Department Chair: Paula Luszcz, 847.376.7438, pluszcz@oakton.edu
The Early Childhood Education program is designed to educate professionals in a range of diverse positions to serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children in group situations, as well as to serve their families. Students are trained in college affiliated, nationally accredited early childhood education centers which serve as field sites.
To earn an Associate in Applied Science degree or one of several certificates, ECE students must achieve a minimum grade of C in all Early Childhood Education courses and successfully complete field experiences before being accepted in practicum, earning a certificate, or being granted the A.A.S. degree.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children and Oakton’s ECE program encourage persons entering the field to have a minimum of an ECE certificate or an A.A.S. degree.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services requires child care workers to have a minimum of six credit hours in early childhood education, and two years of college credit to be licensed to teach young children in group situations. Students seeking to meet only these minimum DCFS requirements should take the following ECE core courses:
Early Childhood Education Core Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 102 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| One course of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Early Childhood Education | ||
| Observation and Assessment of the Young Child | ||
| Nutrition, Health and Safety for the Young Child | ||
| Child, Family, and Community Relations | ||
- Early Childhood Education A.A.S.
- Basic Early Childhood Education Certificate
- Advanced Early Childhood Education Certificate
- Basic Infant Toddler Certificate
- Advanced Infant Toddler Certificate
- Basic Family Child Care Provider Certificate
- Advanced Family Child Care Provider Certificate
- Early Childhood Education Administration Certificate
- ECE Endorsement for IL Professional Educator License Holders Certificate
Early Childhood Education Courses
ECE 1023 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Child Growth and Development
Course provides an overview of the theory and principles of human development. Content includes in-depth study of physical, social, emotional and cognitive aspects, from conception to adolescence. Special emphasis placed on child development theories of Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Skinner, etc., and significance of family, peers, culture and school. Field observations required.
IAI Major: ECE 912
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $10
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring | Summer
ECE 1043 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Introduction to Early Childhood Education
Course introduces students to the field of early childhood education. Content includes historical and philosophical influences, current theories, professional responsibilities, roles, and family. Different types of early childhood programs studied and observed. Coursework includes student placement in an approved early childhood center for a 10-hour/5-week affiliation. Students must successfully complete both the academic and field placement components of this course.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $25
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
ECE 1063 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Guidance of the Young Child
Course covers a study of developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive guidance practices that support the development of the young child. Content includes analysis of child behavior and the development of professional guidance techniques. Students will explore the relationship between careful communication and effective interaction with young children. Field observations required.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $10
Term Typically Offered: Spring | Summer
ECE 1073 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Observation and Assessment of the Young Child
Course explores developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive observation and assessment strategies for studying the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children birth through eight years. Students will develop skills in using systematic observation and documentation strategies to develop trusting relationships with children and to plan appropriate programs, environments, and activities in early childhood settings. Field observations required.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $15
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
ECE 1083 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Nutrition, Health and Safety for the Young Child
Course provides overview of early childhood practices that ensure children’s physical and emotional well-being. Content includes basic health, safety and nutritional needs of children and methods to effectively meet these needs in early childhood settings. Field observations required.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $10
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring | Summer
ECE 1253 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Play and Creative Expression for the Young Child
Course provides an overview of play as it relates to the development of the young child. Students explore wide variety of methods for developing self expression and creativity in art, music, movement and drama.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $20
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
ECE 1521 credit hours (lecture: 1 | lab: 0)
Principles of Child Development
Short-term course designed to provide overview of aspects of growth patterns. Topics examine physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development from conception to age five.
Instruction Type: In-Person
ECE 1531 credit hours (lecture: 1 | lab: 0)
Guiding Children and Managing the Classroom
Short-term course designed to provide an overview of management of the classroom. Content includes positive child guidance, prevention techniques, and strategies for creating pro-social classroom atmosphere.
Instruction Type: In-Person
ECE 1541 credit hours (lecture: 1 | lab: 0)
Activities and Resources for Young Children I
Short-term course designed to provide an overview of developmentally appropriate, anti-bias curriculum. Specific focus on curricular areas of art, music, language arts, and movement.
Instruction Type:
ECE 1551 credit hours (lecture: 1 | lab: 0)
Activities and Resources for Young Children II
Short-term course designed to provide an overview of developmentally appropriate, anti-bias curriculum. Specific focus on topics of curricular areas of math, science and social studies.
