Program Overview
Early Childhood Education
Business and Social Sciences Division, Room T302, (847) 543-2047
https://www.clcillinois.edu/programs/bssdv/early-childhood-education
Degree: Associate in Applied Sciences
Plan 25EA
The Associate of Applied Science Degree program in Early Childhood Education prepares students for careers working with young children. Graduates of the program are DCFS- qualified to be lead teachers and directors in early childhood centers and school-age programs. Public school Pre-K programs may employ A.A.S. degree graduates as assistant teachers. Many of the required courses may transfer to four-year institutions with related programs. ECE 121, ECE 124, ECE 214, ECE 220, ECE 248, ECE 250 and ECE 252 require daytime field observation or classroom experience hours may require a current Illinois State Police criminal background check and/ or current medical documentation. Check individual catalog course descriptions and catalog information or contact the Early Childhood Education Department Chair for further guidance. After completion of this A.A.S. degree program, interested students will need to complete applications for the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity to qualify and receive the Level 4 Infant/Toddler Credential and the Level 4 ECE Credential. See Department Chair for more information.
To complete an A.A.S., students are strongly encouraged to meet with an Academic Success Advisor to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements
Recommended Plan of Study
First Semester | 14 Credits | |
Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
College Success Seminar | 2 | |
Technical Composition I or | ||
English Composition I | 3 | |
Creative Activities for Infants and Toddlers | 3 | |
course + | Introduction to Early Childhood Ed | 3 |
course + | Child Development for Educators | 3 |
Second Semester | 15-16 Credits | |
Course | Title | Hours |
Fundamentals of Speech | 3 | |
Music Appreciation or other Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective | 3 | |
Environmental Biology or other Science elective | 3-4 | |
Creative Activities | 3 | |
Health, Safety and Nutrition for Young Children | 3 | |
Summer Semester | 3 Credits | |
Course | Title | Hours |
Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
Third Semester | 15 Credits | |
Course | Title | Hours |
course + | Group Care of Infants and Toddlers | 3 |
Child, Family and Community | 3 | |
Language Development and Early Literacy | 3 | |
Observation and Assessment | 3 | |
Guidance and Social Development | 3 | |
Fourth Semester | 15 Credits | |
Course | Title | Hours |
Young Children with Special Needs | 3 | |
Math Activities for Young Children or | ||
Quantitative Literacy or | ||
General Education Statistics | 3 | |
Assessment Seminar | 3 | |
ECE Elective (See List Below) | 3 | |
ECE Elective (See list Below) | 3 | |
Total Hours for A.A.S. Degree | 62-63 | |
Concentration/Elective Options Select 6 hours from the following. We have created 4 separate concentrations to support your overall interest within the field of Early Childhood. Students wishing to apply for the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Level 4 Infant-Toddler and ECE entitled credentials must choose Practicum Concentration: ECE 250 and ECE 252 or prove 200 hours of Early Childhood Work experience. | ||
Course | Title | Hours |
Practicum Concentration | ||
course * | ECE Practicum I- Infants and Toddlers | 3 |
course * | ECE Practicum II- Preschool | 3 |
Diversity , Equity and Inclusion Concentration | ||
Trauma Informed Educator | 3 | |
Diversity in Schools and Society | 3 | |
Early Childhood Administration Concentration | ||
Administration of ECE Programs | 3 | |
Technology in the Classroom | 3 | |
ELL/Bilingual Concentration | ||
Linguistics and Society | 3 | |
Theories of teaching ESL and Bilingual Education | 3 | |
Other Electives | ||
Special Topics in Early Childhood Education | 1-3 | |
Introduction to Teaching | 3 | |
The Exceptional Child | 3 | |
Educational Psychology | 3 | |
Special Topics in Education | 1-3 | |
For students wishing to obtain a teaching credential in the State of Illinois, a grade of C or above is compulsory for all coursework required for the teaching credential. This includes courses in the major, all education courses, and required general electives. This is effective for those applying for teacher certification as of 2012 (Illinois State Board of Education).
* A.A.S. in ECE students who desire to earn the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity ECE Credential—Level 4 and the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Infant/Toddler Credential— Level 4 must complete courses as electives or be able to document 200 hours of relevant work experience. Upon successful completion of this program, students may complete an application with INCCRRA/Gateways to Opportunity to receive these credentials. All courses required for a Gateways Credential must be earned with a grade of C or Better. See Department Chair for more details.
ECE 250 and ECE 252 each require 100 hours of classroom work in a NAEYC accredited early childhood center. These courses also require all course prerequisites (see course descriptions in catalog), as well as a current criminal clearance and DCFS mandated medical requirements.
Illinois Gateways to Opportunity awards entitlement status to higher education institutions that align their coursework with credential requirements. Students who complete the required courses may meet Gateways credential component requirements, and have up to two years to apply to receive their credential(s). Visit https://www.ilgateways.com/index.php/credentials.
+ ECE 121, ECE 124, ECE 214, ECE 220, ECE 248, ECE 250, ECE 252, and EDU 124 require daytime field observation and/or experience hours may require current Illinois State Police criminal background check, and/or current medical documentation. Check individual catalog descriptions for more information or contact the ECE Department Chair.
For more information on recommended courses or program specific advising, contact the Business and Social Sciences Division at (847) 543-2047.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This program has been corrected to clarify all available course options for students. Please see the Addendum for all program updates. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to an Academic Success Advisor for more information.