Early Childhood Care & Education
The Early Childhood Care and Education program is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of positions in childcare and related fields. Graduates are qualified as childcare providers, paraprofessionals, private pre-kindergarten teachers or Assistant PreK teachers, owners and/or directors of childcare centers. The program emphasizes a combination of child development theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. The associate degree provides graduates with the opportunity for continued education and articulation to baccalaureate programs.
Childcare workers care for children when parents and other family members are unavailable. Well-trained child care workers provide developmentally appropriate activities, a safe environment, as well as providing for a child’s basic needs. In addition, many help older children with homework. Childcare workers care for children in childcare centers, their own home, or the homes of the children in their care. Many work full-time, but part-time work and irregular hours are common.
Preschool teachers educate and care for children, usually ages 3 to 5, who have not yet entered kindergarten. They help young children develop language and literacy skills that are the foundation for later reading and writing proficiency and expose children to hands-on activities in math, science, and creative arts. Preschool teachers work in public and private schools, childcare centers, and charitable organizations. Many work the traditional 10-month school year, but some work the full year.
The College offers Early Childhood Care & Education training at its Savannah and Liberty campuses for associate degree and diploma. It also offers short-term TCC training with the following:
- Early Childhood Care & Education Basics
- Early Childhood Exceptionalities
- Early Childhood Program Administration
- Family Child Specialist
- Infant/Toddler Child Care Specialist