Early Childhood Care and Education

When working with small children, work is never routine. With new activities and challenges, every day has the potential to be a new learning experience.

Overview

Students enrolled in OFTC’s early childhood program can earn a certificate of credit in early childhood which is required by all daycare workers in the state of Georgia and can continue their education to earn a diploma and an associate degree. Students learn how to write and implement lesson plans with guidance from the instructors and gain knowledge concerning Georgia Early Learning and Development and Georgia Standards of Excellence standards which drive daycare, pre-k, and elementary classroom instruction. Courses in this program utilize Open Education Resources, so students don’t have to purchase textbooks since all required resources are provided through online sources, which save students’ money. 

Programs in the Early Childhood Care and Education department can be completed between 1 – 5 semesters. 

Features

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Job Stability & Security

Employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 18% through 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

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Little or No Cost to You

With the Pell Grant, Georgia’s HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and HOPE Career Grant (for students/programs who qualify) and other scholarship opportunities, many students graduate OFTC with little to no debt.

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Tuition & Fees

With tuition at $100 per credit hour, total costs for Early Childhood Care and Education department programs range from: 

  • Tuition & Fees*: $1,301.00 – $9,205.00 
  • Books & Supplies*: $3,000.00 

*Visit the OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and suppliesCosts are estimated and are subject to change. 

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Advancement Opportunities

Certification is one way to move up to advanced positions within the early childhood career field. Additional skills, certifications or degrees in management, education, psychology and other specialties can also help advance your career opportunities! 

 

Locations

Campuses

Oconee Fall Line Technical College has campuses throughout its 11-county service area. We look forward to your visit.

Visit www.OFTC.edu/programs/ to view each individual program and the OFTC campus where it is taught, in part or in its entirety.

Dublin Campus (South)
560 Pinehill Road
Dublin, GA 31021
Phone: (478) 275-6589
Sandersville Campus (North)
1189 Deepstep Road
Sandersville, GA 31082
Phone: (478) 553-2050
Jefferson County Center
1257 Warrior Trail
Louisville, GA 30434
Phone: (478) 625-1901
Online
Phone: (478) 553-2149

Admissions

Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions!

Admissions Process

 

Your admissions application can be submitted online with your $25.00 non-refundable application fee and takes just a few minutes to complete.   

 

  1. Submit a completed application and application fee. 
  2. Submit official high school transcript, GED transcript, or official college transcripts, if applicable. 
  3. Submit official entrance score on a validated assessment instrument, if applicable. Visit the OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and its required minimum scores. 
  4. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at https://studentaid.gov/ and HOPE Application at www.GAfutures.org using OFTC School Code: 031555. 

NOTE: The College may accept transfer credit for other courses according to the College’s transfer policy. 

General Requirements

 

  1. Be at least 16 years of age; You must be 18 years of age to apply for the Program Administration Certificate.

 

Additional admissions requirements unique to each program are listed on each individual program page in the OFTC Catalog 

Need More Info?

 

  • For more information about any of these programs, contact a program advisor: 
    • 478-240-5164 (Sandersville) 
    • 478-274-7799 (Dublin) 
  • For additional information on admission to OFTC, 
contact the Office of Admissions: 
    • 478-553-2064 (Sandersville)
    • 478-275-6589 (Dublin) 
Apply Today

Learning Format

Students can enter an Early Childhood Care/Education program any semester — because when you are ready to start on the path to a new career and change your life, there’s no reason to wait. 

Classes are offered in a variety of formats: on campus, blended, online asynchronous, and synchronous technology. 

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On Campus

These are courses that are taught primarily in the classroom or lab with less than 50% of instruction online. On campus courses may include lecture, labs, internships, clinicals, and other in-person instructional modalities.

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Blended

Blended courses are distance learning courses with the majority of the course content, activities, and interactions occurring online but may require students to come to campus for specific assignments, activities, or events.

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Online Asynchronous

These are courses that are taught fully online asynchronously with course content, activities, and interactions occurring entirely online. This delivery method does not require students to be online at a specific date or time, and students may participate in class activities and complete course assignments asynchronously. Online asynchronous courses require proctored events.

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Synchronous Technology

OFTC also utilizes synchronous technology to offer courses via distance education means. The course is taught on one campus and then broadcast simultaneously to a classroom on a different campus that is monitored by a class proctor.

