Early Childhood Education

Associate in Arts
Transfer Degree
Cost
$11,576*

Mold young minds

The Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Early Childhood Education (E.C.E.) prepares you to continue your education at a 4-year university. You'll build a strong foundation in various teaching scenarios—not just the classroom—through your dedication to coursework.

Learn to supervise and encourage play to develop the minds of youngsters 0 to 8 years old. Study concepts like child development, math and technology for the classroom. Get a head start in this noble profession.

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

Maximize your career trajectory. Work with an Academic Success Advisor who recommends the best way to transfer to your preferred university. Then, obtain an Illinois State Board of Education teaching license.

With additional education, you can help people as a:

  • kindergarten through 2nd grade teacher
  • private preschool and childcare center director
  • child assessor

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

  • assistant teacher
  • lead teacher
  • family childcare provider
  • paraprofessional

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.

  • Transfer Degree

    Save on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

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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

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 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

    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
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    MTH 121

    MTH 121 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching I

    Class Description

    This is the first college-level math course in a two course sequence which is intended for students planning to major in elementary education. This course is not intended to offer teaching methods to future educators. Topics include problem solving, sets, logic, functions, numeration systems, real number system, number theory, probability and statistics. To fulfill the general education core curriculum math requirement the second course in the sequence, Math 221 (Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II), must also be completed. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details.
         		3
    ART 121

    ART 121 Introduction to Art

    Class Description

    This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
         		3
    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
    • 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
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 121
      Course Title

      MTH 121 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching I

      Class Description

      This is the first college-level math course in a two course sequence which is intended for students planning to major in elementary education. This course is not intended to offer teaching methods to future educators. Topics include problem solving, sets, logic, functions, numeration systems, real number system, number theory, probability and statistics. To fulfill the general education core curriculum math requirement the second course in the sequence, Math 221 (Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II), must also be completed. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ART 121
      Course Title

      ART 121 Introduction to Art

      Class Description

      This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • 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

    Course options: Students can choose other fine arts courses instead of ART 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 122

    ENG 122 English Composition II

    Class Description

    This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
         		3
    MTH 221

    MTH 221 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II

    Class Description

    This is the second college-level math course in a two course sequence which is intended for students planning to major in elementary education. This course is not intended to offer teaching methods to future educators. Topics include probability, statistics, modeling, plane and solid geometry, measurement, similarity and congruence, geometric constructions, area, volume, classroom manipulatives, and/or computer software.
         		3
    BIO 120

    BIO 120 Environmental Biology

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
         		4
    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
    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 ENG 122
      Course Title

      ENG 122 English Composition II

      Class Description

      This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 221
      Course Title

      MTH 221 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II

      Class Description

      This is the second college-level math course in a two course sequence which is intended for students planning to major in elementary education. This course is not intended to offer teaching methods to future educators. Topics include probability, statistics, modeling, plane and solid geometry, measurement, similarity and congruence, geometric constructions, area, volume, classroom manipulatives, and/or computer software.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 120
      Course Title

      BIO 120 Environmental Biology

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • 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
    • 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 other life sciences courses instead of BIO 120.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CHM 142

    CHM 142 Chemistry for a Changing World-LAB

    Class Description

    This course emphasizes basic principles of chemistry and their relationship to the modern world. This course will foster an interest in science by preparing students to make effective decisions by developing thinking skills that can be applied to challenges in a changing world. Topics include air and water pollution, energy resources, basic biochemistry, and current scientific developments involving chemistry. Note: students may not receive credit towards a degree for both CHM 140 and CHM 142.
         		4
    PSC 121

    PSC 121 American National Politics

    Class Description

    This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system’s key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system’s operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
         		3
    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
    PHI 125

    PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

    Class Description

    In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
         		3
    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
    • Course Code CHM 142
      Course Title

      CHM 142 Chemistry for a Changing World-LAB

      Class Description

      This course emphasizes basic principles of chemistry and their relationship to the modern world. This course will foster an interest in science by preparing students to make effective decisions by developing thinking skills that can be applied to challenges in a changing world. Topics include air and water pollution, energy resources, basic biochemistry, and current scientific developments involving chemistry. Note: students may not receive credit towards a degree for both CHM 140 and CHM 142.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSC 121
      Course Title

      PSC 121 American National Politics

      Class Description

      This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system’s key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system’s operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • 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
    • Course Code PHI 125
      Course Title

      PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

      Class Description

      In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • 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

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of CHM 142, PSC 121 and SOC 121. Students also can choose a concentration/elective course other than ECE 141.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    HST 222

    HST 222 United States History 1876 to Present

    Class Description

    This course is a survey of the social, economic, political, intellectual, and cultural history of the United States since 1876. Among the topics examined are: industrialization, immigration, overseas expansion, world wars, economic growth and technological change, the Cold War, urbanization and suburbanization, civil rights and women’s rights movements, politics and the evolution of liberalism and conservatism, and the age of globalization.
         		3
    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
    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
    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
    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
    • Course Code HST 222
      Course Title

      HST 222 United States History 1876 to Present

      Class Description

      This course is a survey of the social, economic, political, intellectual, and cultural history of the United States since 1876. Among the topics examined are: industrialization, immigration, overseas expansion, world wars, economic growth and technological change, the Cold War, urbanization and suburbanization, civil rights and women’s rights movements, politics and the evolution of liberalism and conservatism, and the age of globalization.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of HST 222 and MUS 124. Students also can choose other concentration/elective courses instead of ECE 223, ECE 220 and ECE 229.

Total Credit Hours

61

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours from academic year 2024-2025. 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.


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Early Childhood Education at CLC

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