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 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.

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 1204 Creative Arts for Young Children (3)
ECE 1207 Language Arts for Young Children (3)
ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I ¹ (3)

Second Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

ART 1101 Art Appreciation ¹ (3)
ECE 1205 Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
ECE 1206 Curriculum for Young Children (3)
ECE 1208 Family / Community / Staff Relations (3)
ECE 1210 Child Study and Observation (3)

Third Semester (18 Cr. Hrs.)

ECE 1209 Curriculum Lab (3)
ECE 2205 Programming / Teaching School-Age (3)
ECE 2206 Program. / Teach. Infants and Toddlers I (3)
ECE 2207 Child Guidance (3)
ECE 2208 Teaching the Child with Disabilities (3)
MATH 1107 Contemporary College Math (1) or
MATH 1202 Business Math ¹ (3)

Fourth Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking (3)
CSCI 1102 Introduction to Computers w/ Business Applications (3)
ECE 2202 Center-Based Child Care Management (3)
ECE 2203 Science and Math for Young Children (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 the 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 1204 Creative Arts for Young Children (3)
ECE 1205 Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
ECE 1207 Language Arts for Young Children (3)

Spring Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

ECE 1206 Curriculum for Young Children (3)
ECE 1208 Family / Community / Staff Relations (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 1206 Curriculum for Young Children (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 which 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 which 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)
ENGL 1422 – Accelerated Learning Program (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 Brochures

Early Childhood Education Degree Brochure

Early Childhood Education Certificate 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.