Flexible Schedule

We want you to get the most out of college and understand the pressure it adds to your life. At OFTC you can achieve your career goals and fit college into your lifestyle. We offer small class sizes and flexible scheduling.

Courses for our programs are offered during the morning, afternoon, and evenings – plus many are online where you can do your work any time of day.

And the personalized hands-on attention you receive in a small classroom setting allows you to get individualized support, focus and feedback from your instructors. Your instructors will get to know you and help you build the foundation and confidence needed for success in your field.

Apply Today

Paying for College

At OFTC, we realize that many students require financial assistance to achieve their academic goals. We’ll work with you to help you obtain financial aid to assist you in funding your education. We’re committed to helping you find ways to pay for this life-changing investment.  

With the Pell Grant, Georgia’s HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and HOPE Career Grant (for students/programs who qualify) and other scholarship opportunities, many students graduate OFTC with little to no debt. 

Financial Aid

OFTC offers several financial aid opportunities that can help you pay for college. Most students apply for federal and state aid, including the Pell Grant, HOPE Scholarship & Grant, and HOPE Career Grant.   

OFTC students can also apply for scholarships through the OFTC Foundation and various businesses and civic-sponsored organizations. 

Contact the Office of Financial Aid or visit OFTC’s Financial Aid web page to learn more about grants, scholarships and Federal Work Study to help fund your education.  

  • 478-553-2131 (Sandersville) 
  • 478-274-7833 or 478-274-7940 (Dublin)
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$
834
M
Georgia awarded over $834 million in scholarships in AY22
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62
%
of OFTC students have some form of scholarship
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$
7.3
M
OFTC students received over $7.3 million in financial assistance in AY22
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93.6
%
of OFTC's students received some form of Financial Aid in AY22

OFTC students can also apply for scholarships through the OFTC Foundation and various businesses and civic-sponsored organizations. Contact the Office of Financial Aid or visit OFTC’s Financial Aid web page to learn more about grants, scholarships and Federal Work Study to help fund your education.

Contact

Tuition & Fees

With tuition at $100 per credit hour, total costs for Early Childhood Care and Education department programs range from: 

  • Tuition & Fees*: $8,855.00 
  • Books & Supplies*: $3,000.00 

*Visit the OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Costs are estimated and are subject to change. 

NET PRICE CALCULATOR

You can also use the Net Price Calculator to get estimated net price information based on what similar students paid in a previous year. 

Career Outlook

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

After completing the Early Childhood program, graduates are prepared to start their careers as lead teachers in a daycare center, paraprofessionals, own and manage their own childcare facilities, or continue their education by transferring their credits into the university system to begin work on a four-year degree.  

BLS.GOV 

Preschool Teachers (Associate’s Degree) 

  • 2021 Median Annual Pay: $30,210 
  • Job Outlook: 15% through 2030 

What does this mean to you? With a higher than average expected growth rate, there are plenty of job opportunities for someone interested in a career working with and teaching young children. 

Learn More
99.78
%
job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY21)
87.30
%
in-field job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY21)
57.1
%
of OFTC students enrolled are First Generation college students (AY22)

Program Benefits

Skills Learned

 

  • Teach children basic skills such as identifying colors, shapes, numbers, and letters 
  • Work with children in groups or one on one, depending on the needs of children and on the subject matter 
  • Plan and carry out a curriculum that focuses on different areas of child development 
  • Organize activities so children can learn about the world, explore interests, and develop skills 
  • Develop schedules and routines to ensure children have enough physical activity and rest 
  • Watch for signs of emotional or developmental problems in each child and bring them to the attention of the child’s parents 
  • Keep records of the children’s progress, routines, and interests, and inform parents about their child’s development 

Job Titles

 

  • Child Care Provider 
  • Preschool Worker 
  • Preschool Teacher 
  • Paraprofessional 
  • Child Life Specialist 
  • Tutor 
  • Nanny 
  • Preschool Directors 

 

Diverse Settings

 

  • Head Start 
  • Georgia Pre-K programs 
  • Child day care services 
  • Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private 
  • Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations 
  • Individual and family services 

Graduate Testimonials

“I’m confident that I’ll be prepared for a successful career in early childhood care and education. My advisors are very knowledgeable and are always providing helpful resources to help me advance my learning. The hands-on learning opportunities and experiences have given me opportunities to learn about the course by actually doing the things we learn; it’s given me a chance to see the type of work I’ll actually be doing once I’m in the classroom.”   

Akellah Jordan
OFTC Graduate