A FDTC Early Childhood Graduate help a child in a classroom.

Early Care and Education

Program Type: Associate In Applied Science

Program Level: UG

Division: Business, Computing, & Social Science

Program Duration: 24 months

Program Contact: Elizabeth Crow

Credit Requirement: 63

Time: Day

Program overview

Early Care and Education graduates will demonstrate, through authentic field assessment, professional dispositions of the field of Early Care and Education, realized in commitments to children, families, colleagues, and community; evidenced in the practices of (1) evidence-based practice and advocacy, (2) upholding ethical and other standards of the field, (3) respectful collaboration within a community of learners, (4) effective and prosocial verbal and written communication, (5) reflection and self-assessment for continuous learning, (6) critical thinking that seeks and considers multiple perspectives, (7) identifying and using professional and community resources, (8) leadership for positive change.

Courses Required

Semester 1

Introduction to Early Childhood

Course Code: ECD-101

This course includes 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/culture values and practical applications based on historical and theoretical models in early care and education are highlighted in this course.


Growth & Development I

Course Code: ECD-102

This course is an extensive study of philosophies and theories of growth and development of infants/toddlers. Focus is on "total" development of the child, with emphasis on physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and nutritional areas. Developmental tasks and appropriate activities are explored in the course.


Health, Safety and Nutrition

Course Code: ECD-135

This course covers a review of health/safety practices recommended for child care and includes information on common diseases and health problems. Certification preparation is provided in pediatric safety, CPR, and first aid. Guidelines and information on nutrition and developmentally-appropriate activities are also studied in the course.


English Composition I

Course Code: ENG-101

This is a (College Transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: A study of composition in conjunction with appropriate literary selections, with frequent theme assignments to reinforce effective writing. A review of standard usage and the basic techniques of research are also presented.


Semester 2

Guidance-Classroom Management

Course Code: ECD-105

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.


Exceptional Children

Course Code: ECD-107

This course includes an overview of special needs children and their families. Emphasis is on prevalence of disorders, treatment modalities, community resources serving exceptional children, the teacher's role in mainstreaming and early identification, and on federal legislation affecting exceptional children.


Creative Experiences

Course Code: ECD-132

In this course the importance of creativity and independence in creative expression are stressed. A variety of age-appropriate media, methods, techniques and equipment are utilized. Students plan, implement, and evaluate instructional activities.


Contemporary Mathematics

Course Code: MAT-155

This course includes techniques and applications of the following topics: elementary number theory; algebra; geometry; measurement; graph sketching and interpretations; and descriptive statistics.


Semester 3

Microcomputer Applications

Course Code: CPT-170

This course introduces microcomputer applications software, including word processing, data bases, spreadsheets, graphs, and their integration. Note: May not be used for credit in any CPT degree or certificate program.


Growth & Development II

Course Code: ECD-203

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.


General Psychology

Course Code: PSY-201

This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology.


Public Speaking

Course Code: SPC-205

This course is an introduction to principles of public speaking with application of speaking skills. Successful completion of ENG 101 is recommended.


Semester 4

Family And Community Relations

Course Code: ECD-108

This course is an overview of techniques and materials for promoting effective family/program partnerships to foster positive child development. Emphasis is on availability and accessibility of community resources and on developing appropriate communication skills.


Language Arts

Course Code: ECD-131

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 included.


Science & Math Concepts

Course Code: ECD-133

This course includes an overview of pre-number and science concepts developmentally-appropriate for young children. Emphasis is on the planning, implementation, and evaluation of developmentally- appropriate activities utilizing a variety of methods and materials.


Principles Of Ethics & Leadership In Ece

Course Code: ECD-201

This course includes an overview of historical views on leadership and issues and challenges of leadership in early care and education. Emphasis is on current trends and issues. This course also reviews ethical principles as they relate to children, families, colleagues, and the community and society.


Methods and Materials

Course Code: ECD-237

This course includes an overview of develop- mentally-appropriate methods and materials for planning, and evaluating environments. Emphasis is on integrating divergent activities in each curriculum area.


Semester 5

Administration And Supervision

Course Code: ECD-109

This course is a study of the role and responsibilities of an early childhood administrator. Special focus is on program monetary matters, space management, curriculum, health and food services, and relations among the public, staff, and parents.


Supervised Field Experience I

Course Code: ECD-243

This course includes emphasis on planning, implementing, and evaluating scheduled programs, age appropriate methods, materials, activities, and environments of early childhood principles and practices.


Diversity Issues- Early Care & Education

Course Code: ECD-252

This course meets the growing need for students in early care and education to learn how to interact with people who are different from them. It also allows students to examine and appreciate the differences that exist because of diversity from race, language, ethnicity, age and socio-economic levels.


Entry Requirements

To see a list of entrance requirements for this program, please check the FDTC Course Catalog.

Download Catalog

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Use knowledge of child development and learning in context to create a caring community of learners.
  • Engage in reciprocal partnerships with families and foster community connections.
  • Observe, document, and assess children’s development and learning.
  • Teach to enhance each child’s development and learning.
  • Understand and use content areas to plan and implement an engaging curriculum designed to meet goals that are important and meaningful for children, families, and the community in the present as well as the future.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that early childhood educators need in order to make decisions that exemplify ethical, intentional, and reflective professional judgment and practice.
Scholarships Available

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® South Carolina provides scholarships for teachers, directors, owners, and family/group providers working in childcare to complete coursework in early care and education with little to no cost. These scholarships are available to eligible individuals working a minimum number of hours per week and meet the maximum pay requirements in a licensed or registered child care facility through the South Carolina Department of Social Services. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® South Carolina provides scholarships to complete course work in early childhood education courses toward the South Carolina Early Childhood Credential, a Certificate or an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Eligible individuals can even transfer to a partnering 4-year college/university to complete a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Click here to learn more about T.E.A.C.H.

Students who earn credentials may be eligible for a Smart Money bonus through this organization as well.