Early Childhood Development

Graduates of the Early Childhood Development Programs find employment in child care centers, preschools, Head Start programs, public schools, and private kindergartens. Working as a nanny, serving as a public school teacher assistant, and opening a private or family child care center, are also employment options. Positions in a child care setting may include teacher assistants, lead teachers, assistant directors, and directors or owners/operators. Graduates may also find employment in various agencies, programs and entities that serve children and their families.

Admission to the Early Childhood Development Programs requires qualifying scores on the College’s placement test or SAT or ACT, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Students must submit evidence of a negative TB test and complete a Department of Social Services (DSS) letter of non-conviction, criminal background check, and DSS required medical forms, which includes a health assessment.

Several courses require both lecture and lab hours which will be completed in the York Technical College Child Development Center which is accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1313 L St., N.W. Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005, Telephone: 202-232-8777 or 800-424-2460, webmaster@nayec.org. In some cases, labs are scheduled in other facilities off-campus.

The programs are designed to provide training for the person already employed in child care as well as to prepare those who plan to enter the field.

Laboratory settings require criminal background checks, processed through SC State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), before allowing students to participate in laboratory experiences. Any conviction of the following will make the applicant ineligible for employment in any child care facility and therefore, ineligible to participate in laboratory experiences required in ECD courses: offenses against the person, offenses against morality and indecency; contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

People who love children and have patience, compassion, mature judgment, good organizational skills, and a sense of humor would enjoy a career in early childhood development.

Programs

Degree

Early Care and Education, AAS (AAS.ECED 35508)

Certificate