Early Childhood Education

The growing field of early childhood education includes many different job opportunities. Regardless of the position sought, persons considering a degree in early childhood education should enjoy working with children and have a strong desire to help them learn and succeed.

As an early childhood education major, you might enjoy a variety of career options after you graduate, including a child care teacher, an assistant director or director of a child care facility, a private preschool teacher, director of a preschool program, an elementary school assistant, or head start teacher. Professionals may work with children of different age groups, depending on their specialty; the age range covered usually goes from birth to age 8 or so (third grade). An early childhood education major enjoys the opportunity for employment in a field that dramatically shapes and influences the lives of children.

Many of Richland's Early Childhood Education Classes will transfer to the Millikin University Early Childhood Education program: ECE 101, 110, 111, 112, 220.

Visit the Education page for information on Paraprofessional Education (Teacher Assistant), Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education.

Career and Technical Education Option

The following are part of the career and technical education program. Some courses may not transfer to four-year institutions.

Baccalaureate Transfer Options

  • Associate of Arts with concentration in Early Childhood Education
    • Suggested courses for the Early Childhood Education Concentration: ENGL 101; SPCH 101; PSYCH 110, 150; SOCIO 200; plus fine arts and mathematics electives
    • Additional suggested courses: ECE 101, 103, 110, 111, 203; EDUC 105, 220
  • Associate of Science with concentration in Early Childhood Education
    • Suggested courses for the Early Childhood Education Concentration: ENGL 101; SPCH 101; PSYCH 110, 150; SOCIO 200; plus fine arts and mathematics electives
    • Additional suggested courses: ECE 101, 103, 110, 111, 203; EDUC 105, 220

Related terms:

Early Childhood Education Courses

NumberTitleHours
ECE 101Introduction to Early Childhood Education3-0-3
ECE 102School-Age Child Care2-0-2
ECE 103Child Guidance2-0-2
ECE 110Health, Nutrition, and Safety for Young Children3-0-3
ECE 111Children's Literature3-0-3
ECE 112Math & Science for Young Children2-2-3
ECE 113Art, Music, & Drama for Young Children2-2-3
ECE 114Play Activities for Young Children2-2-3
ECE 116Infant/Toddler Development3-0-3
ECE 203Child, Family, and Community3-0-3
ECE 210Curriculum Design for Early Childhood3-0-3
ECE 220Child Care Administration & Organization3-0-3
ECE 230Early Childhood Program Management4-0-4
ECE 235Early Childhood Business Management3-0-3
ECE 290Work Experience Practicum & Seminar1-1-1 to 3

Early Childhood Education Faculty

Full-time Early Childhood Education Faculty

Faculty

  • Byers, Tonya
  • Huebner, Alice
  • Kiefer, Beth
  • Shipley, Diana