The College of Charleston offers a unique experience for young children and College of Charleston students at the N.E. Miles Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC). Our nationally accredited program has served as the demonstration program and laboratory preschool for the college since 1974.

The importance of high quality early childhood education is well documented in the research literature and receiving increased attention in the national media. Major indicators of quality programs include highly qualified staff, low adult-child ratios, and a rich and diverse learning environment, all of which we are fortunate to have at ECDC. Our four, fully inclusive, classrooms accommodate approximately sixty children aged two through kindergarten each year.

Our current director, Dr. Candace Jaruszewicz, is tenured in the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle Level Education and holds the rank of associate professor. Our four lead teachers have master's degrees in early childhood education. Five graduate assistants (GA's) form the core of our assistant teacher staff each semester, complemented by a number of undergraduate students from a variety of majors, including early childhood education, elementary education, and special education.

We enjoy a close working relationship with many departments, faculty, and administrative support staff from CofC, the Charleston County School District, and other early childhood programs in the LowCountry and across the state. Our center welcomes many visitors, observers, practicum students, volunteers, and researchers each year.

Mission

ECDC's three-part mission is to provide

• Quality childcare and early education for children ages two through five from the College and neighboring community
• A demonstration preschool for research, observation and practicum purposes.
• An active model of child advocacy in the Charleston community.