About Early Childhood Education at USC Aiken
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) provides preparation for teaching in preschool, kindergarten, and primary grades. The Early Childhood certificate permits teaching of grades PK – 3 in elementary schools in South Carolina.
Through coursework and field experiences, the early childhood education curriculum provides multiple opportunities for candidates to obtain the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to meet the standards established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the South Carolina Department of Education.
Teaching Fellows Program
The South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program is a scholarship program for qualified South Carolina high school students who wish to pursue a degree in education and a career in South Carolina’s public schools following graduation. Administered by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement, the program provides a $24,000 scholarship/ loan over 4 years for up to 200 outstanding high school seniors. The University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) is one of only twelve (12) institutions in the state identified as a Teaching Fellows Institution.
Learn more about the Teaching Fellows Program
Professional Development Schools
The School of Education has developed professional development school partnerships (PDS) with five elementary schools, Allendale Elementary, North Aiken Elementary, East Aiken Elementary, J.D. Lever Elementary and Oakwood Windsor Elementary.
A PDS is a school that partners with the School of Education to prepare future teachers. Teachers at the school agree to work with our faculty to provide expertise and experiences to prepare our candidates to become educators. In return our faculty serve as resources to the teachers and administrators at the schools. All of our methods courses in the early childhood and elementary education programs are taught in these professional development schools.
Internships
The School of Education also provides internships for students.
Career Opportunities
The program provides teacher education candidates with a wide range of practical experiences in public and private education settings. Each teacher education candidate is given a broad liberal arts and general education foundation as well as specific information regarding Early Childhood Education.
You can find more information about career options by visiting What Can I Do With This Major?
USC Aiken Career Services offers numerous resources which provide more information about career opportunities for students in this major.
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