Early Childhood Education, A.A.
The Early Childhood Education A.A. degree offers comprehensive training in child growth, development, and educational strategies. Graduates are prepared to work in preschools, daycare centers, Head Start programs, and other early learning environments, making a positive difference in children's lives from the start.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Early Childhood Education?
With this degree, you can work as a preschool teacher, childcare provider, or early
childhood program assistant. You will be responsible for creating engaging learning
experiences, supporting children's social and emotional development, and fostering
a safe, nurturing environment. This degree prepares you to launch a meaningful career
dedicated to early childhood education and development.
The demand for qualified early childhood educators continues to grow as families and
communities recognize the importance of quality early education. Graduates with an
A.A. in Early Childhood Education can pursue roles such as preschool teacher, childcare
center director, family support specialist, or early childhood program coordinator.
The field offers rewarding opportunities to contribute to children's development and
future success.
Suggested Curriculum
This curriculum has been designed to help students select courses that are likely
to apply to a major in Early Childhood Education. Students should consult their advisor
and an advisor at the university early and often. This will ensure you are taking
appropriate courses for the major and licensure requirements. Licensure requirements
may change and these professionals will have the most up-to-date information to ensure
you complete appropriate courses.
Area A: Communication (9 credits)
- ENG 101 Composition I (C1 900) - with a grade of C or better
- ENG 102 Composition II (C1 901R) - with a grade of C or better
- COMM 101 Principles of Communication (C2 900)
Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts (9 credits)
Select three courses from the list for Area B with at least one course selected from humanities and one course from fine arts, including one English course numbered 200 or above. ART 131, ENG 243, HUMAN 101, or PHILO 205 recommended to meet the non-Western Cultures or Global Studies requirement at some senior institutions. ENG 211 , ENG 212, ENG 231, ENG 232, ENG 261, or ENG 262 recommended. Either ART 129 or MUSIC 130 also recommended.
Area C: Mathematics (8 credits)
- MATH 200 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching I
- MATH 206 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II (M1 903)
Area D: Physical and Life Sciences (7-8 credits)
Select one life science course and one physical science course from the list for Area D. One course must have a lab component. It is recommended that both courses have a lab for the Illinois teaching certificate.
Select one of the recommended Life Sciences below:
- BIOL 100 General Education Biology (IAI: L1 900L) or
- BIOL 111 Cellular and Molecular Biology (IAI: BIO 910; L1 910L) or
- BIOL 112 Organismal Biology (L1 910L; BIO 910)
Select one of the recommended Physical Sciences below:
- ASTRO 101 Guide to the Universe (IAI: P1 906) or
- ASTRO 104 The Solar System and Beyond (IAI: P1 906L) or
- CHEM 105 Survey of General Chemistry (P1 902L) or
- CHEM 110 General Chemistry I (P1 902L; CHM 911) or
- PHYSC 112 Earth Science (P1 905L) or
- PHYSI 101 Conceptual Physics (P1 900L) or
- PHYSI 120 College Physics I (P1 900L)
Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 credits)
- HIST 201 U.S. History: 1492 to 1877 (S2 900) or
- HIST 202 U.S. History: 1877 to Present (S2 901)
- POLSC 140 Introduction to U.S. Government and Politics (S5 900)
- PSYCH 101 Introduction to Psychology (S6 900)
Professional Early Childhood Education Courses
- ED 101 Child Growth and Development
- ECED 104 Introduction to Early Childhood Education *
- ED 212 Exceptional Child
- ECED 103 Health, Safety, and Nutrition * recommended or
HLTH 101 Health and Wellness - One additional Physical Science course (4)**
- ECON 201 Macroeconomic Principles (S3 901) or
- ECON 202 Microeconomic Principles (S3 902)
- MATH 151 College Algebra
One additional Humanities course from list in Area B above (3)
To teach young children (birth to grade 2) in Illinois public schools, teachers must be licensed by the State of Illinois. See the Illinois State Board of Education’s website for details on current licensure options. To transfer into an approved baccalaureate program in Early Childhood Education as a junior, students must complete a minimum of 60-semester credits. Since admission is competitive, completion of the courses recommended below does not guarantee admission. Community college students are strongly encouraged to complete an Associate in Arts degree prior to transfer. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is usually required for program admission.
*Note: Before enrolling in any additional courses with an ECED prefix at Prairie State College, consult the Transfer Guides at this webpage to determine the transferability of these courses. You need one course each from list in Area D above to meet common statewide requirements: one BIOL, one CHEM or PHYSI, and one ASTRO, GEOLO, or PHYSC.
Each college and university has its own major requirements and transfer policies. Consult the schools you are considering and a PSC advisor to discuss courses and their transferability.
Prairie State College provides a comprehensive array of resources designed to foster student success and well-being. These include disability support services, health and safety protocols, career development counseling, and personal support. Academic assistance is readily available through tutoring, advising, and library services, while transfer advising and campus security ensure a safe and seamless college experience. Additionally, the college offers various financial aid options to help students achieve their educational objectives.
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transition to your next academic goal.
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Whether you're choosing the right classes, planning your transfer, or exploring career
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