YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
Begin a rewarding career by becoming an early childhood development professional.
The Early Childhood Development (ECD) diploma program offers a practical and theoretical approach to the study of child development.
Students gain a thorough knowledge of developmentally appropriate learning environments, current teaching strategies, guidance practices, parent partnerships, and children’s needs, including those of exceptional children.
The Program
The 45-credit-hour Early Childhood Development Diploma program can be completed in as little as three semesters. Coursework ranges from guidance and classroom management to science and math concepts.
The program culminates with a semester-long supervised field experience that provides students with real-world, hands-on experience in child care settings across Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper.
Please note, this program does not lead to teacher licensure.
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Quick Facts
GET PREPARED
Program designed in preparing students for implementing quality pre-school programming.
HANDS-ON
Learn in the classroom and in the field.
FAST-TRACK
Complete the program in as little as three semesters.
ACCREDITATION
Technical College of the Lowcountry is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Technical College of the Lowcountry may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
PROGRAM COST
Tuition: 45 credits x $214 per credit = $9,630.
Remember, this is before S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance and other financial aid, which could drop your costs by more than half. In fact, after financial aid, many TCL students attend for free.
*Based on Fall 2022 in-state, in-service-area tuition. Your actual cost may differ. Does not include fees, books and other costs. Qualifications vary.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“Employers know that when they hire our graduates, they are getting a highly qualified professional.”
Kelli Boniecki
Program Director
FAQS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Career & Education Opportunities
Graduates go to work in a variety of child care settings, including child care centers, preschools, Headstart programs, public schools, private kindergartens. Others choose to continue their education and pursue an associate degree at TCL.
The S.C. annual mean wage for childcare workers is $25,050, according to 2020 reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Earnings can increase substantially with time and experience. For example, child care directors have an annual mean wage of $55,120 in South Carolina.
Program Dean
Karen Smith
Dean, Business & Industrial Technologies
843-525-8323
Beaufort Mather Campus, Bldg. 14, Rm. 118
Instructors
Kelli Boniecki
Early Care and Education Program Director
843-525-8307
Beaufort Mather Campus, Bldg. 2, Rm. 246
