Certificate in Early Childhood Development (ECHD)
27 Semester Hours
The Early Childhood Development Certificate prepares graduates for employment in educational programs for children from birth to age eight. The individual will obtain a basic understanding of the developmental needs of young children and will learn how to create a nurturing environment in preschool and after school programs.
Students may receive the Child Development Associate (CDA) nationally accepted alternative credential by completing the Early Childhood certificate and additional required direct contact hours with children by official documentation of work hours or appropriately approved volunteer hours.
Job opportunities in this area are increasing because more children are attending pre-primary schools than ever before. Job opportunities are available in Head Start and public and private nursery schools.
The program is available during the day and evening.
The T.E.A.C.H. South Carolina scholarship may be available for students already employed in child care. Students who complete ECD 101, Introduction to Early Childhood, may be eligible for the South Carolina Early Childhood Credential.
To complete this program, courses should be taken in the following sequence:
| Class | *Lab | Credit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | |||
| ECD 101 Introduction to Early Childhood** | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ECD 102 Growth and Development I | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| ECD 131 Language Arts | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ECD 132 Creative Experiences | 2 | 3 | 3 |
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| Total Semester Credits | 10 | 6 | 12 |
|
Spring Semester |
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| ECD 107 Exceptional Children | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| ECD 133 Science and Math Concepts | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| ECD 135 Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ECD 203 Growth and Development II | 2 | 3 | 3 |
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| Total Semester Credits | 9 | 9 | 12 |
|
Summer Semester |
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| ECD 105 Guidance - Classroom Management*** | 3 | 0 | 3 |
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| Total Semester Credits | 3 | 0 | 3 |
* 3 Lab hours equals 1 credit hour
** Required for students to obtain the South Carolina Early Childhood Credential
*** Students will be required to attend summer session for this course.