South Carolina's Human Development pathway prepares students for careers in social services, counseling support, and human development fields. The state's diverse communities create demand for human services professionals.
Students study child development, adolescent psychology, family systems, personal wellness, and human services practices. They gain experience through internships in community agencies.
Graduates work as case managers, counseling assistants, youth workers, or social service coordinators. Employment opportunities exist with nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and community mental health centers throughout South Carolina.
Human Development at a Glance
3
Courses
6
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina human development standards cover developmental psychology, family systems, human services practices, and ethical standards. Standards integrate cultural competence.
Students complete case studies, service-learning projects, and human services practice assessments. State standards emphasize empathy, cultural sensitivity, and professional boundaries.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Human Development 1 |
| Human Development 2 |
| Family Systems and Support |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Child Development Associate (CDA)
- ✓Early Childhood Professional Certificate
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED - Adult, Child, and Infant
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓NOCTI Early Childhood Education
- ✓National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Case Manager Assistant
Entry LevelSalary range: $41,580 - $52,820
Adjusted for cost of living: $44,623
Youth Worker
Entry LevelSalary range: $32,720 - $45,640
Adjusted for cost of living: $35,115
Counseling Assistant
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $36,489
Program Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $66,730 - $148,690
Adjusted for cost of living: $106,611
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern with social service agencies, youth organizations, mental health centers, and community nonprofits throughout South Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Law, Public Safety, and Security
South Carolina's Law, Public Safety, and Security pathway prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, emergency management, and security services. This comprehensive program provides foundational knowledge in criminal justice systems, legal procedures, public safety operations, and emergency response. With public safety careers offering stable employment and opportunities to serve communities throughout South Carolina, this pathway attracts students interested in protection and service careers. The pathway covers criminal law, constitutional rights, law enforcement procedures, corrections systems, juvenile justice, and emergency management. Students develop critical thinking skills for analyzing legal scenarios, decision-making abilities for high-pressure situations, and communication skills essential for public safety work. The curriculum often includes hands-on experiences such as crime scene investigation simulations, courtroom procedures, and emergency response drills that prepare students for the realities of public safety careers. South Carolina's Law, Public Safety, and Security programs maintain partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, courts, corrections facilities, and emergency management organizations. These partnerships provide students with authentic learning experiences and pathways to careers in public service. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in security and corrections, continuation to criminal justice degree programs, or pursuit of law enforcement academy training.
Public Service & SafetyEducation and Training
South Carolina's Education and Training pathway prepares students for careers in teaching, training, and educational support services. This program focuses primarily on early childhood education, elementary education, and instructional support, addressing the state's critical need for qualified educators and childcare professionals. Students develop understanding of child development, educational psychology, instructional methods, and classroom management while gaining hands-on experience working with children. The pathway emphasizes both theoretical foundations of education and practical teaching skills. Students participate in classroom observations, tutoring experiences, and practicum placements in elementary schools and early childhood centers. The curriculum integrates child development theory, literacy instruction, mathematics education, and special education awareness. Students also develop professional skills including communication, cultural competency, and ethical decision-making essential for education careers. South Carolina's Education pathway addresses the state's teacher shortage by inspiring students to pursue education careers while providing early exposure to the teaching profession. Graduates are prepared for employment in childcare centers, preschools, and after-school programs, or for continuation to four-year teacher education degree programs. Many students earn credentials allowing immediate employment while pursuing teaching degrees.
EducationTherapeutic Services
South Carolina's Therapeutic Services pathway prepares students for careers in specialized healthcare fields including physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, and rehabilitation services. This specialized program within the Healthcare and Human Services cluster focuses on therapeutic interventions that help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve quality of life. With South Carolina's aging population and increasing demand for rehabilitation services, therapeutic professionals are critically needed throughout the state. The pathway provides foundational knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic techniques, patient assessment, and rehabilitative procedures. Students learn about various therapeutic modalities, assistive technologies, and evidence-based interventions used in rehabilitation settings. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, therapeutic communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration essential for effective therapeutic services. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical simulations and partnerships with rehabilitation facilities. South Carolina's Therapeutic Services pathway prepares students for entry-level positions as therapy aides or technicians, creating pathways to advanced therapeutic careers through postsecondary education. The program addresses the state's healthcare workforce needs while offering students rewarding careers helping individuals overcome physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.
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