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25EA - Early Childhood Education

Program Overview

Program Description

62-65 credit hours

Department(s)

Business and Social Sciences Division

Program Code

25EA

Status

Active

Learning Outcomes

Name

articulate relevant child development theory across the early years and demonstrate the ability to apply child development theory to practice.

Name

design appropriate learning environments for young children and integrate sound safety, health, and nutrition practices within the early childhood classroom and program according to local, state, and national standards for quality care and early education.

Name

utilize and employ criteria, procedures, and methods of observation, documentation, and assessment that demonstrate understanding of typical and atypical development and learning.

Name

demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to utilize individual and group guidance and problem-solving techniques that develop positive, supportive, and collaborative environments, interactions, and relationships with both children and adults.

Requisites

Recommended Plan of Study

Course	Title	Hours
First Semester		14 Credits
CLC120^	College Success Seminar	2
ENG120	Technical Composition I or
ENG121	English Composition I	3
ECE117	Creative Activities for Infants and Toddlers	3
ECE121 +	Introduction to Early Childhood Ed	3
ECE124 +	Child Development for Educators	3
Second Semester		15-16 Credits
Course	Title	Hours
CMM121	Fundamentals of Speech	3
MUS124	Music Appreciation or other Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective	3
BIO120	Environmental Biology or other Science elective	3-4
ECE116	Creative Activities	3
ECE141	Health, Safety and Nutrition for Young Children	3
Summer Semester		3 Credits
Course	Title	Hours
SOC121	Introduction to Sociology	3
Third Semester		15 Credits
Course	Title	Hours
ECE214 +	Group Care of Infants and Toddlers	3
ECE223	Child, Family and Community	3
ECE229	Language Development and Early Literacy	3
ECE220+	Observation and Assessment	3
ECE241+	Guidance and Social Development	3
Fourth Semester		15-17 Credits
Course	Title	Hours
ECE233	Young Children with Special Needs	3
ECE242	Math Activities for Young Children	3
ECE248	Assessment Seminar	3
	ECE Elective (See List Below)	3-4
	ECE Elective (See list Below)	3-4
Total Hours for A.A.S. Degree		62-65
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
ECE250 *	ECE Practicum I- Infants and Toddlers	3
ECE252 *	ECE Practicum II- Preschool	3
Diversity , Equity and Inclusion Concentration
ECE235	Trauma Informed Educator	3
EDU224	Diversity in Schools and Society	3
Early Childhood Administration Concentration
ECE270	Administration of ECE Programs	3
EDU223	Technology in the Classroom	3
ELL/Bilingual Concentration
ENG128	Linguistics and Society	3
ENG262	Theories of teaching ESL and Bilingual Education	3
Other Electives
ECE299	Special Topics in Early Childhood Education	1-3
EDU121	Introduction to Teaching	3
EDU222	The Exceptional Child	3
EDU225	Educational Psychology	3
EDU299	Special Topics in Education	1-3
ENG249	Children's Literature	3

^ CLC 120 is an institutional requirement for graduation.

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.