Early Childhood Education
Associate in Arts- Cost
- $11,576*
Mold young minds
With your Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Early Childhood Education (E.C.E.), prepare to continue your education at a 4-year university. Build a foundation in a variety of teaching scenarios—not just the classroom—with your noble dedication to coursework.
Learn to supervise and encourage play to develop the minds of youngsters 0 to 8-years-old. Study concepts such as child development, math and technology for the classroom. Get a head start in the professional world today.
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
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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
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
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.
*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.
Learn how CLC helps you transfer
Start at CLC and continue with a 4-year school to earn your bachelor's degree. CLC has partnerships with many colleges and universities, covering a wide range of programs.
Our Guaranteed Transfer Partnerships (GTAs) with a select number of schools guarantee admission to students who meet specific criteria.
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
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Be debt-free at CLC
CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.
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