Early Childhood Education

Opportunities are available for those interested in the growing field of working with young children. Rend Lake College provides a two-year pathway to reach your goal: the Associate in Applied Science Degree. The Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education is designed for those wanting direct entry into the workforce. The curriculum provides students with a background in early childhood and general studies necessary for a career in early childhood education. Graduates will be prepared for positions as family child care providers, teachers, and directors in child care centers, family group homes, Head Start programs, and after-school programs. The degree also prepares students for teacher’s aides positions in public school classrooms and in special education programs. Additionally, this degree meets the requirements for Gateways to Opportunities Early Childhood Credential Level 4.

Degrees & Certificates in Early Childhood Education

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - Degree

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - Degree

Associate in Applied Science Degree

This two-year program leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. The curriculum provides students with the background in early childhood and general studies necessary for a career in early childhood education. Graduates will be prepared for positions as family child care providers, teachers, and directors in child care centers, family group homes, Head Start programs, and after school programs. The degree also prepares students for teacher’s aides positions in public school classrooms and in special education programs. Additionally, this degree meets the requirements for Gateways to Opportunities Early Childhood Credential Level 4.

All bolded core ECE courses in this program should be taken prior to enrolling in additional ECE courses.

► Total = 64 Hours

Rend Lake College is a Gateways to Opportunity Entitled Institution, meaning the college has aligned its coursework with specific credential benchmarks based on state and national standards.

All students in the program must go through a background check as required by Department of Children and Family Services. Additionally, a physical exam proving the student is free of communicable diseases, including tuberculosis, and physical or mental conditions which could affect his or her ability to perform assigned duties is required.

First Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

ECE 1201 Child Development (3)
ECE 1202 Intro to Early Childhood Education (3)
ECE 1205 Health, Safety, and Nutrition (3)
ECE 1207 Language Arts for Young Children (3)
ECE 1208 Family / Community / Staff Relations (3)

Second Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

ECE 1204 Creative Arts for Young Children (3)
ECE 1206 Curriculum for Young Children (3)
ECE 1209 Curriculum Lab (3)
ECE 1210 Child Study and Observation (3)
ECE 2203 Science and Math for Young Children (3)

Third Semester (18 Cr. Hrs.)

COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking (3)
ECE 2206 Program. / Teach. Infants and Toddlers I (3)
ECE 2207 Child Guidance (3)
ECE 2208 Teaching the Child with Disabilities (3)
ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I (3)
MATH 1107 Contemporary College Math (1) or
MATH 1202 Business Math ¹ (3)

Fourth Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

ART 1101 Art Appreciation (3)
CSCI 1102 Introduction to Computers w/ Business Applications (3)
ECE 2202 Center-Based Child Care Management (3)
ECE 2205 Programming/Teach School Age (3)
ECE 2209 Practicum (4)

Recommended Electives

PSYC 2101 Introduction to Psychology ¹ (3)

¹ Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION- Certificate

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION- Certificate

Occupational Certificate

This one-year certificate provides students with a background in Early Childhood Education courses. Courses in this two-semester certificate align with the associate degree program to promote a seamless transition into the Associate in Applied Science Degree

Gainful Employment Information

► Total = 30 Hours

Fall Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

ECE 1201 Child Development (3)
ECE 1202 Intro to Early Childhood Education (3)
ECE 1205 Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
ECE 1207 Language Arts for Young Children (3)
ECE 1208 Family / Community / Staff Relations (3)

Spring Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

ECE 1208 Creative Arts for Young Children
ECE 1206 Curriculum for Young Children (3)
ECE 1209 Curriculum Lab (3)
ECE 1210 Child Study and Observation (3)
ECE 2203 Science and Math for Young Children (3)

EARLY CHILDHOOD ASSISTANT - Certificate

EARLY CHILDHOOD ASSISTANT - Certificate

These foundation courses provide the student with basic knowledge needed for entry-level positions in the field of early childhood education.

► Total = 6 Hours

Fall Semester (6 Cr. Hrs.)

ECE 1201 Child Development (3)
ECE 1202 Intro to Early Childhood Education (3)

EARLY CHILDHOOD – LEVEL TWO- Certificate

EARLY CHILDHOOD – LEVEL TWO- Certificate

The Level Two Certificate is designed to lead the early childhood professional to a Level Two Early Childhood Credential through Illinois Gateways to Opportunity. The certificate fulfills the coursework requirements. The student must submit required documentation and fee associated with this credential to Illinois Gateways to Opportunity.

Gainful Employment Information

► Total = 12 Hours

Fall Semester (6 Cr. Hrs.)

ECE 1201 Child Development (3)
ECE 1202 Intro to Early Childhood Education (3)

Spring Semester (6 Cr. Hrs.)

ECE 1205 Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
ECE 1208 Family / Community / Staff Relations (3)

EARLY CHILDHOOD – LEVEL THREE- Certificate

EARLY CHILDHOOD – LEVEL THREE- Certificate

The Level Three Certificate is designed to lead the early childhood professional to a Level Three Early Childhood Credential through Illinois Gateways to Opportunity. The certificate fulfills the coursework requirements. The student must submit required documentation and fee associated with this credential to Illinois Gateways to Opportunity.

Gainful Employment Information

► Total = 30 Hours

Fall Semester (12 Cr. Hrs.)

ECE 1201 Child Development (3)
ECE 1202 Intro to Early Childhood Education (3)
ECE 1205 Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
ECE 1208 Family / Community / Staff Relations (3)

Spring Semester (9 Cr. Hrs.)

