Early Childhood Education (BA or BS)
Department: Education
The early childhood education program prepares you for the State of Illinois Professional Educator’s License in Early Childhood Education, which qualifies you to teach children from birth to grade 3. You will gain knowledge and skills to work with young students through in class lectures and activities as well as field experiences. You have opportunities to pursue additional endorsement or minors through flexible program plans.
Early Childhood Professional Education Courses - 72 hours
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 107 | Conceptualizing Math for Teachers I | 3.0 |
| EDU 108 | Conceptualizing Math for Teachers II | 3.0 |
| EDU 115 | The History of Education in the United States | 3.0 |
| EDU 116 | Introductory Field Experience | 1.0 |
| EDU 120 | Early Childhood Professional Roles and Responsibilities | 3.0 |
| EDU 194 | Physical Education for P-6 Schools | 1.0 |
| EDU 196 | Fine Art in the P-6 Schools | 2.0 |
| EDU 210 | Human Development from Birth to Young Adulthood | 3.0 |
| EDU 215 | Strategies for Effective Teaching | 3.0 |
| EDU 234 | Language Development | 3.0 |
| EDU 235 | Methods of Teaching English Language Learners | 3.0 |
| EDU 260 | Children's Literature | 3.0 |
| EDU 280 | Exploring Diversity: Learners, Families, And Communities | 3.0 |
| EDU 304 | Early Childhood Novice Teaching Experience | 4.0 |
| EDU 313 | Methods of Literacy I: Reading, Writing and Language Grades 1-2 | 3.0 |
| EDU 324 | Early Childhood Special Education Methods | 3.0 |
| EDU 328 | Early Childhood Methods | 6.0 |
| EDU 345 | Guiding Learners: Creating Safe, Inclusive Learning Enviro Environments | 3.0 |
| EDU 443 | Early Childhood Assessment | 3.0 |
| EDU 497 | Student Teaching in Early Childhood | 12.0 |
| Science Reasoning – Must be a SCI Course tagged NS | 4.0 | |
| Total Hours | 72 | |
In our early childhood education program, you will have the opportunity with elective credit to pursue an additional teaching endorsement or pursue a minor.
English as a Second Language Endorsement - 12 hours
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 236 | Assessment of English Language Learners | 3.0 |
| EDU 237 | Practicum for Teaching English Learners I | 1.0 |
| EDU 240 | Practicum for Teaching English Learners Part 2 | 2.0 |
| ENG 311 | Introduction to Language | 3.0 |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
Elementary Education Endorsement - 12 hours
For early childhood majors who want Elementary Education approval which will allow the to teach 1-6 grades, following courses may be added to their program:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 315 | Methods of Literacy II: Reading, Writing and Language: Grades 3-8 | 3.0 |
| EDU 335 | Methods of Teaching Social Studies Grades 1-6 | 3.0 |
| EDU 336 | Methods of Teaching Science Grades 1-6 | 3.0 |
| EDU 339 | Methods of Teaching Mathematics Grades 1-6 | 3.0 |
| Pass the Elementary Education content test | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Special Education Endorsement - 9 hours
For early childhood majors who want Special Education approval which will allow the to teach PK - 22, following courses may be added to their program:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 391 | Characteristics and Methods for Learners with Developmental Disabilities | 3.0 |
| EDU 393 | Characteristics and Methods for Learners with Emotional and Learning Disabilities | 3.0 |
| EDU 426 | Assessments for Learners with Exceptionalities | 3.0 |
| Total Hours | 9 | |