Early Care and Education, A.A.S.

Description

The Early Care and Education 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 prepare students to know and to use ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to early childhood practice.

Additional Requirements for Early Care and Education

In addition to meeting general admission requirements, Early Care and Education majors are required to meet the specific requirements outlined below:

• Credit towards graduation requirements for ECE courses more than five years old must be approved by the program director.
• A grade of “C” or higher is required for ECE courses fulfilling prerequisite and graduation requirements.
• A student must be able to enter and/or remain in all lab and/or field experiences to progress within the ECE 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 director:
  • South Carolina Department of Social Services Health Assessment and Medical Statement forms documenting that the student has no significant problems that would interfere with their ability to care for children, including tuberculosis status.
  • South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Check for Criminal History or federal (FBI) fingerprint-based criminal history background check indicating a record that complies with South Carolina Department of Social Services Child Care Regulations.
  • Tri-County Technical College ECE Discipline Policy indicating adherence to positive child guidance techniques.
  • ECE Self-Assessment of Technical Standards
  • In addition to college tuition and fees, ECE students will incur expenses for professional liability insurance and supplemental printed materials. Students should contact the program director for additional details.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Promote child development and learning
• Build family and community relationships
• Observe, document, and assess to support young children and families
• Use developmentally effective approaches
• Use content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum
• Become a professional in the Early Childhood field

Graduation Credits Required: 66