Associate of Applied Science
Early Childhood Education
Degrees and Certificates
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Early Childhood Education, -
Early Childhood Education – Director/Administrator Option, Associate of Applied Science -
Early Childhood Education, Advanced Certificate -
Early Childhood Education Level Four Transfer Pathway, Advanced Certificate -
Early Childhood Education Level Three Transfer Pathway, Advanced Certificate -
Early Childhood Education Infant - Toddler Level, Certificate -
Early Childhood Education Level Four Credential, Certificate -
Early Childhood Education Level Three Credential, Certificate -
Early Childhood Education Level Two Credential, Certificate -
Early Childhood Education Level Two Transfer Pathway, Certificate
Courses
ECED 1013: Foundations of Early Childhood Education
Credit Hours 3.0This is an overview of basic principles of child development and learning, professionalism in the field of early care and education, and planning and maintaining safe and healthy learning environments. The course includes how providers advance and support children's physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development. Experiential learning opportunities engage students in building productive relationships with families.
ECED 1023: Experiential Learning
Credit Hours 3.0The student will apply their knowledge while completing 240 hours of professional work experience with young children in an eligible setting. Work experience must be with at least 10 children enrolled in either of the following age groups: infant/toddler (0-2 years old) or preschool (3-5 years old). The student will be under the supervision of a training mentor and the program coordinator. This course may be repeated twice for credit. Verification and reflection of learning will be assessed by the instructor.
ECED 1513: Child Growth & Development
Credit Hours 3.0The student will study human development from conception through adolescence. All domains of development (physical, social, emotional and cognitive) and the interactions among these domains will be addressed. Emphasis will be on the implications for early childhood professional practice. Basic research methods and developmental theories will be introduced. The theories of Freud, Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Skinner, Gardner and others will be included. Child development in the context of gender, family, culture, and society will be studied. This course is part of the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood and Infant/Toddler Credentials. IAI: ECE 912 Child Development.
ECED 2013: History & Philosophy of Early Child Ed
Credit Hours 3.0This course examines early childhood education programs and principles in relation to historical, philosophical and ethical issues and their impact on current trends. It includes an overview of professional opportunities and curriculum model comparison.
ECED 2103: School Aged Programming
Credit Hours 3.0This course provides an examination of developmentally appropriate activities for school-age children up to 12 years old. Focus will be on planning both indoor and outdoor activities to meet individual and group needs.
ECED 2153: Infant/Toddler Care
Credit Hours 3.0This course examines the theories and research related to infants and toddlers in the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive areas of development. Focus is given to parent/care giver communication and interpersonal skills, developmentally appropriate curriculum planning based on observation, the nature of group care, and the needs of the individual. This course requires 15 hours of observation and participation. This course is part of the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Infant/Toddler Credential.
ECED 2163: Discipline/Classroom Management
Credit Hours 3.0This course examines the theory and practice of effective guidance techniques based on family communication and observation of the child. Emphasis will be placed on positive guidance techniques and preventative program planning in group care in relation to the needs of the individual child, the caregiver, and the group.
ECED 2223: Art/Music Activities
Credit Hours 3.0This course examines the creative process and developmental stages of art with emphasis on planning and implementing appropriate aesthetic experiences. Methods of encouraging participation, creativity, and individual expression will be included.
ECED 2233: Language Acquisition & Development
Credit Hours 3.0Language acquisition, development, and communication skills of the young child will be the focus of this course. Methods of theoretical and practical application of language concepts along with emphasis on selection and analysis of children's literature are included.
ECED 2243: Science/Math Activities
Credit Hours 3.0This course examines science/mathematical concept development in young children through the utilization of hands-on activities in the child care environment. Focus is on the development of problem-solving skills and methods for encouraging exploration and curiosity.
ECED 2253: Motor Development/Physical Activities
Credit Hours 3.0This course examines the relationship between physical activity and whole child development. Theories of play, community resources, and observation techniques for the planning and implementation of basic movement principles for the individual and the group both indoors and outdoors are included.
ECED 2263: Heads Up Reading
Credit Hours 3.0This course includes research-based principles and practices for providing children birth through age 5 with a strong foundation in early reading and writing while using a developmentally appropriate approach.
ECED 2363: Administration in Child Care Settings
Credit Hours 3.0This course is designed for early childhood professionals with a focus on administration in early childhood settings. Program planning, policy formation, personnel selection, training and supervision, facilities management and budgeting, state licensing standards, and interpersonal skills are examined. Included are analysis of current trends, community resources, and program evaluation. The course requires 15 hours of observation/shadowing an early childhood administrator. This course is part of the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Director Credential.
ECED 2403: Clinical Experience
Credit Hours 3.0This course requires 135 hours of participation in an approved early childhood care setting. Students should apply for clinical experience with the program coordinator the semester prior to the clinical experience. See Child Development program requirements. This course is part of the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Credential.
ECED 2513: Child, Family & Community Relations
Credit Hours 3.0This class is a study of the sociological factors impacting interpersonal relationships between the child, family, caregivers and community. Utilization of community resources, development of family education programs, and their resources, development of family education programs, and their effects on whole child development are included. Focus will be on parenting trends, observation techniques, communication, and parent involvement. Information on cultures, the diversity of lifestyles, and the role of the school and community as social agents with our changing society also will be included. This course is part of the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Credential. IAI: ECE 915 Child Development.
ECED 2523: Intro to Early Childhood Education
Credit Hours 3.0This course provides an overview of early childhood care and education including historical perspectives, organization, programming structure and basic values in early childhood education. Professional practices of early childhood educators are outlined with an emphasis on supporting skill development of children from birth to age eight during each age and stage of development. Students will spend a minimum of 15 hours of observation in early childhood settings. This course is part of the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood and Infant/Toddler Credentials.
ECED 2533: Early Childhood Curriculum Development
Credit Hours 3.0This course will examine the principles of planning, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate curriculum in early childhood education settings. Relationships among developmental theory, philosophy, and practice will be the focus of study. Special emphasis will be given to curriculum development, curriculum methods, child-centered planning and active learning experiences for children using a wide range of early childhood curriculum models. This course is part of the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Credentials.
ECED 2543: Child Study & Observation
Credit Hours 3.0This course provides an in-depth study of young children through direct observation which includes utilization of case studies and anecdotal records. Methods of integrating observed behavior with developmental theory and appropriate practice form the basis of the course. Responsive, supportive curriculum planning based on authentic, classroom-based formal and informal assessments for children from birth through age 8 will be emphasized. This course requires 45 hours of observation in an approved early childhood setting. This course is part of the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood and Infant/Toddler Credentials.
ECED 2633: Health, Nutrition & Safety
Credit Hours 3.0This course examines the basic concepts of health, safety, and nutrition and their effects upon the child's observable behavior and areas of development. It includes identification of childhood disease and preventative techniques, exploration of positive mental health strategies, and identification of developmentally appropriate activities for young children. Proof of current first aid and CPR certification is required to complete the class. The cost of obtaining certification is the obligation of the student. This course is part of the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood and Infant/Toddler Credentials.