Instruction Type: In-Person
ECE 1611 credit hours (lecture: 1 | lab: 0)
Introduction to Infant and Toddler Care and Education
Short-term course focuses on patterns of growth and development in the child from birth to age three. Content includes strategies for designing safe, healthy, learning environments and creating appropriate learning activities.
Instruction Type: In-Person
ECE 1653 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Family Child Care Provider I
Course explores the professional role of the home child care provider. Content includes legal and ethical responsibilities of provider; relationship with families and the local community; effective group management; creating a healthy learning environment and workable daily schedule; planning appropriate activities; and the role of technology in center management. Five hours of family child care observations required.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $20
Term Typically Offered: Fall
ECE 1663 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Family Child Care Provider II
Course further explores the professional role of the home child care provider. Content includes appropriate business and marketing practices; assessment and documentation of children’s learning; the role of technology in communication, planning, record-keeping, and resource development; family involvement in program activities; the role of professional ethics; the function of advocacy in programming and professional relationships; and the impact of professional development on effective programming. Ten hours of supervised experience in a family child setting required.
Prerequisite: ECE 165 with a minimum grade of C or consent of instructor or program chair.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $20
Term Typically Offered: Spring
ECE 1803 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
The Exceptional Child
Course provides an overview of the historical, philosophical, and legal foundations of special education programming for children ages birth – grade 12. Characteristics of children with disabilities, along with identification, intervention strategies, methods, and programs to meet the needs of the special education population are presented. Fulfills requirements of School Code 25.25. Field observations required.
Prerequisite: ECE 102 with a minimum grade of C or consent of instructor or department chair.
IAI Major: ECE 913
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $10
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring | Summer
ECE 2153 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Infant Toddler Techniques
Course examines patterns of growth and development in the child from birth to age three. Content includes specific needs of infants and toddlers in light of current research; safety measures; family and cultural dynamics; and planning developmentally appropriate activities. Five hours supervised experience with infants, toddlers, and their families required.
Prerequisite: ECE 102 with minimum grade of C or consent of instructor or department chair.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $10
Term Typically Offered: Fall
ECE 2163 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Infant-Toddler Programming
Course investigates overall classroom functioning in infant/toddler settings. Content includes curricular models, daily operational procedures,relational/cultural models, and evaluative devices. Ten hours supervised experience with infants, toddlers, and their families required.
Prerequisite: ECE 215 with minimum grade of C or consent of instructor or department chair.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Term Typically Offered: Spring
ECE 2263 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Language Arts and Social Studies for the Young Child
Course examines language development theory and appropriate language arts and social studies activities for young children. Topics emphasize design and evaluation of developmentally appropriate, anti-bias activities and instructional materials.
Prerequisite: ECE 255 with a minimum grade of C or consent of instructor.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $20
Term Typically Offered: Fall
ECE 2273 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Math and Science for the Young Child
Course introduces theory and practice related to curricular areas of mathematics and science for young children. Content includes design and evaluation of developmentally appropriate, antibias activities and instructional materials. Students will conduct math assessment on a young child.
Prerequisite: ECE 255 with a minimum grade of C or consent of instructor.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $20
Term Typically Offered: Spring
ECE 2283 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Language Development of Children
Course provides in-depth knowledge of typical and atypical human communication development with an emphasis on speech and language development in children. Additional topics explore language and literacy, bilingualism, and the influence of culture. Language observations required.
Prerequisite: ECE 102 with a minimum grade of C
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $10
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring | Summer
ECE 2303 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Literacy Methods for Preschool - Second Grade
Course covers theories, teaching strategies and instructional materials pertinent to teaching reading and writing from pre-kindergarten through second grade. Additional topics explore literacy across content areas while addressing diversity and inclusion.
Prerequisite: ECE 255 with a minimum grade of C or consent of instructor or department chair.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring | Summer
ECE 2553 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Curriculum Design for Early Childhood Programs
Course introduces theory and practice related to curriculum planning and implementation for young children. Content includes analysis of wide range of early childhood curriculum models and practices. Standards-based, developmentally appropriate lesson planning and assessment of learning environments experiences will be covered. Coursework includes student placement in an approved early childhood center for a 10-hour/5-week affiliation. Students must successfully complete both the academic and field placement components of this course.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $20
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
ECE 2575 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 15)
Early Childhood Education Practicum
Course is a one-semester capstone experience for students pursuing the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. Emphasis on practical application of early childhood principles and theories in a supervised early childhood setting. Students supervised by qualified professionals and college instructor, and required to work in an approved center with children ranging in age from infancy through kindergarten for a minimum of 4 days/15 hours per week, in addition to 2-hour weekly seminar.
