Early Childhood Education A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Sciences
Career Degree
Cost
$10,850* (estimated)

We take play seriously

Kids should experience the joys of childhood for as long as possible. Whether you’re just starting out or have a background in teaching, you can have a role in making that happen. CLC is one of the few schools where you can earn state-wide credentials.

Position yourself for advancement with an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Early Childhood Education (E.C.E.). Take the lead on encouraging the development of a child’s curiosity and problem-solving skills through fun activities in childcare settings.

Our nationally recognized program also is taught entirely in Spanish.

Explore our Spanish-language A.A.S. degree

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education?

With your associate degree, you’re ready to get to work playing. Build your competency for supervising and supporting youngsters from birth to second grade. Some graduates have opened their own childcare business.

Start right away with your associate degree in roles such as:

  • Assistant teacher
  • Lead teacher
  • Family childcare provider
  • Paraprofessional

With additional education, you can help people as a:

  • Kindergarten through 2nd grade teacher
  • Private preschool and childcare center director
  • Child assessor

Highlights

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

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Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ENG 120

    ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition

    Class Description

    Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student’s area of study.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ECE 117

    ECE 117 Creative Activities for Infants and Toddlers

    Class Description

    This course focuses on developing appropriate creative experiences and environments for children from birth through age three. Content includes choosing quality books, planning and implementing sensory activities, music and movement experiences, language play, exposure to the natural world, developing fine and gross motor skills, exploring art media, pretend play, and social interaction. Note: Materials fee required.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ECE 121

    ECE 121 Introduction to Early Childhood Education

    Class Description

    This survey course provides an overview of early childhood care and education including historical and cultural perspectives, organization, structure, programming, and evidence-based practices. Professional and evidence-based practices of highly-qualified early childhood educators are outlined with an emphasis on their ability to enhance development and learning of each and every child between the ages of birth and eight. Considerations for diversity of culture, language, race, socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, and ability will be included. Note: Students are required to complete ten hours of field observations in diverse early childhood settings. Current Illinois State Police criminal background check may be required.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ECE 124

    ECE 124 Child Development for Educators

    Class Description

    This course provides an overview of the theory and principles of human growth and development from conception through adolescence. Content includes an in-depth study of the inter-relatedness of physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects of development. Development is studied in the context of family, gender, culture, language, ability, socioeconomics, diversity, and society. Special emphasis will be on the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Gardner with implications for applied classroom practice. ECE 124 and EDU 124 are cross-listed.
         		3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ENG 120
      Course Title

      ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition

      Class Description

      Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student’s area of study.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ECE 117
      Course Title

      ECE 117 Creative Activities for Infants and Toddlers

      Class Description

      This course focuses on developing appropriate creative experiences and environments for children from birth through age three. Content includes choosing quality books, planning and implementing sensory activities, music and movement experiences, language play, exposure to the natural world, developing fine and gross motor skills, exploring art media, pretend play, and social interaction. Note: Materials fee required.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ECE 121
      Course Title

      ECE 121 Introduction to Early Childhood Education

      Class Description

      This survey course provides an overview of early childhood care and education including historical and cultural perspectives, organization, structure, programming, and evidence-based practices. Professional and evidence-based practices of highly-qualified early childhood educators are outlined with an emphasis on their ability to enhance development and learning of each and every child between the ages of birth and eight. Considerations for diversity of culture, language, race, socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, and ability will be included. Note: Students are required to complete ten hours of field observations in diverse early childhood settings. Current Illinois State Police criminal background check may be required.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ECE 124
      Course Title

      ECE 124 Child Development for Educators

      Class Description

      This course provides an overview of the theory and principles of human growth and development from conception through adolescence. Content includes an in-depth study of the inter-relatedness of physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects of development. Development is studied in the context of family, gender, culture, language, ability, socioeconomics, diversity, and society. Special emphasis will be on the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Gardner with implications for applied classroom practice. ECE 124 and EDU 124 are cross-listed.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose ENG 121 instead of ENG 120.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ECE 116

