Outcomes
Apply child development theory to practice.
Observe, record, and assess child growth and development.
Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Integrate health, safety, and nutrition practices according to local, state, and national standards.
Provide a respectful, diverse, and inclusive program.
Use interpersonal skills to develop respectful relationships with children and adults.
Demonstrate professional and ethical standards.
Advocate for children, families, and the profession.
Program Overview
The director/administrator option in the Early Childhood Education associate degree program is designed to provide individuals with skills in caring for children and business management necessary to assume the role of child care teacher, director, administrator, or program manager with a wide variety of options for specialization. Students must be at least 19 years of age upon completion of the program to be qualified as a child care worker and 21 years of age to be a child care center director, according to Department of Children and Family Services regulations. (See other program requirements on this page.) This degree typically is not designed for transfer
Early Childhood Education Program Requirements
Basic laboratory experience is required in many early childhood education courses within the program. Specific tasks performed in the lab setting will vary according to skills, interests, and course requirements. Prior to initiating lab assignments and projects, Early Childhood Education students must meet the requirements for staff in child care facilities as outlined by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Child Care Facility Regulations: (1) must have a high school diploma or its equivalent; (2) must be able to pass a DCFS criminal background check; (3) must have a completed health form; and (4) must have a signed mandated reporter form on file. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure all program requirements are current and on file with the program coordinator.
Program Requirements
Major Courses
Choose one
| ECED 2013 | History & Philosophy of Early Child Ed | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2103 | School Aged Programming | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2513 | Child, Family & Community Relations | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2153 | Infant/Toddler Care | 3 |
| ECED 2163 | Discipline/Classroom Management | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2223 | Art/Music Activities | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2233 | Language Acquisition & Development | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2243 | Science/Math Activities | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2253 | Motor Development/Physical Activities | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2263 | Heads Up Reading | 3 Credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 45-46 |
General education
| COMP 1521 | Computer Literacy | 1 Credit |
| or | |
| COSC 1152 | Introduction to Windows | 2 Credits |
| | |
| COMM 1553 | Introductory Speech | 3 Credits |
| ENGL 1613 | English I | 3 Credits |
| ENGL 1623 | English II | 3 Credits |
| | |
| PSYC 1813 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 Credits |
| Psychology Course | 3 Credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16-17 |
Elective
| Elective | 3 Credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 64
Suggested course sequence
Fall semester
Spring semester
| BSNS 2143 | Human Relations in Business | 3 Credits |
| ENGL 1613 | English I | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2523 | Intro to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| PSYC 1813 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 Credits |
| Elective | 3 Credits |
Fall semester
Spring semester
| EDUC 1833 | The Exceptional Learner/Child | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2403 | Clinical Experience | 3 Credits |
| BSNS 1553 | Introduction to Business | 3 Credits |
| BSNS 2213 | Human Resource Management | 3 Credits |
| COMM 1603 | Business Communication | 3 Credits |
| Psychology Course | 3 Credits |
Summer term
| Early Childhood Education Elective | 3 Credits |
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