ECE 1206 Curriculum for Young Children (3)
ECE 1209 Curriculum Lab (3)
ECE 1210 Child Study and Observation (3)

Fall Semester (9 Cr. Hrs.)

COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking (3)
ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I ¹ (3)
MATH 1107 Contemporary College Math ¹or
MATH 1202 Business Math ¹ (3)

¹ Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CREDENTIAL- Certificate

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CREDENTIAL- Certificate

The Gateways Technical Assistance (TA) Credential is a credential that is cross-sector and includes all aspects of coaching, mentoring, and relationship-based professional development. The TA Credential is a symbol of professional achievement which validates the knowledge and skills, experience, and contributions required to a variety of roles that relate to relationship-based professional development in Early Childhood Education. The roles include mentor/consultant in early education and/or school-age practitioners, evidence-based practices coach, professional needs assessor, and supporter of the development needs of children. The certificate coursework encompasses the appropriate topics required by Gateways to ensure alignment to the credentialing standards.

Gainful Employment Information

► Total = 16 Hours

Prerequisites

ENGL 1101 – Rhetoric & Composition I (or concurrent enrollment) (3)

Spring Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

COMM 1101 - Principles of Effective Speaking (3)
ECE 1208 – Family / Community / Staff Relations (3)
ECE 2202 - Center-Based Child Care Management (3)
ECE 2209 – Practicum (4)
MGMT 2201 Principles of Management (3)

Early Childhood Education Brochure

Early Childhood Education Degree Brochure

Program Costs

Early Childhood Education Degree

Early Childhood Education Certificate

Early Childhood Assistant Certificate

Early Childhood-Level Two

Early Childhood-Level Three

Program Outcomes

Early Childhood Education

Apply practical training to the care and education of young children.
Develop age-appropriate learning opportunities for children ages birth - eight.
Demonstrate competence with children from an early childhood environment.
Apply a sound Early Childhood Education research-based component in professional communications.
Develop, articulate and write their personal perspective on early childhood education.

Practical Training

Students in the Early Childhood Education program receive practical training in the on-campus RLC Foundation Children’s Center. Students learn from interaction with infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children. Classes cover specific competencies and provide training in:

Emerging Curriculum
Reggio Emelia Project Approach
Learning Centers
Computers with Children
Naturalistic Observation
Critical Thinking Development for Young Children

The RLC Foundation Children’s Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This honor has become a widely recognized sign of high quality in early childhood education programs. The RLCF Children’s Center is regarded as one of the best in Southern Illinois and the nation, so practical training here provides a tremendous value.

Child Development Associate

Based upon recommendation by the Illinois Community College Board, Rend Lake College awards credits to those students who have obtained a Child Development Associate credential. A student must present the proper documentation of an active Child Development Associate Credential to the Registrar. The Child Development Associate Credential is based upon a core set of competency standards which are aligned with the following courses for which a student will receive credit.

Articulation

Articulation agreements document a pathway between Rend Lake College and the following schools for the academic program(s) listed.

McKendree University

McKendree University - Articulation Agreements

Central Methodist University

Central Methodist University - Articulation Agreements

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Southern Illinois University Carbondale - Articulation Agreements

Transfer Information

Rend Lake College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional accreditors in the United States. Accreditation is vital to what we do. It serves as a measure of quality, allows us to access and distribute federal student aid, facilitates the transfer of classes between institutions and more. The Higher Learning Commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Rend Lake College has been accredited since 1969. Voluntary accreditation is an activity of great importance to Rend Lake College and the community it serves. The process ensures that RLC is accountable – that our programs are effective and that we are delivering on our guarantees of educational quality.

Students who graduate with an Associates in Science (AS) or an Associates in Arts (AA) have the ability to transfer to institutions that will allow them to continue towards a goal of a Bachelors degree (BA or BS).

Rend Lake College works with other institutions to allow for an easy transition to a four-year university. Some of the Universities that have this working relationship are:

Faculty & Staff

Bria Robinson

Dean of Allied Health

Phone Extension: 1777

Building: South Oasis

Office: 116

M.A.Ed., McKendree University | B.S., Midwestern State University

Heather Miller

Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator

Phone Extension: 1369

Building: Learning Resource Center

Office: 222

M.S Purdue Global University/ B.S. Southern Illinois University

Sue Harmon

Nursing Program Instructor

Phone Extension: 1709

Building: South Oasis

Office: 118

Allied Health Division
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1251
Email: [email protected]
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Allied Health
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Allied Health

Getting Started Is Easy As 1 - 2- 3!

Early Childhood Education

Degrees & Certificates in Early Childhood Education

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - Degree

First Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

Third Semester (18 Cr. Hrs.)

Fourth Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Recommended Electives

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION- Certificate

Fall Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

Spring Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

EARLY CHILDHOOD ASSISTANT - Certificate

Fall Semester (6 Cr. Hrs.)

EARLY CHILDHOOD – LEVEL TWO- Certificate

Fall Semester (6 Cr. Hrs.)

Spring Semester (6 Cr. Hrs.)

EARLY CHILDHOOD – LEVEL THREE- Certificate

Fall Semester (12 Cr. Hrs.)

Spring Semester (9 Cr. Hrs.)

Fall Semester (9 Cr. Hrs.)

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CREDENTIAL- Certificate

Prerequisites

Spring Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Early Childhood Education Brochure

Program Costs

Program Outcomes

Practical Training

Child Development Associate

Articulation

McKendree University

Central Methodist University

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Transfer Information

Faculty & Staff

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