    ECE 116 Creative Activities

    Class Description

    This course focuses on facilitating creative activities and environments for young children ages three through eight. Course includes experiences in art, music, language arts, science, mathematics, and dramatic/social play. Each class involves discussion of child development theory, hands-on experiences in planning and implementing appropriate activities, exchange of ideas, and collaborative strategies. Note: Materials fee required.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    ECE 141

    ECE 141 Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children

    Class Description

    This course provides an overview of the health, safety and nutritional needs of young children and early childhood practices to ensure the health and well-being of each child in a group setting. Content includes roles and responsibilities of adults in meeting children's diverse needs, the promotion of healthy lifestyle practices, understanding common childhood illnesses and injuries, meeting health, nutrition and safety standards, and planning nutritious meals that are appropriate for each child.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    MUS 124

    MUS 124 Music Appreciation

    Class Description

    This course introduces standard concert music through intensive guided listening. Representative works by major composers from each period are chosen to illustrate the principal styles, forms and techniques of vocal and instrumental music.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BIO 140

    BIO 140 Environmental Biology without Lab

    Class Description

    This non-lab course studies environmental issues that arise from the interaction of humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, and energy. The goal is to better understand both the problems brought about by human use and misuse of the environment and potential solutions for those problems. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 140 and BIO 120.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ECE 116
      Course Title

      ECE 116 Creative Activities

      Class Description

      This course focuses on facilitating creative activities and environments for young children ages three through eight. Course includes experiences in art, music, language arts, science, mathematics, and dramatic/social play. Each class involves discussion of child development theory, hands-on experiences in planning and implementing appropriate activities, exchange of ideas, and collaborative strategies. Note: Materials fee required.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
    • Course Code ECE 141
      Course Title

      ECE 141 Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children

      Class Description

      This course provides an overview of the health, safety and nutritional needs of young children and early childhood practices to ensure the health and well-being of each child in a group setting. Content includes roles and responsibilities of adults in meeting children's diverse needs, the promotion of healthy lifestyle practices, understanding common childhood illnesses and injuries, meeting health, nutrition and safety standards, and planning nutritious meals that are appropriate for each child.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code MUS 124
      Course Title

      MUS 124 Music Appreciation

      Class Description

      This course introduces standard concert music through intensive guided listening. Representative works by major composers from each period are chosen to illustrate the principal styles, forms and techniques of vocal and instrumental music.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 140
      Course Title

      BIO 140 Environmental Biology without Lab

      Class Description

      This non-lab course studies environmental issues that arise from the interaction of humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, and energy. The goal is to better understand both the problems brought about by human use and misuse of the environment and potential solutions for those problems. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 140 and BIO 120.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of MUS 124 and BIO 140.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    SOC 121

    SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

    Class Description

    This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code SOC 121
      Course Title

      SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

      Class Description

      This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ECE 214

    ECE 214 Group Care of Infants and Toddlers

    Class Description

    This course is an overview of infant and toddler early care and education programs. Emphasis is on the care and protection of very young children; developmentally appropriate curriculum; working with diverse families; the impact and interaction of the physical environment and social climate on the young child. This course includes a required field experience of 20 hours at a site determined by the Instructor.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ECE 220

    ECE 220 Observation and Assessment

    Class Description

    This course prepares students to complete authentic, alternative, classroom-based assessments on young children, as well as mange standardized tests in an appropriate manner. The course will further provide the student with the knowledge and skills to interpret and use the information gained to plan curriculum that is responsive to and supportive of children's learning and development. Students will have the opportunity to engage in assessment processes through classroom observations, providing each student with a stronger understanding of child development skills. Students learn about and explore a variety of age, linguistically, individually, and culturally appropriate formal and informal assessments. Students will practice gathering and sharing information on each child's skills, abilities, interests and needs, birth through age 8. Includes required daytime field experience hours in diverse settings.Note: Current Illinois State Police criminal background check required.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ECE 223

