Early Childhood Education A.A.S.

60 Semester Credit Hours; Curriculum: 0070

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

¹

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

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.

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.