A FDTC ECD graduate helps a child down the slide at a playground.

Early Childhood Development

Program Type: Certificate in Applied Science

Program Level: UG

Division: Business, Computing, & Social Science

Program Duration: 12 months

Program Contact: Elizabeth Crow

Credit Requirement: 27

Time: Day

Program overview

Early childhood and child-care workers nurture and teach preschool children in centers designed for childcare. These workers play an important role in a child's development by caring for the child when the primary caregivers are at work or away for other reasons. They instruct children in activities designed to promote social, physical, emotional, and intellectual growth. This is accomplished by planning for individual and group activities that include small group lessons, one-on-one instruction, and learning-based play.

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.

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.

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.

Semester 2

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.

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.

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.

Semester 3

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.

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.

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.

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.
  • Observe, document, and assess children’s development and learning.
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.

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