SCECA Commission Chairs

Outreach

Tammy Taylor

Dr. Tammy Taylor is a Nationally Board-Certified Early Childhood Generalist - and an elementary school principal. A native of Chester County (South Carolina), Dr. Taylor is proud to serve families and students in Chester! She's the very proud principal of Great Falls Elementary School - where she has served faithfully for the past eight years. Dr. Taylor is married to Pastor Keith Taylor and has LOTS of nieces and nephews - all of whom she absolutely adores! She's also a devoted daughter, sister, and friend. Dr. Taylor is co-founder and owner of Create and Educate, LLC. an International Educational Consulting company. Her passion and commitment to excellence for all students - especially our youngest learners - makes her the tremendously impactful administrator - and successful leader she is.

One of Dr. Taylor's most favorite quotes is: Children are the world's most valuable resources and its best hope for the future. ~ John F. Kennedy

Membership

Mary Williams

Dr. Mary Williams is a native of Orangeburg, SC. She is currently employed in Orangeburg County School District as the Assistant Principal at Dover Elementary School in North, SC and she is an Adjunct Professor at Claflin University and Florence Darlington Technical College. Dr. Williams has 23 years in the education profession. She is the Past President and Treasurer of SCECA District 7. She is a mother to two beautiful daughters and the NeeNee to one amazing granddaughter. Life has taught Mary that “A dream deferred isn’t a dream denied.”

Mary’s favorite mottos are: “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is a little extra.” and “With God ALL Things Are Possible.”

Communications

Sandra Heyward

Sandra is a mother of three children and grandmother of 18. She holds Master’s of Science, and Master’s of Arts degrees, in Early Childhood Education. She has worked with Head Start for over 26 years, including Regional Head Start, and East Coast Migrant Head Start Project as the Early Childhood Education Disabilities Specialist.

She serves her community as member of health ministries, class leader, Vacation Bible School Director, and Board of Directors board liaison for Greater Goodwill CDC at my Greater Goodwill AME Church. She is an officer of Order of the Eastern Stars, a CDA PDS Specialist, SC Endeavors certified trainer, and CPR/First Aid instructor. She serves as the SCAEYC accreditation board member.

The quote which has inspired her is one her late husband, Ernest N. Heyward Sr., would say to her to encourage her career journey.

“Education is one thing no one can take away from you.” B.B. King

Collaboration Designee

Dr. Jennifer McConnell

Jennifer M. McConnell is the Director of Brookland Academy Child Development Center. She continued her early childhood career as a teacher in 2005 and later assumed the director role in 2009 to the present day. Her passion is working with and advocating for children, teachers, and parents. She is a proud graduate of Benedict College and Columbia College. In December 2024, Jennifer obtained her doctoral degree in Organization Leadership from Columbia International University.

Early Childhood Education is the foundation for a child’s academic success and achievements. Jennifer has previously served as a Commissioner for the First Steps State Board of Directors and the Lexington County First Steps Board. She has earned the Aim4Excellence National Director’s Credential from the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.

Student Groups

Davida Price

Davida Caldwell Price is a native of South Carolina and currently resides in Chapin, SC. She graduated from the University of South with the following degrees: Bachelors of Arts In Interdisciplinary Studies, Masters of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership and an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership and Supervision. She started her career in education as an elementary school teacher in Richland Two. She began her administrative career in Richland Two and continued in Lexington Richland School District Five as a school administrator and is now at the district level serving as the Coordinator of Youth and Family Services. She works with families and their children birth to five to provide resources and opportunities to get them ready for school. She has served in many roles in SCECA from Vice President to Past President. She currently chairs the Outreach Commision. She serves as a board member on Richland County First Steps, a member of the Early Childhood Common Agenda group, a member of the Strengthening the Early Care Workforce Action Team and others. She has recently started a mission to volunteer at the local children’s hospital delivering books and toys to children twice a month. Her passion is serving others and especially families and children who are in need of support and resources to help get their children ready for school.

One of her favorite quotes is by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He said “ Life’s persistent and most urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”

Awards

Tammy Compton

Tammy Compton is the Quality Counts Program Director in Spartanburg County. She holds a BA in Sociology from Furman University, a Masters in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina. She began her career in the sales field with Proctor & Gamble. Upon becoming a mom, I left and opened my own child care center. During my 25 years as a child care owner/director, our center achieved A+ status with the Program and a 5 Star rating in Quality Counts. She has been recognized by SCECA with the “Saundra Ground Education Award” for promoting higher education for child care providers.

In her spare time, she coaches varsity girls basketball at Landrum High School and loves spending time with her grandchildren.

My favorite quote: You can’t put a limit on anything! The more you dream, the farther you get! By Michael Phelps