Early Childhood Education Degree Programs in South Carolina (A-E)

In response to a growing demand for qualified teachers, there are many new and established institutions with accredited education degree programs in South Carolina. With a range of class sizes, faculty specialties, and campus settings, students can choose the program that best fits their lifestyle and educational needs. It is important for students to explore more than one school in their search, and many are surprised to discover excellent education programs in universities that they had not previously considered. The schools below represent a diverse selection of recognized and accredited schools that offer undergraduate degrees in early childhood education. To see more accredited programs, visit Early Childhood Education Degree Programs in South Carolina (F-O) and (P-Z).

Benedict College

School of Education

Promoting a focus on effective service throughout the lifespan, the Benedict College School of Education equips graduates to be effective in helper and service professions. The trio of service, research, and teaching forms the foundation for the degree programs. Branches of the school include the Department of Education, Child and Family Studies, the Office of Teacher Education, and the Child Development Center. Benedict College also facilitates Upward Bound programs for high school students who have the academic potential for college level work but lack educational resources and opportunities. Teacher candidates have opportunities to volunteer in the Upward Bound Programs.

Early Childhood Education (PK-3)

Graduates of the early childhood education degree program will be candidates for licensure for teaching pre-kindergarten through third grade. The curriculum requires internship hours to be completed in conjunction with learning methods for core subject competencies. The art education courses within the program teach skills for integrating art, music, and movement into early learning curriculums. Additionally, Benedict College is one of the only accredited education degree programs in South Carolina that has a required community service learning component. These 120 hours of service learning should be in a role that complements the early childhood education focus.

Accreditations

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

Contact

1600 Harden Street

Columbia, SC 29204

(803)253-5000

Kymm.Hunter@Benedict.edu

http://www.benedict.edu/cms/?q=node/171

Charleston Southern University

School of Education

The Charleston Southern University (CSU) School of Education seeks to be at the forefront of accredited education degree programs in South Carolina in developing teachers who inspire their students to a love of learning. As such, curiosity and critical thinking are foundational pillars of the education programs at CSU. Each education focus is built on a liberal arts core. Hoping to equip teachers with the skills to be competent in culturally diverse environments, CSU instills the values of community and faith in its candidates. Education students may participate in programs such as the Future Teachers Society and Teaching Fellows.

Early Childhood Education (BS Degree)

The Early Childhood Education BS degree program at CSU is a 69-hour major that includes 6 electives and does not require a minor. Upon completion of the academic and clinical requirements, students will be eligible to become licensed pre-kindergarten through third grade teachers in South Carolina. The curriculum includes several methods-teaching classes for younger learners in core subject areas like literature and the arts. Other required courses teach curriculum development and technology competency for the classroom. It should be noted that CSU is a faith-affiliated university and requires its early education students to complete Biblical literature classes.

Accreditations

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Association of Childhood Education International (ACEI)
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Contact

9200 University Boulevard

Charleston, SC 29406

(843)863-7050

rfranklin@csuniv.edu

http://www.csuniv.edu/education/

Claflin University

School of Education

The School of Education at Claflin University prepares graduates to be proficient in critical and creative thinking. Both aspects are necessary for understanding teaching interventions and then adapting them to work effectively within various classroom situations. Claflin students can volunteer at the AmeriCorps Claflin Saturday Academy where they work with local middle school students. Claflin University has one of the best placement records of accredited education degree programs in South Carolina. In the past three years, 100 percent of students who completed their studies and internship and were recommended for licensure obtained jobs in their field.

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

The Claflin degree in early childhood education prepares candidates for licensure as teachers of pre-kindergarten through third grade. In the past, graduates have also worked in roles outside of the classroom like childcare director, educational consultant, personal care aid, and children’s museum educator. In addition to the clinical experience requirements of the program, students can choose to volunteer at the AmeriCorps Saturday Academy where they will receive training in unique interactive tutoring techniques. The early education faculty at Claflin have many combined years of experience as educators and administrators and are available to guide students in their learning process.

Accreditations

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Contact

400 Magnolia Street

Orangeburg, SC 29115

(803)535-5225

nstrange-martin@claflin.edu

http://www.claflin.edu/academics-research/schools-departments/school-of-education

Clemson University

College of Education

The Clemson College of Education stands by its mission of improving education in South Carolina neighborhoods and communities through an emphasis on research-based reforms and solutions for underserved populations. Each degree emphasizes student advocacy and the ability to understand varying socio-economic backgrounds. The school’s commitment to diversity underscores this emphasis as degree candidates implement culturally appropriate teaching strategies and interventions. Clemson University enjoys a close relationship with South Carolina public schools, and their literacy program is nationally recognized for its comprehensive approach to early literacy.

Early Childhood Education (B.A.)

The early childhood education degree boasts a committed faculty and staff who have experience and research interests in a wide variety of fields including teaching, early intervention, and early literacy. This South Carolina accredited education degree program equips future teachers by mandating clinical experience that is far above the state requirements. Before they begin their student teaching experience, students will have completed an additional 91 hours of fieldwork over the state requirement. Candidates will participate in a 72-day teaching internship during their final semester. This is 12 days above the state standard. As a result, Clemson University graduates are proficient at applying culturally competent teaching methods in work with children from birth through eight years.

