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Early Childhood Education A.A.S.

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2025-2026 Edition

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60 Semester Credit Hours; Curriculum: 0070

Note: Refer to IAI General Education Courses page for guidelines on General Education course selection.

Course List
Code Title Hours
General Education Requirements
Area A - Communications
EGL 101Composition I3
EGL 102Composition II3
or SPE 103 Effective Speech
Area B - Mathematics
Select one of the following:3-4
MAT 125
General Education Mathematics (Recommended)
MAT 129
Foundations of Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II
MAT 131
Elementary Statistics (Recommended)
Area C - Science
No course needed0
Area D - Social and Behavioral Sciences
SOC 101Introduction to Sociology3
Area E - Humanities/Fine Arts
Select one course from a humanities or fine arts discipline3
Area F - Global Studies 1
Select one course that satisfies Global Studies requirement0-3
Area G - U.S. Diversity Studies
Satisfied by SOC 1010-3
Other General Education credits: Select additional credits from Areas B, C, D, E, F or G if needed to meet 18-credit-hour minimum0-3
Total Hours18
1

Students may take a Global Studies course that satisfies both Area F and another Area requirement.

Course List
Code Title Hours
Major Requirements
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 226Language Arts and Social Studies for the Young Child3
ECE 227Math and Science for the Young Child3
ECE 228Language Development of Children3
ECE 255Curriculum Design for Early Childhood Programs3
ECE 257Early Childhood Education Practicum5
ECE 270Child, Family, and Community Relations3
Select ECE, EDN, PSY, or Modern Language courses to total a minimum of seven semester credit hours7
Total Hours42

Completion of this degree can lead to obtaining the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Care and Education Credential Level 4 or the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Credential Level 4. Contact the Early Childhood Education chair for details. 

Early Childhood Education Pathway

The following pathway is recommended for students pursuing an Associate in Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education.

For more information or program specific advising contact the department chair. General Education courses should be selected from the list of IAI General Education Courses.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Semester OneHours
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
Semester Two
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
EGL 102
or SPE 103
Composition II
or Effective Speech
3
 Hours15
Second Year
Semester One
ECE 226 Language Arts and Social Studies for the Young Child 3
ECE 228 Language Development of Children 3
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology 1 3
Select one Humanities/Fine Arts course 3
Select one of the following: 3
PSY 101
Introduction to Psychology
or one Global Studies course 2
 Hours15
Semester Two
ECE 227 Math and Science for the Young Child 3
ECE 257 Early Childhood Education Practicum 5
Select elective courses from the following disciplines: 7
ECE (Early Childhood Education)
EDN (Education)
PSY (Psychology)
Modern Language Course (2022 or higher) 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours61
1

Course fulfills the U.S. Diversity Studies requirement. At least one U.S. Diversity Studies course is required for degree completion.

2

Course fulfills the Global Studies requirement. At least one Global Studies course is required for degree completion.

3

Transfer institutions may have a language requirement. Any Modern Language Intermediate II course can meet the Humanities and Global Studies requirements.

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. Define and solve problems individually and with groups, using a variety of resources and methods, including technology, and communicate findings effectively in writing and in speech.
  2. Articulate orally and in writing developmental theory and early childhood curriculum.
  3. Maintain a safe, healthy learning environment for all children in their care.
  4. Assess children’s developmental needs and plan appropriate activities to meet those needs.
  5. Incorporate culturally relevant and anti-bias principles into interactions with children and adults, guidance practices, and short- and long-term curriculum planning.
  6. Use developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive guidance techniques when managing a group of young children.
  7. Demonstrate professionalism in their relationships with children, families, supervisors, and program staff.
  8. Articulate the role of ethics in their work as ECE professionals; apply principles from the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct in professional activities and interactions.
  9. Explain the major professional, economic and policy issues facing the ECE profession.
  10. Explain the role of professional advocacy on behalf of the children and families they serve.
  11. Through mastery of all required early childhood and general education courses, be qualified to obtain a teaching position in an early childhood facility.
  12. Students who successfully complete the A.A.S. degree in ECE and document all required observation hours and practical experience, will be eligible to apply for the IL Early Childhood Credential or Infant Toddler Credential, Level 4.
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