Early Childhood Education
About the Program
Housed in the Social Science Division, this program will prepare you to teach young children in an early childhood program. You may choose either transfer (preparing you to continue your studies toward a bachelor’s degree) or career program options (qualifying you for immediate employment after graduating).
Is this program for you?
In general, students who are successful in this program share traits like these:
- Have strong competence in language arts, written and oral communication, everyday math, and technology skills.
- Are caring, nurturing, patient, flexible, enthusiastic, energetic, and have a sense of humor.
- Like to multitask and think on their feet.
- Open to working with diverse, multicultural populations and having respect for differences in socioeconomic levels.
- Commit to continuous professional development.
Departamento de Educación en la Primera Infancia
Si está interesado en un programa en Español, para obtener una certificación (nivel 2 y 3) gratuita para trabajar con niños en la primera infancia, tenemos un programa para usted.
Este programa está patrocinado por la Fundación Schreiber y a través del Departamento de Educación en la primera infancia.
Career Opportunities
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for kindergarten and elementary school teachers will grow at about the average rate for all professions between 2012-22; jobs for preschool teachers will grow faster than average.
Why study at CLC?
- Our instructors have worked for decades in early childhood education as teachers and in other capacities. They balance theoretical principles with "real life" experience.
- CLC’s program focuses on developmentally appropriate teaching content and methods.
- Our courses emphasize a total curriculum including creative arts, language and literacy and math and science.
- Our A.A.S. program includes the components, benchmarks and practical experiences required for the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Level Four Infant-Toddler and Early Childhood credentials as well as the opportunity to earn the Level One Illinois Director credential.