    ECE 223 Child, Family, and Community

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the diverse needs of the child within the context of family, school and community. The course will examine the interplay of diverse cultures, lifestyles, abilities, language and communication with the role of the early childhood environment and other community institutions. Students will gain an understanding of their professional role in supporting evidence-based practices that strengthen respectful, collaborative family/child partnerships through effective use of community and family resources.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ECE 229

    ECE 229 Language Development and Early Literacy

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the development of speech, language, and emergent literacy in the young child. Students will gain an understanding of how children progress through stages of language acquisition, as well as the influence of culture and diversity on language and literacy development. Students will explore and develop strategies for facilitating language development and emergent literacy, create integrated curriculum activities, and assess children's literature for developmental and cultural appropriateness.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ECE 241

    ECE 241 Guidance and Social Development

    Class Description

    This course introduces practical principles and techniques for providing a balanced, child-centered approach to addressing the developmental needs and abilities of children in the early childhood years. Course content includes review of general theories of child guidance and how guidance encourages autonomy and self-discipline while promoting development of positive self-concept and early social development. Emphasis is placed on encouraging self-esteem, activities to promote pro-social behaviors, the relationship between the classroom environment and behavior, and the importance of observation to understand the underlying causes of behavior.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ECE 214
      Course Title

      ECE 214 Group Care of Infants and Toddlers

      Class Description

      This course is an overview of infant and toddler early care and education programs. Emphasis is on the care and protection of very young children; developmentally appropriate curriculum; working with diverse families; the impact and interaction of the physical environment and social climate on the young child. This course includes a required field experience of 20 hours at a site determined by the Instructor.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ECE 220
      Course Title

      ECE 220 Observation and Assessment

      Class Description

      This course prepares students to complete authentic, alternative, classroom-based assessments on young children, as well as mange standardized tests in an appropriate manner. The course will further provide the student with the knowledge and skills to interpret and use the information gained to plan curriculum that is responsive to and supportive of children's learning and development. Students will have the opportunity to engage in assessment processes through classroom observations, providing each student with a stronger understanding of child development skills. Students learn about and explore a variety of age, linguistically, individually, and culturally appropriate formal and informal assessments. Students will practice gathering and sharing information on each child's skills, abilities, interests and needs, birth through age 8. Includes required daytime field experience hours in diverse settings.Note: Current Illinois State Police criminal background check required.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ECE 223
      Course Title

      ECE 223 Child, Family, and Community

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the diverse needs of the child within the context of family, school and community. The course will examine the interplay of diverse cultures, lifestyles, abilities, language and communication with the role of the early childhood environment and other community institutions. Students will gain an understanding of their professional role in supporting evidence-based practices that strengthen respectful, collaborative family/child partnerships through effective use of community and family resources.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ECE 229
      Course Title

      ECE 229 Language Development and Early Literacy

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the development of speech, language, and emergent literacy in the young child. Students will gain an understanding of how children progress through stages of language acquisition, as well as the influence of culture and diversity on language and literacy development. Students will explore and develop strategies for facilitating language development and emergent literacy, create integrated curriculum activities, and assess children's literature for developmental and cultural appropriateness.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ECE 241
      Course Title

      ECE 241 Guidance and Social Development

      Class Description

      This course introduces practical principles and techniques for providing a balanced, child-centered approach to addressing the developmental needs and abilities of children in the early childhood years. Course content includes review of general theories of child guidance and how guidance encourages autonomy and self-discipline while promoting development of positive self-concept and early social development. Emphasis is placed on encouraging self-esteem, activities to promote pro-social behaviors, the relationship between the classroom environment and behavior, and the importance of observation to understand the underlying causes of behavior.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ECE 233

    ECE 233 Young Children with Special Needs

    Class Description

    This course focuses on practical techniques for working with young children, from birth through age five, in inclusive early childhood settings. Characteristics of children with various types of special needs, as well as curriculum, routines, and classroom management strategies, are identified. The historical, philosophical, and legal basis for the importance of family involvement in early intervention services and programs is explored.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ECE 242

