Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education Majors Move to the Head of the Class at South Carolina State

Are you looking to become an aspiring early childhood professional?

At South Carolina State University, our early childhood education faculty boast 75 years of combined experience creating an early learning experience for children 8 years and younger and in pre-K through third grade. Here at SC State, our Bachelor of Science in early childhood education program prepares future elementary and preschool educators become certified public school teachers.

Our elementary and preschool educator program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and is recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

When you graduate from SC State, you’ll have gained an understanding of crucial skills for employment as a preschool educator or ECE teacher, in areas including child development, evaluating individual strengths and needs, and establishing parent and family partnerships, all on your timetable.

By the Numbers

Become an expert early childhood professional

The early childhood education major at South Carolina State is geared toward working professionals, with flexible class offerings at all times of day and night and some online instruction available.

Method of Instruction

• Face-to-face
• Hybrid

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Early Childhood Education Major Program Highlights

Start shaping the future of tomorrow’s leaders by becoming an expert in early learning experiences. At SC State, our early childhood education major is known for providing:

Ample hands-on learning experiences

All aspiring ECE teachers are required to complete full-day teaching training at public schools. As an aspiring early childhood professional, you’ll also complete practicum courses in which you’ll observe, assist, and direct real lessons in public school classes.

A supportive campus environment

Each early childhood education major is assigned to faculty members who help them explore career opportunities for preschool teachers and in other fields related to early learning experiences.

Top-notch classroom experts

Among our faculty of early childhood professionals are former presidents of the South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children, a vice president of membership for the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators, and president of the National Association for Blacks in Higher Education (NABHE). We are also active in research and seeking grants.

What Can You Do With an Early Childhood Education Degree?

Graduates of the early childhood education major program at South Carolina State go on to shape the early learning experiences of children in the Palmetto State and beyond. Because 100% of our recent graduates gain certification as ECE teachers, our alumni are in high demand. That’s why all of our graduates become ECE teachers within 6 months of graduation.

Early childhood education careers

Career paths that our graduates go on to include becoming early childhood lead teachers in public schools, child care teachers, Head Start teachers, infant/toddler teachers, and child care center directors.
In addition to working as preschool educators, South Carolina State graduates hold job titles such as:

• Lead teacher at an early learning academy
• Lead school counselor
• Elementary school educator
• Education management professional

What You Will Study in Early Childhood Education

Your early childhood education major starts by building a foundation in areas such as English composition and math. Aspiring ECE teachers then move on to focus on important issues in the early learning experience, such as nutrition and health and human growth.
You’ll also delve into methods of education in subjects such as social studies and science, culminating in a seminar course and research project that will help you develop your own personalized education philosophy. Other key topics you’ll gain expertise in are organization and administration, while courses that build your resume as an early childhood professional also include literacy teaching.
More course offerings for future early childhood and preschool educators include:

• Childhood Development
• Introduction to Special Education
• Language Development