Early Childhood Education
College of Education

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

Welcome to the Early Childhood program.  The 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.

There are three programs of study within the Early Childhood program area.  The master’s degree in Early Childhood Professions prepares graduates to work in the field of early childhood other than in teaching.  For example, a graduate may become an administrator of an early learning center or develop policy for agencies. In addition, the Early Childhood program offers both a graduate and undergraduate program in initial teacher certification and recommends candidates for the State of Illinois early childhood teaching certificate (Type 04, birth-grade 3).

• Graduate program in early childhood professions
• Graduate program in early childhood initial certification
• Undergraduate program in early childhood initial certification
  

College of Education