    ECE 242 Math Activities for Young Children

    Class Description

    This course incorporates theories, research, and pedagogy as it relates to the emergence and development of mathematical concepts, knowledge, and skill development in young children. Includes review of basic mathematical concepts and terminology for teacher preparation in early childhood education. Emphasis is on the exploration of principles, methods, and developmentally appropriate materials within the early childhood classroom. Students learn and demonstrate how to promote children's emerging math skills and concepts through hands-on discovery and play. Includes planning, preparation, and assessment techniques for relevant early childhood math curriculum.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ECE 248

    ECE 248 Early Childhood Capstone Seminar

    Class Description

    This capstone course is required for all students completing the Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) in Early Childhood Education. This course provides students with the opportunity to synthesize, analyze, and apply their learning from their courses in Early Childhood Education in a comprehensive manner. As part of this course, students will be required to create a reflective and comprehensive ECE portfolio, complete 10 hours of participation in an approved early childhood learning center, and continue to develop an understanding of the National Association of Educating Young Children (NAEYC) standards, Illinois Professional Teaching Standards, and other current standards pertinent to early childhood teacher preparation.
         		3
    ECE 235

    ECE 235 Trauma Informed Educator

    Class Description

    This course is an overview of the types of traumas that young children experience and how it affects overall learning both in and out of the classroom. Emphasis will be given to supporting educators in creating safe learning environments, developing strong relationships with children that have experienced trauma, partnering with families and school communities in trauma-informed care, and secondary trauma as it relates to educators.
         		3
    ECE 299

    ECE 299 Special Topics in Early Childhood Education

    Class Description

    These special topic courses will focus on a specific current issue in the area of early childhood care and education. A maximum of 6 credit hours of ECE 299 or EDU 299 may be used as elective toward an AAS or AA degree in early childhood education.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ECE 233
      Course Title

      ECE 233 Young Children with Special Needs

      Class Description

      This course focuses on practical techniques for working with young children, from birth through age five, in inclusive early childhood settings. Characteristics of children with various types of special needs, as well as curriculum, routines, and classroom management strategies, are identified. The historical, philosophical, and legal basis for the importance of family involvement in early intervention services and programs is explored.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ECE 242
      Course Title

      ECE 242 Math Activities for Young Children

      Class Description

      This course incorporates theories, research, and pedagogy as it relates to the emergence and development of mathematical concepts, knowledge, and skill development in young children. Includes review of basic mathematical concepts and terminology for teacher preparation in early childhood education. Emphasis is on the exploration of principles, methods, and developmentally appropriate materials within the early childhood classroom. Students learn and demonstrate how to promote children's emerging math skills and concepts through hands-on discovery and play. Includes planning, preparation, and assessment techniques for relevant early childhood math curriculum.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ECE 248
      Course Title

      ECE 248 Early Childhood Capstone Seminar

      Class Description

      This capstone course is required for all students completing the Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) in Early Childhood Education. This course provides students with the opportunity to synthesize, analyze, and apply their learning from their courses in Early Childhood Education in a comprehensive manner. As part of this course, students will be required to create a reflective and comprehensive ECE portfolio, complete 10 hours of participation in an approved early childhood learning center, and continue to develop an understanding of the National Association of Educating Young Children (NAEYC) standards, Illinois Professional Teaching Standards, and other current standards pertinent to early childhood teacher preparation.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ECE 235
      Course Title

      ECE 235 Trauma Informed Educator

      Class Description

      This course is an overview of the types of traumas that young children experience and how it affects overall learning both in and out of the classroom. Emphasis will be given to supporting educators in creating safe learning environments, developing strong relationships with children that have experienced trauma, partnering with families and school communities in trauma-informed care, and secondary trauma as it relates to educators.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ECE 299
      Course Title

      ECE 299 Special Topics in Early Childhood Education

      Class Description

      These special topic courses will focus on a specific current issue in the area of early childhood care and education. A maximum of 6 credit hours of ECE 299 or EDU 299 may be used as elective toward an AAS or AA degree in early childhood education.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other electives instead of ECE 235 and ECE 299.

Total Credit Hours

62


Female student taking notes in class

Early Childhood Education at CLC

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This degree is just one possible way to study early childhood education. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

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