The growing field of early childhood education includes many different job opportunities. Regardless of the position sought, persons considering a career in early childhood education should enjoy working with children and have a strong desire to help them learn and succeed.
There are different paths into the early childhood education field. Work with your student success coach to identify the best academic plan to meet your career goals and personal interests.
The Basic and Advanced certificates in Early Childhood Education are meant for individuals seeking short-term education and training for immediate or continued employment. The Basic certificate is aligned with the Illinois Gateways Level 2 credential. The Advanced certificate is aligned with the Illinois Gateways Level 3 credential and provides additional coursework in early childhood education and general education. Students who complete the certificates may find employment as childcare center workers, childcare teacher assistants, and teacher aides. As graduates obtain work experience and additional college coursework, they may be eligible for lead teacher positions within certain childcare facilities.
Students planning to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education should speak to their student success coach about the Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. Upon completion of the degree, students may have the opportunity to work as a lead teacher in a certain childcare facilities.
Suggested courses for the Early Childhood Education Concentration:
- ECE 101, ECE 110, ECE 210, ECE 215, ED 205, ED 220
