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Department of Education

Early Childhood Education

Shape the foundation of learning for young children, birth through early grades.

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Degree Type
Bachelor of Science
Program Length
4 years (full-time)
Credit Hours
121 credit hours
Delivery Format
On-campus
Department
Department of Education
School
Education
Career Outlook
Steady regional demand
Location
Orangeburg, SC
Overview

Inside Early Childhood Education.

Early Childhood Education prepares students to teach and nurture young learners, combining child development theory with classroom field experience.

The program leads to South Carolina teacher certification for early childhood settings.

Student experience

Students in Early Childhood Education learn in small, mentorship-driven classes, work closely with faculty on research and creative projects, and build a portfolio of real-world experience before they graduate.

What You'll Learn

  • 01Apply child-development and early-learning theory
  • 02Design inclusive, developmentally appropriate instruction
  • 03Partner with families and communities to support young learners
  • 04Complete field experiences, clinical practice, and teacher-education assessments

Why This Program

  • Path to South Carolina certification
  • Extensive supervised field experience
  • Mentorship from experienced educators
Program details

From the Program

The Early Childhood Education program prepares visionary educators for South Carolina teacher licensure in prekindergarten through 3rd grade.

Curriculum

The Early Childhood Education program has specific competencies that are expected of candidates preparing to teach in grades PK-3. Our program meets the standards of the National Association for the Education of the Young Child (NAEYC).

Careers and Outcomes

Each step you take while enrolled in the School of Education is carefully outlined to guide your career pathways. Upon completion of a degree in Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, you will be able to pursue a career in many areas, including:

  • Kindergarten teacher
  • Childcare Center Director or Coordinator
  • Curriculum Developer (Grades PK-3)
  • Educational Consultant
  • Preschool teacher or classroom teacher (Grades PK–3)
  • Social and human services assistant
  • Personal care aide
  • Advocate for an early childhood readiness organization or professional association
  • Museum educator with a children's museum

Admissions Requirements

Prospective students interested in applying to this program are encouraged to review specific admissions requirements for the School of Education.

Teacher Education Admissions

Curriculum

What You'll Study.

Major Requirements

  • 0143 credit hours of professional education
  • 0239 credit hours of major requirements

General Education

  • 0139 semester credit hours

Electives

  • 01Total program requirement: 121 credit hours

Downloadable curriculum sheet — coming soon

Career pathways

Where This Degree Takes You.

Common Job Titles

  • Early Childhood Teacher
  • Pre-K Teacher
  • Childcare Director
  • Early Intervention Specialist
  • Curriculum Aide

Graduate School Options

  • Graduate and professional school
  • Discipline-specific master's programs
  • Doctoral and research programs

Industry Sectors

  • K–3 Education
  • Early Learning Centers
  • Head Start & Pre-K
  • Family Services
Salary outlook

Salary outcomes vary by role and region — connect with Claflin Career Services for current, verified data for this field.

Employment statistics

Add program placement rate and outcomes data

Experiential learning

Learn by Doing.

Real experience is built into the program — from internships and research to service learning and study abroad.

Internships

Placements with regional employers and partners connected to the Department of Education.

Undergraduate Research

Mentored, faculty-led research beginning as early as the first year.

Field Experiences

Site visits, practica, and community-based learning that apply classroom theory.

Service Learning

Projects that connect coursework to Orangeburg and the surrounding community.

Study Abroad

Global programs coordinated through the Office of Global Programs.

Explore Experiential Learning
Faculty

Learn from Dedicated Scholars.

Portrait of Dr. Friggita Johnson

Dr. Friggita Johnson

Associate Professor of Education

Focus

Education

EmailView profile →
Portrait of Dr. Daryl Brockington

Dr. Daryl Brockington

Assistant Professor of Education • School of Education, Interim Chair

Focus

Education

Student success

Outcomes That Speak for Themselves.

Sample spotlights — replace with real student & alumni stories.

“The Early Childhood Education program gave me the mentorship and hands-on experience to step confidently into my career.”
Claflin Graduate
Add alumni name, class year & current role
“My professors knew me by name and pushed me to do work I didn't know I was capable of.”
Current Student
Add student name, classification & spotlight

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You Might Also Explore.

Students interested in Early Childhood Education often consider these related programs.

Admissions

How to Apply.

Requirements

  • Completed Claflin University application
  • Official high school transcript (or college transcripts for transfers)
  • Self-reported test scores (test-optional pathways available)
  • Personal statement and any program-specific materials

Deadlines

  • Fall priority: November 1 — Spring priority: November 15
  • Rolling admission after priority dates while space remains
  • Financial aid: complete the FAFSA by the published priority date

Application Process

  1. 01Submit your free application online
  2. 02Send official transcripts and supporting documents
  3. 03Connect with your admissions counselor
  4. 04Receive your decision and financial aid package
Start your applicationFinancial aid & scholarships

Answer the call

Your Early Childhood Education Journey Starts Here.

Take the next step toward a Claflin education — apply, request information, or schedule a visit today.

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