preparing those who work with young children and providing students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to meet the needs of all learners.  

Entrance Requirements

High school diploma or GED

• Upon enrollment in a lab course, students must have
  • Documentation of a criminal record check in compliance with S.C. Code Section 63-13-40.
  • Documentation of freedom from TB, signed by a health care provider.

Type of Program

Day, evening and limited online

Requirements for Completion

A minimum grade of “C” is required for all ECD courses in order to count toward graduation. The associate degree alone does not grant teacher licensure or teacher certification.

Program Accreditation

This program is accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Employment Opportunities

Child care programs, preschools, Head Start programs, child development centers, after school programs, programs for children with special needs, public school teacher assistant, self-employment

Visit our web page at https://www.gvltec.edu/earlycare/.

Listed below is the ideal grouping of courses in order by semester. This plan assumes a full-time schedule. Note, however, that many variables can affect this plan, and not every course is offered every semester. Please see your advisor to map out your own personalized progression toward graduation.

Note: Please contact your advisor for recommended evening schedules.
 

Plan of Study Grid

First Semester		Hours
COL 105	Freshman Seminar	3
COL 111	E-Learning Success	1
ECD 101	Introduction to Early Childhood 4	3
ECD 102	Growth and Development I 1,4	3
ENG 101	English Composition I 2	3
	Total Semester Hours	13
Second Semester
ECD 108	Family and Community Relations Growth & Development II 4	3
ECD 135	Health, Safety and Nutrition 4	3
ECD 203	Growth and Development II 1,4	3
MAT 155	Contemporary Mathematics 2	3
	Total Semester Hours	12
Third Semester
ECD 105	Guidance-Classroom Management Growth & Development II 4	3
ECD 106	Observation of Young Children 4	3
PSY 201	General Psychology 2	3
	Total Semester Hours	9
Fourth Semester
ECD 107	Exceptional Children Growth & Development II	3
ECD 132	Creative Experiences 1	3
ECD 133	Science and Math Concepts	3
ECD 201	Ethics and Leadership in ECE	3
	Total Semester Hours	12
Fifth Semester
ECD 131	Language Arts 1	3
ECD 237	Methods and Materials	3
SPC 205	Public Speaking 2	3
Early Childhood Education Elective 3		3
	Total Semester Hours	12
Sixth Semester
ECD 243	Supervised Field Experience I 1	3
Humanities Requirement 2		3
	Total Semester Hours	6
	Total Required Credit Hours	64

¹

Course with required lab hours in the Greenville Technical College Child Development Center

²

General education course

³

ECD Elective - Choose one:

• ECD 109 Administration and Supervision
• ECD 205 Soc & Group Care of Infants & Toddlers
• ECD 210 Early Childhood Intervention
• ECD 252 Diversity Issues in Early Care & Educ
• ECD 254 Facilit & Environ Mgt for ECD Spec Educ
• ECD 259 Behavior Management for Special Needs
• ECD 260 Methods of Teaching Spec Needs Students
• ECD 280 Registered Behavior Technician

⁴

It is strongly recommended to take the courses ECD 101, ECD 102, ECD 105, ECD 106, ECD 108, ECD 135, and ECD 203 during the 1st year.