The Child Care Assistant Certificate program specifically prepares graduates for assisting classroom teachers in the care and supervision of children in preschool and child care settings. This certificate meets the skill proficiencies of an Early Childhood Educator Level 1 (ECE 1) designated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in the Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators. The ECE I is expected to demonstrate introductory knowledge and application of the standards and competencies. All courses in the Child Care Assistant Certificate program can be applied toward the Associate Degree in Early Care and Education.
Job opportunities are available in assistant positions in child care programs, preschools, Head Start programs, child development centers, after school programs, programs for children with special needs, and self-employment.
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.
Courses in the program are available in a variety of formats.
This program is aligned with the following career cluster: Education & Training.