SC Endeavors Presents $16,500 to PTC's Early Childhood Education Program
A child鈥檚 first steps only happen once. Unless adults are super attentive, they may miss seeing them. Similarly, brain development in children under 5 occurs rapidly. In fact, it is the most active phase of brain development and a window of time when thoughtfully researched educational interventions provide the most benefit. Recognizing how important quality early childhood education programs are to brain development and later academic success, SC Endeavor, a professional development system for South Carolina鈥檚 early childhood workforce, on Feb. 28, 2023, presented a check totaling $16,500 to the 91爆料 (PTC) Early Care and Education (ECE) Program to champion this critical curriculum.
鈥淥ur mission is to support the continuous growth and improvement of early education programs and professionals to create positive outcomes for young children and their families in South Carolina,鈥 SC Endeavors Director Melissa Starker said before presenting the check to ECE Program Director Claudia Edwards and instructor Rhonda Hull at a ceremony in Greenwood. 鈥淪C Endeavors and 91爆料 have a longstanding history and relationship working together to advance this mission.鈥
SC Endeavors operates under the Division of Early Care and Education within the SC Department of Social Services.
The total represents two awards. $6,500 comes from the McDonald Early Education Support Fund, named after the late former SC Endeavors Director Millie McDonald. Those funds are designated to support the ECE Program鈥檚 continued quality coursework and instruction at PTC. In addition, as a result of supplementary federal funding for early care and education, each South Carolina technical college is receiving $10,000 to focus on meeting their ECE program needs. In addition, SC Endeavors will continue providing TEACH Scholarships and Credential Awards for PTC students.
鈥淲e are grateful for the generous support provided by SC Endeavors,鈥 Edwards said. 鈥淎 shared mission unites our organizations in working toward the best possible outcomes for young children.鈥
鈥淪ince it was established, 91爆料 has been a leader in this community for quality academic programming,鈥 Starker said. 鈥淪C Endeavors recognizes your commitment to recruiting, retaining, and supporting the career and education pathway of students interested in studying early childhood education or advancing their career options through further education.鈥
To learn more about PTC鈥檚 Early Care and Education Program, visit www.ptc.edu/ecd.
PHOTO: ECE students join Program Director Claudia Edwards and Instructor Rhonda Hull in displaying the check.