Early Care and Education
Overview
Graduates of this program can teach in child care or Head Start or work as a teacher’s assistant in public school.
The Associate Degree in Early Care and Education is based on best practices and current research in the field of early childhood education. This degree provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote optimal child development for all children, regardless of background or ability. This program focuses on competencies in child growth and development, health and safety, curriculum, family engagement, guidance, and hands-on experience in a variety of child care and early education facilities. In addition, the program is well-grounded in ethics, advocacy, and leadership skills. Graduates will not only be able to work in child care and Head Start, the Associate Degree in Early Care and Education may also qualify students as instructional assistants in public school early childhood programs.
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all of the courses offered for each of the following programs for the grade to be counted toward graduation. With the exception of ECD 101, Introduction to Early Childhood, and SAC 101, Best Practices in School-Age and Youth Care, all ECD students must take the placement test and complete (or test out of) ENG 100 and RDG 100. Students enrolled in lab classes must complete a SLED background check, physical, and TB test before attending lab sites. Students should see an advisor about lab site forms and requirements.
Early Childhood Development students interested in transferring to a four-year institution should see an advisor to discuss various program plans and additional transfer information.
Accreditation
Learning experiences for students in the Early Care and Education program are provided in classrooms on Airport and Beltline campuses. Courses may also be taught at Batesburg-Leesville, Harbison, or Northeast campuses. Candidates complete required observations and field experiences with local child care, Head Start, and/or public-school early childhood classrooms.
The Early Care and Education Program at Midlands Technical College is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, www.naeyc.org. The accreditation term runs from February 2020 through February 2027.
View Program Outcomes Data:
- Early Care and Education AAS Degree Completers by Enrollment Status
academic year program completers full-time completers (N) full-time completers (%) part-time completers (n) part-time completers (%) 2020-2021 37 8 21.6% 29 78.4% 2019-2020 45 13 28.9% 32 71.1% 2018-2019 32 9 28.1% 23 71.9% 2017-2018 54 20 37.0% 34 63.0% 2016-2017 48 12 25.0% 36 75.0% 2015-2016 61 17 27.9% 44 72.1% - Early Care and Education AAS 150% and 200% Completers
total full-time program majors full-time program completers 150% (n) full-time program completers 150% (%) full-time program completers 200% (n) full-time program completers 200% (%) Fall 2017 cohort 132 46 34.8% 48 36.4% fall 2016 cohort 145 49 33.8% 50 34.5% fall 2015 cohort 146 56 38.4% 59 40.4% fall 2014 cohort 167 51 30.5% 56 33.5% fall 2013 cohort 151 45 29.8% 48 31.8% fall 2012 cohort 119 32 26.9% 39 32.8% - Early Care and Education Fall to Fall Retention
total program majors part-time program majors (% of program enrollment) part-time program major retention rate (%) full-time program majors (% of program enrollment) full-time program major retention rate (%) Fall 2020 (RETAINED FALL 2021) 153 83 (54%) 41.0% 70 (46%) 42.9% fall 2019 (retained fall 2020) 206 94 (46%) 42.6% 112 (54%) 43.8% fall 2018 (retained fall 2019) 248 141 (57%) 31.9% 107 (43%) 45.8% fall 2017 (retained fall 2018) 312 180 (58%) 39.0% 132 (42%) 52.0% fall 2016 (retained fall 2017) 321 176 (55%) 61.0% 145 (45%) 66.8% fall 2015 (retained fall 2016) 318 172 (54%) 47.9% 146 (46%) 74.0% - Early Care and Education Program Evaluation
number of graduates number of graduates employed in the early childhood profession within one year of graduation* percentage of graduates employed in the early childhood profession within one year of graduation* number of graduates pursuing further education in the early childhood profession within one year of graduation* percentage of graduates pursuing further education in the early childhood profession within one year of graduation* 2021 –
(2019-2020 Graduates)37 34 91.9% 3 8.1% 2020 – (2018-2019 graduates) 38 31 81.6% 6 15.8% 2019 – (2017-2018 graduates) 57 28 49.1% 14 24.6% 2018 – (2016-2017 graduates) 43 33 76.7% 5 11.6% 2017 – (2015-2016 graduates) 58 49 84.5% 5 8.6% 2016 – (2014-2015 graduates) 50 42 84.0% 4 8.0%
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.
