PREPARING FOR A CAREER IN DIVERSE EARLY CHILDHOOD SETTINGS
The Early Childhood Education program at Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University grants students the tools and knowledge to make a positive difference in the lives of young children and their families, regardless of ability, income level or cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Additionally, Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå is partnered with more than 60 school districts, seven counties and 130 schools in the Chicago area, allowing students to become exposed to a variety of cultures and communities during their field experience hours.
Most importantly, since students can acquire three highly-sought endorsements with one program, they will be highly competitive in the job market upon graduation.
Three Endorsements through One Program
Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University’s program is one of the only early childhood degree programs in Illinois to offer all three endorsements within one major:- Early Childhood Education – Regular education classrooms, birth through 2nd grade.
- Early Childhood Special Education – Special education classrooms, birth through 2nd grade.
- English as a Second Language – Classrooms with students learning English as a second language, grades Pre-K through 12.
- Optional: Bilingual Endorsement – Bilingual students may add this endorsement through completion of one additional course and passing the appropriate ILTS Target Language Proficiency exam.
These endorsements are quickly becoming the required qualifications for teachers of preschool and primary children in the state of Illinois. Many schools and districts seek candidates with these three endorsements for teaching positions at lower grade levels.
TWO PATHWAYS TO BECOMING AN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
TRADITIONAL PROGRAM PATHWAY
The Traditional Program Pathway follows a 16-week semester schedule. Courses meet in person on the Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå Romeoville campus during the daytime, with regularly scheduled class sessions.
ACCELERATED PROGRAM PATHWAY
The Accelerated Program Pathway is designed for students who need a flexible schedule while maintaining structured class engagement. Courses in this pathway are offered in 8-week sessions and are delivered online in the evening. Most major courses meet synchronously, meaning students are required to attend a scheduled live online class meeting each week at a designated time. These courses are not self-paced; regular attendance during the online meeting time is expected.
WHICH PATHWAY IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
- The Traditional Pathway is designed for students who prefer a more traditional college experience, with 16-week courses, daytime, on-campus classes, and in-person instruction.
- The Accelerated Pathway is designed for working adults who may already be in the early childhood field, including preschool teachers, teacher assistants, or paraprofessionals. Courses are offered in 8-week sessions and delivered online in the evening, with most major courses requiring scheduled live online class meetings. Students in this pathway learn alongside other working professionals and receive a discounted tuition for adult learners.
- For both pathways, transfer specialists will evaluate prior college coursework and relevant learning experiences to help create a customized pathway to degree completion.
2+2 Program Option
Through a unique partnership with Joliet Junior College (JJC), students may attend JJC for the first two years of the program and complete the final two years at Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University's main campus in Romeoville, for a discounted tuition rate. Upon completion of the program, students receive a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education degree from Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University.
The Early Childhood Special Education with ESL Endorsement program is fully approved by the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board and the Illinois State Board of Education.
Scholarship Options
- Mines-Quinlan Annual Scholarship
- TEACH Grant
Visit the Financial Aid for Educational Studies page for more information on education scholarships.
Sample Courses
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- Child, Family, Culture and Community
- Beginning Linguistics and Development of Speech and Language in Early Childhood
- Instructional Methods in Early Childhood Inclusive Education
- Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Inclusive Education
- Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Communities
Career Areas
- Public School Teacher in Regular Education, Inclusive Education, or Special Education – Preschool, Kindergarten, and Grades 1-2
- Child Care Center Director
- Head Start Personnel
- Social Services Agencies
- Home Visitation/Parent Education Programs
Early Childhood Education Subsequent Teaching Endorsement – Birth-Grade 2 (18 credit hours)
Once you hold a Professional Educator License (PEL) or Educator License with Stipulations endorsed in a teaching field, you can add additional content area endorsements. These endorsements can be added at any grade level even if the underlying teaching endorsement on the PEL is a different grade range. The PEL serves as a foundation to which any teaching endorsement can be added after applicable coursework and testing are completed.
ON CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES
- Educators Rising
- Best Buddies Illinois
- Catholic and Lasallian Educators Program
- Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education (KDP)
- Black Student Union (BSU)
- Latin American Student Organization (LASO)
- Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
Admission Requirements
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Completion of an introductory-level methods course
Please refer to the Office of Admission for application requirements and specific next steps.
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