Early Childhood Education Degree
Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science -65 Credits
Program contact: Early Childhood Education Chair, (815) 921-3378
Program overview
Graduates of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program are well-versed in child development, developmentally appropriate practices, discipline techniques, and other integral facets of early childhood education. Students will be prepared to direct or teach at a day care center or preschool.
Enrollment in courses requires weekly field assignments as well as a complete medical examination, TB skin test, State background checks, and three written references. Students should also consult with an academic advisor, or the Dean or Academic Chair of the Early Childhood Education program.
Work and employment
Opportunities exist in home-based care, day care centers, nursery schools, preschools, private homes, and at before or after-school programs. While the program is not preparation for state certification, courses may transfer to four-year schools, where certification can be earned to teach ages birth through third grade.
Early Childhood Education Course Requirements (41 credits)
| Number | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE-100 | The Child Care Worker | (3) | |
| ECE-200 | Intro to Early Childhood Education | (3) | |
| ECE-101 | The Developing Child | (5) | |
| ECE-103 | Nutrition and Health of Young Child | (2) | |
| ECE-105 | Develop Techniques Working Young Child | (3) | |
| ECE-201 | Language Development | (3) | |
| ECE-202 | Family-Community Relationships & Resourc | (3) | |
| ECE-203 | Curriculum Planning for Young Child | (3) | |
| ECE-204 | Internship-Child Care | (4) | |
| ECE-205 | Organization & Supervise-Early Child Fac | (3) |
General Education Course Requirements (24 credits)
| Number | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-101 | Composition I | (3) | |
| PSY-170 | General Psychology | (3) | |
| EDU-244 | Students With Disabilities in School | (3) | |
| PSY-270 | Life-Span Developmental Psychology, or | ||
| SOC-190 | Introduction to Sociology | (3) | |
| SOC-299 | Sociology of the Family, or | ||
| EDU-202 | Children's Literature | (3) | |
| SPH-131 | Fundamentals of Communication | (3) |
BIO elective: Select one 3-credit elective from prefix BIO.