Program Type
Associate in Applied ScienceHow to Enroll
To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.
Questions?
Sample Program Plan and Costs
Class Delivery Methods
View current courses offered via our online course directory.
| On-Campus | Traditional. Classes meet on campus. |
|---|---|
| Virtual | 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom. |
| Hybrid | Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual. |
| Online | 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time. |
Full Time Schedule
| Semester | Course ID | Course Title | Classroom | Online | Hybrid | Virtual | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 (16 Credit Hours) |
ENG-101 |
English Comp I English Comp I ID: ENG-101 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | • | • | • | 3 |
| ECD-101 |
Introduction to Early Childhood Introduction to Early Childhood ID: ECD-101 Credit Hours: 3 This course is 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/cultural values and practical applications based on historical and theoretical models in early care and education are highlighted in this course. |
• | • | • | 3 | ||
| ECD-102 |
Growth and Development I Growth and Development I ID: ECD-102 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | 3 | ||||
| ECD-203 |
Growth and Development II Growth and Development II ID: ECD-203 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | • | 3 | |||
| MAT-155 |
Contemporary Mathematics Contemporary Mathematics ID: MAT-155 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes techniques and applications of the following topics: elementary number theory; algebra; geometry; measurement; graph sketching and interpretations; and descriptive statistics. |
• | • | • | 3 | ||
| COL-101 |
College Orientation College Orientation ID: COL-101 Credit Hours: 1 This course may include selected topics such as career planning, study skills, stress management, tutoring, group guidance, and other subjects to facilitate student success. |
• | • | • | • | 1 | |
| Semester 2 (15 Credit Hours) |
ENG-165 |
Professional Communications Professional Communications ID: ENG-165 Credit Hours: 3 This course develops practical written, and oral professional communication skills. The course is oriented to current needs in industry and business, and assignments are drawn from students' majors. |
• | • | • | 3 | |
| ECD-131 |
Language Arts Language Arts ID: ECD-131 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | 3 | ||||
| ECD-132 |
Creative Experiences Creative Experiences ID: ECD-132 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | • | 3 | |||
| ECD-133 |
Science and Math Concepts Science and Math Concepts ID: ECD-133 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | 3 | ||||
| ECD Approved Elective | 3 | ||||||
| Semester 3 (15 Credit Hours) |
ECD-105 |
Guidance-Classroom Management Guidance-Classroom Management ID: ECD-105 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | 3 | |||
| ECD-107 |
Exceptional Children Exceptional Children ID: ECD-107 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | • | 3 | |||
| ECD-237 |
Methods and Materials Methods and Materials ID: ECD-237 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes an overview of developmentally-appropriate methods and materials for planning, and evaluating environments. Emphasis is on integrating divergent activities in each curriculum area. |
• | • | 3 | |||
| ART-101 |
Art History and Appreciation Art History and Appreciation ID: ART-101 Credit Hours: 3 This is an introductory course to the history and appreciation of art, including the elements and principles of the visual arts. |
• | • | 3 | |||
| ECD Approved Elective | 3 | ||||||
| Semester 4 (15 Credit Hours) |
ECD-108 |
Family and Community Relation Family and Community Relation ID: ECD-108 Credit Hours: 3 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 communications skills. |
• | 3 | |||
| ECD-201 |
Prin of Ethics & Leadership in ECE Prin of Ethics & Leadership in ECE ID: ECD-201 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | 3 | ||||
| ECD-243 |
Supervised Field Experience I Supervised Field Experience I ID: ECD-243 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes emphasis on planning, implementing, and evaluating scheduled programs, age appropriate methods, materials, activities, and environments of early childhood principles and practices. |
• | • | 3 | |||
| ECD-135 |
Health, Safety, and Nutrition Health, Safety, and Nutrition ID: ECD-135 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | • | 3 | |||
| PSY-201 |
General Psychology General Psychology ID: PSY-201 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | • | • | • | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 61 | ||||||
| Estimated Cost Financial Aid |
$12,200.00 Not including fees and equipment |
||||||
Part Time Schedule
| Semester | Course ID | Course Title | Classroom | Online | Hybrid | Virtual | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 (7 Credit Hours) |
