Early Childhood Education
Associate in Applied Sciences- Cost
- $12,016*
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. 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.
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 students have even opened their own family childcare home.
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
-
Illinois Gateways to Opportunity
Coursework is aligned with state-recognized requirements. -
Stackable Credentials
Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials. -
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available
Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college. -
Career Degree
Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills. -
Program Length: 2 Years
Full-time students finish in 2 years. -
WIOA Program
Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.
Career Outlook
Need help?
Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you
- complete the admission process
- choose an academic program
- enroll in first-semester classes
- get access to helpful resources
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 inclusive list of course options and degree requirements, see the 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 2 ENG 120 3 ECE 117 3 ECE 121 3 ECE 124 3 -
Course Code CLC 120 Course Title Credits 2 Course Highlights -
Course Code ENG 120 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights -
Course Code ECE 117 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights -
Course Code ECE 121 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights -
Course Code ECE 124 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights
Course options: Students can choose ENG 121 instead of ENG 120.
-
-
Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights CMM 121 3 ECE 116 3 ECE 141 3 MUS 124 3 BIO 140 3 -
Course Code CMM 121 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights -
Course Code ECE 116 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights -
Course Code ECE 141 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights -
Course Code MUS 124 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights -
Course Code BIO 140 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights
Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of MUS 124 and BIO 140.
-
-
Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights SOC 121 3 -
Course Code SOC 121 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights
-
-
Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights ECE 214 3 ECE 220 3 ECE 223 3 ECE 229 3 ECE 241 3 -
Course Code ECE 214 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights -
Course Code ECE 220 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights -
Course Code ECE 223 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights -
Course Code ECE 229 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights -
Course Code ECE 241 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights
-
-
Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights ECE 233 3 ECE 242 3 ECE 248 3 ECE 235 3 ECE 299 3 -
Course Code ECE 233 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights -
Course Code ECE 242 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights -
Course Code ECE 248 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights -
Course Code ECE 235 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights -
Course Code ECE 299 Course Title Credits 3 Course Highlights
Course options: Students can choose other electives instead of ECE 235 and ECE 299.
-
Total Credit Hours
62*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Early Childhood Education at CLC
Get the bigger picture
This degree is just one possible way to study early childhood education. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.
Frequently asked questions
Take the next step...
Be debt-free at CLC
CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.
Request info
Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.
Visit us
Get a feel for life on campus when you register for a tour. We'd love to show you around. Oh, and bring family and friends along for the fun, if you want!
Get started
Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.