Early Childhood Education, AAS
The education option in the Early Childhood Education associate degree program is designed to provide individuals with the theoretical background and practical skills necessary to assume various roles and responsibilities in the child care profession. The student, depending on individual interests and career objectives, may pursue a wide variety of options including child care, teaching, program administration, nanny training, family day care home management, Child Development Associate (CDA) training, infant/toddler care, school-aged care, and assistant in a child care or public/private school setting.
Additional program information
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.) KCC also offers a Paraprofessional Educator/Teacher's Aide program. Students should see the Early Childhood Education program coordinator to determine which program best suits their needs. This degree typically is not designed for transfer.
Child Development 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.
CDEV.AAS.C10
Outcomes
Apply child development theory to practice.
Observe, record, and assess child growth and development.
Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Incorporate developmentally appropriate guidance strategies.
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 Requirements
Major Courses
| ECED 1513 | Child Growth & Development | 3 Credits |
| 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 2403 | Clinical Experience | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2513 | Child, Family & Community Relations | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2523 | Intro to Early Childhood Education | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2533 | Early Childhood Curriculum Development | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2543 | Child Study & Observation | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2633 | Health, Nutrition & Safety | 3 Credits |
| EDUC 1833 | The Exceptional Learner/Child | 3 Credits |
Choose two
| ECED 1013 | Foundations in Early Childhood Educ | 3 Credits |
| ECED 1023 | Experiential Learning | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2103 | School Aged Programming | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2153 | Infant/Toddler Care | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2263 | Heads Up Reading | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2363 | Administration in Child Care Settings | 3 Credits |
| EDUC 1763 | Technology in Education | 3 Credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 45 |
General education
Electives
| Elective | 3 Credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 60
Suggested Course Sequence
0-15 credit hours
16-30 credit hours
| ECED 2513 | Child, Family & Community Relations | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2533 | Early Childhood Curriculum Development | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2243 | Science/Math Activities | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2543 | Child Study & Observation | 3 Credits |
| ENGL 1623 | English II | 3 Credits |
31-45 credit hours
| ECED 2163 | Discipline/Classroom Management | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2223 | Art/Music Activities | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2233 | Language Acquisition & Development | 3 Credits |
| ECED 2253 | Motor Development/Physical Activities | 3 Credits |
| EDUC 1833 | The Exceptional Learner/Child | 3 Credits |
46-60+ credit hours
| ECED 2403 | Clinical Experience | 3 Credits |
| COMM 1553 | Introductory Speech | 3 Credits |
| Electives | 6 Credits |
| Humanities, Social and Behavioral Science, Science, or Mathematics Course | 3 Credits |
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