Greenwood Early Childhood Center is located at 1125 East Cambridge Avenue in Greenwood, South Carolina which is located in the foothills of the upstate of South Carolina. Greenwood’s population is nearing 70,000 citizens.  Greenwood is the home of Greenwood Mills, Self Regional Healthcare, the Genetic Center, Lander University, Piedmont Technical College, Capsugel, Park Seed, and Fujifilm.  Greenwood hosts the annual Festival of Flowers and the Festival of Discovery. 

During the school year 2006-2007, Greenwood School District 50 formed a planning committee composed of teachers, principals, district administrators, parents, community leaders, leaders from local agencies, and representatives from Lander University and Piedmont Technical College.  The committee met for a year to develop plans for an early childhood center.  The committee determined there were three reasons to create an early childhood center.  It was important to have a central location for all child development students.  An early childhood center would create opportunities for collaboration among the faculty and community.  A center would enhance the educational opportunities available for our preschool students.  The planning committee submitted its report and recommendations to the Board of Trustees in December 2007.

Greenwood School District 50 closed East End Elementary at the end of the school year 2007-2008.  The building was renovated and re-opened as Greenwood Early Childhood Center (GECC) in August 2008.  The goal of our center is to promote the development of social skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination as well as prepare the students academically.  We believe all of our decisions should be based on what is best for children.  Our center offers a  traditional Child Development program for four-year olds and  Preschool classes for special needs students. GECC implements the Good Start ~ Grow Smart Standards.  GECC is a licensed DSS child care provider.

GECC offers itinerant support services to assist students in their development such as speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and hearing services.  ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) services are also provided.  An Inclusion class provides opportunities for special needs students to be mainstreamed into regular education.  A full-time nurse is available for students’ medical needs.