April 4, 2007
ECD Courses at NETC Offer Perks and Preparation for Employment in the Field.

Evelyn Ellerbe, of Society Hill, in enrolled in Northeastern Technical College’s Early Childhood Development program as her pathway to a job as an early education teacher

Evelyn Ellerbe, of Society Hill, thought she knew all there was to know about children after raising two of her own.  But after a semester of course work in the Early Childhood Development program at Northeastern Technical College, she thinks differently.

“I thought I knew a lot, but I know more about how things like speech and cognitive development affect a child’s growth,” she said.  “Now, I have a better sense of where children are coming from when they learn.”

Ellerbe is enrolled in Early Childhood Development (ECD) 101 at Northeastern Technical College.  She’s using this class and the Early Childhood Development program as her pathway to a teaching job in a child care development center.

“I’ll be a better teacher to them because of this class,” she said.

ECD 101 is for anyone currently working or, who is interested in working in the early childhood development (Pre School) field.  Course work focuses on child development and how to create and use developmentally appropriate activities and materials to teach children as they grow.  A day and evening course will be offered at NETC Dillon and NETC’s main campus in Cheraw during the upcoming Summer term. 

“This is an overview class required in the program, and it is a good class if someone wants to explore the field,”   said Christy Smith, instructor and ECD program coordinator.  “Students will also have the opportunity to develop materials and guides to use when they become classroom assistants or teachers.”

As an added bonus, any student who completes ECD 101 with a grade of “C” or higher is eligible for a South Carolina Early Childhood credential issued by the Center for Child Care Career Development (CCCCD).   Students who are awarded this credential may then be eligible for the Smart Money Bonus of $200, issued by the CCCCD. 

“There are some age and employment requirements to qualify for the bonus,” said Sandra Barbour, vice president of instruction at the college.  “But this is an available incentive that can help balance the cost of textbooks and school supplies and the credential may help a student get a job.”

Employment in the field of child development requires a minimum of a high school education, and any licensed, or state funded child development center requires their employees to hold a certificate, diploma, or degree in ECD.

The CCCCD also offers TEACH Scholarships to students enrolled in ECD 101, the ECD certificate or ECD associate degree at Northeastern Technical College.  Child care employment requirements, employer sponsorship and a one year employment commitment to the child care field apply, and scholarship can help with costs associated with tuition and books. 

“There are plenty of jobs out there for ECD professionals,” said Smith.  “Don’t expect to get rich or to make a bunch of money, but if you love children and want to make a positive difference on their lives, this class, and our program, can be a pathway to a job in child care development.”

Evelyn Ellerbe is on her way.

“When I have my own classroom, I feel like I’ll be prepared to offer creative programming that builds on what children know and how they interact with each other,” she said with a confident smile. 

For more information about Early Childhood Development pathways at Northeastern Technical College call 843-921-6900 in Cheraw or 843-841-2014 in Dillon, or visit  NETC Cheraw or NETC Dillon to pick up a brochure.  You may also visit www.netc.edu.  Spring semester is almost complete, but applications for summer term are now being accepted.   The application deadline for admissions and financial aid is May 8.  Open registration is May 16 and summer term classes start on May 21.

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