Early Childhood Education

“Education should no longer be mostly imparting of knowledge, but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentialities.”
- Maria Montessori

The Early Childhood Education program prepares individuals to work with children from birth through grade three.  The goal of the program is to develop reflective, problem-solving and decision-making professionals.  The College of Education also prepares early childhood educators to be strong mentors for today’s youth, to promote the joy of learning, to make a difference in children’s lives, and to participate in the restructuring of education in the 21st century. 

Both graduate and undergraduate programs of study lead to initial teacher certification (Type 04, birth-grade 3).

• Undergraduate program in early childhood initial certification 
• Graduate program in early childhood initial certification
• General Education Tuition Discount for Graduate Students
• Early Start Graduate Program Scholarship - Limited Time Offer!
• 11th Annual Bright Futures Award: 2012 National ECE Scholarship Program
• Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship Program Announced - NEW!

Attend an Information Session