Early Childhood Development Online, Associate of Applied Science (704)
About Our Program
The field of early childhood education is filled with many exciting opportunities! In order to provide quality care and education in child development, an individual must have a passion for learning and the professional skills that can transform young children’s lives. Potential careers include working directly with young children and their families through teaching in public and private schools, Head Start programs, child care centers, and family child care homes.
The program is dedicated to addressing the needs and interests of young learners of diverse ethnicity, race, socio-economic background and ability. Through the online education courses, you will be introduced to the concepts of early childhood development that include child behavior, social-emotional development, health and safety, observation and assessment and curriculum planning.
At Highland Community College, we have a variety of pathways designed to support your professional growth. Whether you are interested in earning a Gateways Credential (http://www.ilgateways.com/en/credentials) or are planning to transfer to a four-year program, we have the courses and opportunities to meet your education and career needs. Our courses are designed around the following three Pathways: Direct Exit, Credential Continuing, and Credential Transfer.
The Credential Continuing Pathway is designed for students who are seeking employment and/or working in the field and who plan on progressing through each of the credentials with the goal of attaining their AAS. Courses are laid out in a four-semester sequence, with milestones of credential attainment marked along the way. This program contains 29 required ECE semester hours, 27 required related semester hours consisting of general education courses, and 6 ECE elective semester hours. The program of study must be taken in its entirety to meet degree requirements. Courses within the curriculum are based on the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards, the Gateways Early Childhood Competencies, the National Association for the Education of Young Children Professional Preparation Standards, and the Early Childhood Special Education standards. As a “blended” program, the courses integrate knowledge and effective practices from the fields of early childhood education and early childhood special education, which prepares students to recognize, support, and enhance the vast diversity of child and family development and learning needs. The early childhood certificates are wholly contained in the Early Childhood Development Online degree.
Each of our pathways is designed to support the attainment of Gateways Credentials. The Gateways Credential is recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Services Bureau of Child Care and Development. Credentials are required for varied Circles of Quality in ExceleRate Illinois and can be used as a prerequisite for employment within early learning programs. To earn your Level 2-4 ECE, Level 2-4 Infant/Toddler, or Illinois Director Credential Level I at Highland Community College, you are required to follow a prescribed course of study. Please be sure to contact the Coordinator of the ECE Program for further information about these credentials and required courses. These credentials promote access to varied career opportunities within the field, as well as opportunities to transfer to a four-year program to continue courses of study.
Nature of Work and Employment
Early Childhood graduates with an AAS degree are qualified to be employed as teachers and directors in child development centers licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Head Start, preschools, family child care providers, and in agencies providing family support. Career opportunities also include supporting those who work directly with young children in occupations that include administration, curriculum development, policy advocates and lobbyists, coaches and mentors, licensing representatives, and providers of professional development. Our state and nation are currently facing critical needs for well-prepared early childhood practitioners. Employment is projected to grow 10% from 2016 to 2026 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook). Graduates must demonstrate good physical and emotional health as well as submit to and pass a current background check.
Special Considerations
This degree prepares students for Illinois State Board of Education educator licensure and prepares students for transferring. Due to state legislation signed in July 2021, 4-year institutions that are part of the ECACE Consortium are mandated to accept the AAS-ECE as a transfer package. Please check with your advisor regarding specific requirements. Students must take either Introduction to Early Childhood Education (ECE 121 Intro to Early Childhood Ed) or Child Growth and Development (ECE 122 Child Growth & Development) and earn the grade of “C” or better to proceed through the early childhood program. They must maintain a “C” or better in all early childhood courses to graduate. A workplace experience is required for successful completion of this program.