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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

Degrees & Certificates in Early Childhood Education

COMMUNITY & CORPORATE EDUCATION DIVISION

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.

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

► Total = 64 Hours

note icon 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.

note icon 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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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

Recommended Electives

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.)

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.)

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.)

Fall Semester (6 Cr. Hrs.)

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.)

Fall Semester (6 Cr. Hrs.)

Spring Semester (6 Cr. Hrs.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

Fall Semester (9 Cr. Hrs.)

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

Prerequisites

  • ENGL 1101 – Rhetoric & Composition I (or concurrent enrollment) (3)
  • ENGL 1422 – Accelerated Learning Program (3)
Spring Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

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)

Program Outcomes

Program Outcomes

Early Childhood Education

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

Practical Training

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.

Articulation

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

Start to finish. Articulation. Your credits transfer.

Central Methodist University - ECE

SIU-C_AAS Early Childhood Education

Southern Illinois University MOU MS Ed in Curriculum Instruction Addendum

Faculty & Staff

Margo Wagner
Margo Wagner
Dean of Community & Corporate Education
Phone Extension: 1367
Building: Student Center
Office: 207
M.S.Ed., Eastern Illinois University | B.S., Southern Illinois University

Connect

Community & Corporate Education Division
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1367
Email:
Address:468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Community & Corporate Education
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Community & Corporate Education


 

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