Early Childhood Education
Associate in Applied Sciences- Cost
- $11,273*
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.
With an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Early Childhood Education (E.C.E.), position yourself for advancement. Take the lead on encouraging the development of a child’s curiosity and problem-solving skills through fun activities in childcare settings.
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
-
You may need certain teaching credentials to work in many childcare education centers. Qualify for state-recognized Level 2, 3 and 4 Gateways to Opportunity certificates while you take your A.A.S. E.C.E. classes. CLC is one of a select group of schools with these stackable credentials provided at no extra cost to you when you submit your transcript after graduation. You may even earn a pay raise! See your department chair for more information.
As you serve children and families in Illinois, Gateways to Opportunity gives you guidance, support and recognition. The credentials reflect professional standards set by both the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Illinois State Board of Education.
Highlights
-
Illinois Gateways to Opportunity
Coursework is aligned with state-recognized requirements. -
Stackable Credentials
Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials. -
WIOA Program
Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers. -
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.
Career Outlook
-
Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.
-
Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $40,057
- Median
- $59,933
- Senior-Level
- $100,830
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $19.25
- Median
- $28.81
- Senior-Level
- $48.47
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
-
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- Associate Degree
- 5.51%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 68.66%
- Master's Degree
- 25.83%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
-
-
Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.
-
Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $19,980
- Median
- $28,579
- Senior-Level
- $50,760
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $9.60
- Median
- $13.74
- Senior-Level
- $24.40
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
-
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 52.82%
- Certificate
- 5.59%
- Some college
- 10.17%
- Associate Degree
- 22.71%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 8.71%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
-
-
Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.
-
Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $66,830
- Median
- $108,300
- Senior-Level
- $168,350
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $32.12
- Median
- $52.06
- Senior-Level
- $80.93
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
-
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 9.13%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 6.9%
- Master's Degree
- 83.84%
- Doctorate
- 0.14%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
-
-
Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care.
-
Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $35,754
- Median
- $47,047
- Senior-Level
- $76,630
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $17.19
- Median
- $22.61
- Senior-Level
- $36.84
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
-
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 25.65%
- Certificate
- 6.18%
- Some college
- 19.7%
- Associate Degree
- 31.95%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 16.3%
- Master's Degree
- 0.22%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
-
-
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
-
Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $48,958
- Median
- $67,215
- Senior-Level
- $109,256
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $23.53
- Median
- $32.31
- Senior-Level
- $52.52
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
-
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 0.97%
- Certificate
- 0.97%
- Some college
- 1.09%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 84.39%
- Master's Degree
- 12.6%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
-
-
Develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology into instruction in order to provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses. May train and coach teachers. Includes educational consultants and specialists, and instructional material directors.
-
Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $49,890
- Median
- $72,884
- Senior-Level
- $118,589
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $23.98
- Median
- $35.04
- Senior-Level
- $57.01
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
-
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- Bachelor's Degree
- 24.97%
- Master's Degree
- 74.9%
- Doctorate
- 0.14%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
-
-
Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students.
-
Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $50,769
- Median
- $68,109
- Senior-Level
- $108,637
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $24.41
- Median
- $32.74
- Senior-Level
- $52.23
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
-
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- Bachelor's Degree
- 86.2%
- Master's Degree
- 13.8%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
-
Need help?
Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" ready to help you get started at CLC.
Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with resources.
Recommended Pathway
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. View degree requirements in the college catalog.
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
-
Enjoy the hands-on application of your coursework in real-world settings. Grasp the expectations employers will have—taught by supportive professors—before you begin working.
Your degree qualifies you to be a lead teacher or director in early childhood centers and school-age programs by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). DCFS is responsible for licensing daycare centers.
You also have the opportunity to:
- Conduct and present topical field research
- Work on projects linked to real career applications of the core concepts for each course
- Get support from the Future Educators Club throughout the program
- Combine your learning with structured on-the-job training and mentorship in the “Learn and Earn” program
-
As long as you understand the importance of play in the development of young children, you belong here. All ECE programs include diversity, equity and inclusion. You also have an option to take all your ECE classes in Spanish.
College of Lake County is committed to ALL students. For more information, read our diversity and inclusion values and policies.
-
The A.A.S. in early childhood education is 60–62 credit hours and takes an average of five semesters to complete. Your coursework includes a bilingual concentration elective, practicums in preschool or infants and toddlers, and administration courses.
Your classes include:
- Trauma-Informed Education
- Language Development and Early Literacy
- Health, Safety and Nutrition for Young Children
-
We hold most classes in person but do offer some courses fully online or hybrid.
Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.
-
Our student profile is varied. Over half of our students are older than the average CLC student. Most of our students enter the program with some prior college experience. Your empathy and listening skills are your most important characteristics.
*Cost includes tuition and other fees, including books and materials before financial aid is applied, such as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.
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.
Explore careers
Discover majors and career paths to complement and extend your intuitive interests and abilities.
Request info
Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.
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.