Accreditations

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Contact

College of Education

102 Tillman Hall

Clemson, SC 29634

(864)656-7656

gluff@clemson.edu

https://www.clemson.edu/education/

Coastal Carolina University

Spadoni College of Education

The Spadoni College of Education operates under the principles of holistic teacher preparedness; graduates of the program will be competent to build curriculum, analyze educational reforms, adapt teaching methods to a variety of situations, assess student performance, and make instructional decisions. Each degree program builds a foundation of solid knowledge of subject matter and then develops candidates’ ability to teach students through engaging and empathetic strategies. Coastal Carolina University is a member of the prestigious South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program. Students who are accepted into the program receive access to advanced training programs, networking opportunities, and the ability to apply for select academic scholarships.

B.A. in Early Childhood Education

Like other accredited education degree programs in South Carolina, Coastal University’s B.A. program prepares graduates to become licensed pre-kindergarten through third grade teachers within the state. However, the school’s strong commitment to teaching their students a strong foundation in core subjects like English, math, social studies, science, art, music, and physical education is notable. Degree candidates participate in guided clinical experiences that begin with classroom observation during the first semester. The culmination of these experiences is the full classroom internship during the final semester. Qualifying students may join the South Carolina Education Association and the education national honors society Kappa Delta Pi.

Accreditations

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Contact

Spadoni College of Education

100 Tom Trout Drive

Prince Building 215

(843) 349-2629

ejadalla@coastal.edu

https://www.coastal.edu/education/

Columbia College

Division of Education

The Columbia College Division of Education seeks to be a leader among accredited education degree programs in South Carolina in developing educators who are life-long learners. Educational degrees from Columbia not only impart the tools necessary for classroom management and curriculum, but also the self-awareness to practice reflection, empathy, and a value for classroom diversity. In addition to being qualified for certified teaching positions in classrooms, graduates of the programs are given the skills and knowledge for student advocacy to work within administrative and policy roles that coordinate and design programs for student well-being.

Bachelor of Arts Early Childhood Education

The goal of the B.A. early education program at Columbia University is to prepare students for work in public or private schools. The extensive curriculum focus on child development also makes graduates qualified for work in childcare or early intervention programs. In general, the program equips students with the knowledge and tools to work with children who are three to eight years old. However, there are also opportunities within the program to study interventions with and development of younger children. The program includes a 64-day full time directed teaching experiential component. With a night school option, Columbia University’s early education degree is accessible for non-traditional students.

Accreditations

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI)
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Contact

1301 Columbia College Drive

Columbia, SC 29203

jlane@columbiasc.edu

https://www.columbiasc.edu/program/elementary-education

Converse College

Education

Graduates with education degrees from Converse College reap the benefits of the department’s excellent reputation throughout the southeastern United States. Converse alumni have gone on to win career-defining awards such as Presidential Educator of the Year, National Marine Educator of the Year, and the Order of the Palmetto. Converse College maintains close proximity and relationships with many excellent South Carolina public schools as well as an established connection to the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind. A skilled faculty of working educational professionals keeps the program up-to-date with knowledge of current educational trends and new legislation.

BA in Early Childhood Education

Students who receive a BA in early childhood education from Converse College are well-equipped to excel in both the classroom and academic areas of their field. The degree prepares graduates for work as a pre-kindergarten through third grade teacher in public South Carolina schools. Converse crafts a solid liberal arts foundation for its early education degree, and students often pass the Praxis II and ECE exams with a higher score than the average for students of South Carolina accredited education degree programs. The experiential component of the program focuses on cultivating empathy in a classroom setting. Students begin by classroom observation and later participate in clinical experiences and a 60-day student teaching requirement. Coursework includes Early Childhood Curriculum and Behavior and Development of the Young Child.

Accreditations

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Contact

580 E Main Street

Spartanburg, SC 29302

(864)596-9000

David.cheser@converse.edu

https://www.converse.edu/academics/education/

Erskine College

Education

Erskine College’s education department’s mission is to equip passionate teachers to work in the South Carolina public school system. The school believes in the importance of classroom experience to students’ ability to become successful first-year teachers. From their sophomore year forward, all education students experience two to three days of work within a classroom where they can become familiar with basic classroom management procedures and policies. This uniquely equips them for their student teaching opportunities and makes them more experienced teachers upon graduation. It is mainly this experiential element that sets Erskine apart from other accredited education degree programs in South Carolina.

Early Childhood Education

The early childhood education degree at Erskine College prepares students to become certified teachers for pre-kindergarten through third grade within the South Carolina public school system. The program philosophy recognizes the significant impact of early education on a child’s love for learning, emotional health, and social skills. Faculty work closely with students who are given hands-on experiences from the beginning of their educational experience. Erskine maintains that the craft of early childhood teaching is not a robotic set of skills but an art that is learned through close mentorship and plentiful classroom experience. Under the continual guidance of Erskine’s passionate and experienced faculty, students in this early education program develop not only professional skills, but also a true love for their future career.

Accreditations

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Contact

P.O. Box 338

2 Washington Street

Due West, SC 29639

(864)379-8753

jumper@erskine.edu

http://www.erskine.edu/academics/majors/education/

The many options and offerings for early educational degrees can make for an overwhelming search. Students must take their unique career goals, backgrounds, and personalities into account when deciding where to submit applications. Considering the different focuses and assets of these accredited education degree programs in South Carolina provides prospective students with a good start to the search.