Prerequisite: ECE 107, and ECE 226 or ECE 227, all with minimum grades of C, or consent of department chair. Satisfactory health as certified by a physical examination.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $50
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
ECE 2585 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 15)
Practicum II
Advanced course is second-semester capstone experience for students pursuing the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. Students continue practical application of early childhood principles and theory. In addition, more long-term curricular planning, parent involvement activities, and portfolio required. Students supervised by qualified professional and college instructor, and required to work in approved center for a minimum of 4 days/15-18 hours per week, in addition to 2-hour weekly seminar.
Prerequisite: ECE 257 with a minimum grade of C or consent of department chair.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $50
ECE 2703 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Child, Family, and Community Relations
Course focuses on diverse needs of the child within the context of family, school, and community. The interplay of diverse cultures, lifestyles, abilities, language, and communication within the role of the early childhood environment and other community institutions will be considered. Students will gain an understanding of their professional role in supporting evidence-based practices that strengthen respectful, collaborative family/child partnership through use of community and family resources. Field observations required.
IAI Major: ECE 915
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $10
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring | Summer
ECE 2733 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 0)
Introduction to Early Childhood Administration
Courses examines current early childhood administrative practices and procedures. Focus is on the administrator’s relationships with governmental, legal, business/finance, medical, social service and educational agencies in managing a program.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $10
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring | Summer
ECE 2743 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 15)
Early Childhood Director Practicum
Course provides hands-on experience for students pursuing the ECE Advanced Administration Certificate. Focus is on practical application of early childhood administrative principles and theories. Students are supervised by qualified early childhood program director and a college instructor, and required to work in an approved center a minimum of 4 days/15-18 hours per week, in addition to attending a 2-hour weekly seminar.
Prerequisite: ECE 273, ECE 280, ECE 281, ECE 282, ECE 283, ECE 284, and ECE 285, each with a minimum grade of C, or consent of department chair.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $50
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring | Summer
ECE 2801 credit hours (lecture: 1 | lab: 0)
Legal Aspects of Early Childhood Administration
Course stresses knowledge and application of legal responsibilities required by a director of an early childhood program. Focus is on the various legal structures and licensing standards required by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Prerequisite: ECE 273 or consent of department chair.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $15
Term Typically Offered: Summer
ECE 2812 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 0)
Fiscal Management in Early Childhood Administration
Course designed to help the early childhood director successfully manage fiscal responsibilities in the daily operation of a center. Emphasis is on budget and financial report development, cash flow management, grant writing and fund raising.
Prerequisite: ECE 273 or consent of department chair.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $15
Term Typically Offered: Summer
ECE 2822 credit hours (lecture: 2 | lab: 0)
Marketing and Public Relations for the Early Childhood Program Director
Course provides knowledge of fundamentals of effective marketing, public relations and community outreach for the early childhood director. Focus is on developing a market plan and useful promotional literature, handbooks, newsletters and press releases.
Prerequisite: ECE 273 or consent of department chair.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $15
Term Typically Offered: Spring
ECE 2831 credit hours (lecture: 1 | lab: 0)
Staff Management and Human Relations in Early Childhood Programs
Course examines different supervisory and group facilitation styles. Focus is on developing skills in consensus building, team development, and staff performance appraisals. Additional Content includes group dynamics, communication styles, and conflict resolution.
Prerequisite: ECE 273 or consent of department chair.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $15
Term Typically Offered: Spring
ECE 2841 credit hours (lecture: 1 | lab: 0)
Leadership and Advocacy for the Early Childhood Program Director
Program Director Course presents information on organizational theory and leadership styles in relation to early childhood and school-age work environments. Focus is on developing a center philosophy and mission statement and effective advocacy activities.
Prerequisite: ECE 273 or consent of department chair.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $15
Term Typically Offered: Fall
ECE 2851 credit hours (lecture: 1 | lab: 0)
Communications for the Early Childhood Program Director
Course provides information on communications to be carried out by the early childhood director. Focus on mechanics of written materials, oral communications, various styles of modern business documents.
Prerequisite: ECE 273 or consent of department chair.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $15
Term Typically Offered: Fall
ECE 2901-4 credit hours (lecture: 1-4 | lab: 0)
Topics In Early Childhood Education
Course designed to meet special interest needs of ECE students and in-service needs of early childhood teachers. Special topics offered for variable credit. Students may repeat ECE 290 up to three times. Fee Varies. Prerequisite may vary by topic.
Instruction Type: In-Person