B.A. Early Childhood Education

Program Overview

The Competency-Based B.A. in Early Childhood Education prepares working professionals without a bachelor's degree for the Illinois PEL in Early Childhood Education (PK-2). The online program offers minors in Infant Toddler Studies, ESL/Bilingual Education, and Special Education, as well as a concentration in Early Childhood Administration. Graduates are in high demand in the growing field of early childhood education, with opportunities for teaching, child support services, and other related careers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The Competency-Based B.A.
in Early Childhood Education (ECE) is designed for professionals without a bachelor's degree who are already working in the educational field.
• The program is aligned to the Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Credential - Level 5.
• This accelerated program is designed for students with an associate degree and a Gateways to Opportunity ECE Level 2 - 4.
• Students with an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Degree in ECE from a Gateways to Opportunity Entitled college enter the program with junior-level status.

Objectives:

• Prepare candidates to earn their Professional Educator's License (PEL) in Illinois, endorsed for grades PK-2, which will allow them to become the teacher of record in their classrooms.
• Prepare candidates to be eligible for the Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Credential.
• Prepare candidates to be eligible for the Gateways to Opportunity Illinois Director’s Credential.

Outline:

• ECE Licensure Competency-Based Minor: Prepares students for the Illinois PEL in Early Childhood Education, endorsed for grades PK-2.
• Infant Toddler Studies Competency-Based Minor: Prepares students for the Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Credential.
• Early Childhood Administration Competency-Based Concentration: Prepares students for the Gateways to Opportunity Illinois Director’s Credential.
• ESL/Bilingual Education Competency-Based Minor: Prepares students for the Illinois ESL/Bilingual Education endorsement.
• Special Education Competency-Based Concentration: Prepares students for the Illinois Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) endorsement or the ECE Special Education Approval.

Assessment:

• Students advance through their Learning Journeys by demonstrating mastery over concepts and skills integral to supporting children birth to age 8.
• Students can demonstrate mastery over particular competencies through summative assessments, transfer credit, and credit for prior learning.

Teaching:

• The program is offered in an online format, making it ideal for working professionals.
• Faculty members are well-connected in the educational field, and the Career Bridge team is highly successful at matching teaching candidates with ideal roles.

Careers:

• Graduates with a B.A.
in Early Childhood Education enter a job market in which they are very much in-demand.
• In the Greater Chicagoland Area, approximately 2,841 job openings are posted each year for preschool and kindergarten teachers.
• Illinois has one of the top five highest concentrations of jobs for preschool teachers in the country.
• In addition to becoming teachers, graduates with a B.A.
in Early Childhood Education are also set up for the following fast-growing careers:
• Child Support Services (+16%)
• Community Service Manager (+18%)
• Special Education Teacher (+8%)
• Early Childhood Education Curriculum Coordinator (+11%)
• Child Care Center Program Director (+6%)
• Instructional Coordinator (+11%)