ECD-101 |
Introduction to Early Childhood Introduction to Early Childhood ID: ECD-101 Credit Hours: 3 This course is 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/cultural values and practical applications based on historical and theoretical models in early care and education are highlighted in this course. |
• | • | • | 3 | |
| ENG-101 |
English Comp I English Comp I ID: ENG-101 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | • | • | • | 3 | |
| COL-101 |
College Orientation College Orientation ID: COL-101 Credit Hours: 1 This course may include selected topics such as career planning, study skills, stress management, tutoring, group guidance, and other subjects to facilitate student success. |
• | • | • | • | 1 | |
| Semester 2 (6 Credit Hours) |
ECD-102 |
Growth and Development I Growth and Development I ID: ECD-102 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | 3 | |||
| ENG-165 |
Professional Communications Professional Communications ID: ENG-165 Credit Hours: 3 This course develops practical written, and oral professional communication skills. The course is oriented to current needs in industry and business, and assignments are drawn from students' majors. |
• | • | • | 3 | ||
| Semester 3 (9 Credit Hours) |
ECD-203 |
Growth and Development II Growth and Development II ID: ECD-203 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | • | 3 | ||
| ECD-132 |
Creative Experiences Creative Experiences ID: ECD-132 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | • | 3 | |||
| MAT-155 |
Contemporary Mathematics Contemporary Mathematics ID: MAT-155 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes techniques and applications of the following topics: elementary number theory; algebra; geometry; measurement; graph sketching and interpretations; and descriptive statistics. |
• | • | • | 3 | ||
| Semester 4 (6 Credit Hours) |
ECD-105 |
Guidance-Classroom Management Guidance-Classroom Management ID: ECD-105 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | 3 | |||
| ART-101 |
Art History and Appreciation Art History and Appreciation ID: ART-101 Credit Hours: 3 This is an introductory course to the history and appreciation of art, including the elements and principles of the visual arts. |
• | • | 3 | |||
| Semester 5 (9 Credit Hours) |
ECD-131 |
Language Arts Language Arts ID: ECD-131 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | 3 | |||
| ECD-107 |
Exceptional Children Exceptional Children ID: ECD-107 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | • | 3 | |||
| ECD-133 |
Science and Math Concepts Science and Math Concepts ID: ECD-133 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | 3 | ||||
| Semester 6 (6 Credit Hours) |
ECD-237 |
Methods and Materials Methods and Materials ID: ECD-237 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes an overview of developmentally-appropriate methods and materials for planning, and evaluating environments. Emphasis is on integrating divergent activities in each curriculum area. |
• | • | 3 | ||
| ECD Approved Elective | 3 | ||||||
| Semester 7 (9 Credit Hours) |
ECD-108 |
Family and Community Relation Family and Community Relation ID: ECD-108 Credit Hours: 3 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 communications skills. |
• | 3 | |||
| ECD-201 |
Prin of Ethics & Leadership in ECE Prin of Ethics & Leadership in ECE ID: ECD-201 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | 3 | ||||
| ECD-135 |
Health, Safety, and Nutrition Health, Safety, and Nutrition ID: ECD-135 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | • | 3 | |||
| Semester 8 (9 Credit Hours) |
ECD-243 |
Supervised Field Experience I Supervised Field Experience I ID: ECD-243 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes emphasis on planning, implementing, and evaluating scheduled programs, age appropriate methods, materials, activities, and environments of early childhood principles and practices. |
• | • | 3 | ||
| PSY-201 |
General Psychology General Psychology ID: PSY-201 Credit Hours: 3 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. |
• | • | • | • | 3 | |
| ECD Approved Elective | 3 | ||||||
| Total Credit Hours | 61 | ||||||
| Estimated Cost Financial Aid |
$12,200.00 Not including fees and equipment |
||||||
What’s next after I complete this program?
Find a job after you complete your degree.
Child care is a growing field and jobs are available. As soon as you finish your AAS in Early Care and Education, you’ll find a variety of jobs available in licensed child care programs, ABC Quality rated child care programs, NAEYC Accredited child care centers, 4K classrooms, and even in public schools.
Work on your four-year degree while you are working in the field.
When you complete an AAS in Early Care and Education at Midlands Technical College, you can immediately find a job in your chosen field. You can also use your MTC degree as a springboard toward a bachelor’s degree in education while you are working in your chosen field.