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Advanced Early Childhood Education Certificate

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2025-2026 Edition

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30 Semester Credit Hours; Curriculum: 0069

Course List
Code Title Hours
Courses for a Certificate
ECE 102Child Growth and Development3
ECE 104Introduction to Early Childhood Education3
ECE 107Observation and Assessment of the Young Child3
ECE 108Nutrition, Health and Safety for the Young Child3
ECE 180The Exceptional Child3
ECE 255Curriculum Design for Early Childhood Programs3
ECE 270Child, Family, and Community Relations3
EGL 101Composition I3
SOC 101Introduction to Sociology3
Select one course from the following:3-4
MAT 125
General Education Mathematics (recommended)
MAT 129
Foundations of Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II
MAT 131
Elementary Statistics (recommended)
Total Hours30

Completion of this certificate can lead to obtaining the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Care and Education Credential Level 3. Contact the Early Childhood Education chair for details.

Advanced Early Childhood Education Certificate Pathway

The following Pathway is recommended for students pursuing the Advanced Early Childhood Education Certificate. 

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterHours
ECE 102 Child Growth and Development 3
ECE 104 Introduction to Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 108 Nutrition, Health and Safety for the Young Child 3
EGL 101 Composition I 3
MAT 125
or MAT 131
General Education Mathematics
or Elementary Statistics
4
 Hours16
Spring Semester
ECE 107 Observation and Assessment of the Young Child 3
ECE 180 The Exceptional Child 3
ECE 270 Child, Family, and Community Relations 3
ECE 255 Curriculum Design for Early Childhood Programs 3
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours31

Note:  Pathway is a recommended sequence of courses. Part-time students should contact the department chair to discuss a part-time pathway as well as course prerequisites and recommendations.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an expanded knowledge base in all developmental areas of childhood and early childhood curriculum.
  2. Plan and execute developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive activities for young children birth through 8 years, in the areas of art, music, movement, drama, math, science, social studies, and language arts.
  3. Explain the basic principles of developmentally appropriate practice in teaching, planning, observation, and assessment.
  4. Students who successfully complete the Advanced Early Childhood Certificate and document all required observation hours and practical experience, will be eligible to apply for the IL Early Care and Education Credential, Level 3.
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