Education - Early Childhood
ECC’s early childhood education programs prepare students to work as child care workers or child care directors. The Associate of Applied Science degree in education/early childhood education is approved for the Gateways for Illinois Director Credential Level 1, Infant/Toddler Credential, the ECE Credential Levels 2-4, and the ESL/Bilingual Credential. This means the college is entitled to offer the courses approved by the Gateways to Opportunity Illinois Professional Development System. Students in the early childhood education program will gain the skills and knowledge to work with children ages 0-8 in a variety of settings.
The AAS in EDN-ECE transfers in full to all public universities and some private universities. https://www.ecace.org/
Accreditation
The Early Childhood Education Program has the Illinois Director’s Credential Level I, Infant/Toddler credential, ESL/Bilingual credential, and the ECE Credentials Level 2-4 through Gateways for Illinois.
CDA Credential
Child care workers with a current Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential (TM) could earn the following Early Childhood Education credits at Elgin Community College:
ECE 104 Foundations of Early Childhood Education
ECE 106 Experiential Learning
Contact the Early Childhood Education Instructional Coordinator for help.
Entrance Requirements
None
Program Requirements
Students must provide their own transportation to and from all field experience sites. Early childhood students must pass the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services fingerprinting and background check prior to enrolling in ECE 201 Field Experience I & Seminar.
- Apply knowledge of child development to create appropriate learning environments for young children.
- Create relationships that respect and support families.
- Use authentic assessments to help discern the needs of young children.
- Use developmentally appropriate practices to positively influence each child’s development and learning.
- Design curriculum that promotes the needs of all young children.
- Demonstrate reflective practices about one's own personal and professional development.
- Critique the quality of a variety of early childhood settings.
- Maintain habit of approaching all stakeholders, content and settings through a lens of awareness and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and needs.
Education - Early Childhood - Associate of Applied Science
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 102 | Introduction to Early Childhood Ed | 3 |
| ECE 124 | Curriculum Planning/Young Child | 3 |
| Required Communications Course | 3 | |
| Required Humanities/Fine Arts Course | 3 | |
| Early Childhood Elective | 3 | |
| Total | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ECE 100 | Health,Safety,Nutrition/Young Child | 3 |
| ECE 174 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| CMS 101 | Fundamentals of Speech | 3 |
| Required Communications Course | 3 | |
| Early Childhood Elective | 3 | |
| Total | 15 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| ECE 220 | Child, Family and Community | 3 |
| ECE 201 | Field Experience I & Seminar | 3 |
| Required Social/Behavioral Sciences Course | 3 | |
| Early Childhood Electives | 6 | |
| Total | 15 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| ECE 202 | Field Experience II & Seminar | 3 |
| ECE 224 | Exceptional Young Children | 3 |
| Required Math Course | 3 | |
| Early Childhood Electives | 6 | |
| Total | 15 | |
| Program Total | 60 | |
Early Childhood Electives
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 104 | Foundations of Early Childhood Educa | 3 |
| ECE 106 | Experiential Learning in ECE | 3 |
| ECE 114 | Infant-Toddler Care | 3 |
| ECE 121 | Math & Science for the Young Child | 3 |
| ECE 150 | Child Guidance Practices I | 3 |
| ECE 215 | Child Care Administration | 3 |
| EDN 100 | Introduction to Education | 3 |
| EDN 112 | Technology in Education | 3 |
| EDN 201 | Intro to Cross-Cultural Educ. | 3 |
| ECE 226 | Methods of Bilingual & ESL Education | 3 |
Social/Behavioral Sciences Requirement
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 100 | Intro to Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 100 | Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 210 | Marriage and Family | 3 |
Math Requirement
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MTH 104 | General Education Mathematics | 3 |
| MTH 110 | Math for Elementary Teaching I | 3 |
| BUS 120 | Business Mathematics | 3 |
Education - Early Childhood - Vocational Specialist
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education Courses | ||
| Take each of the following: | 18 | |
| Child Growth and Development | ||
| Health,Safety,Nutrition/Young Child | ||
| Child, Family and Community | ||
| Introduction to Early Childhood Ed | ||
| Curriculum Planning/Young Child | ||
| Exceptional Young Children | ||
| Communication Courses | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| English Composition I | ||
| English Composition II | ||
| Business Communications I | ||
| Business Communications II | ||
| Social/Behavioral Sciences Course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Intro to Psychology | ||
| Principles of Sociology | ||
| Marriage and Family | ||
| Math Course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| General Education Mathematics | ||
| Math for Elementary Teaching I | ||
| Business Mathematics | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Education - Early Childhood - Basic Vocational Specialist
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 174 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| ECE 100 | Health,Safety,Nutrition/Young Child | 3 |
| ECE 220 | Child, Family and Community | 3 |
| ECE 102 | Introduction to Early Childhood Ed | 3 |
| ECE 124 | Curriculum Planning/Young Child | 3 |
| ECE 224 | Exceptional Young Children | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
Education Courses
All EDN courses numbered 100 and above may be applied to the major field and elective requirement for the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees.
Students who want to seek licensure in the state of Illinois as elementary teachers are urged to develop an educational plan with an ECC advisor regarding the selection of ALL courses. The courses you will take at ECC with plans to transfer to a four-year college/university will differ based on which institution you plan to attend. When planning your courses, please note ECC offers pre-education courses through the Education Department as well as education related courses in literature, math, music, psychology, and physical education.
If you are interested in working with young children, see our Early Childhood Education Program.
Education - Early Childhood Courses
All ECE courses numbered 100 and above may be applied to the major field and elective requirement for the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees.
ECE 100 Health,Safety,Nutrition/Young Child (3)(3,0)
This course provides an overview of the health, safety and nutritional needs of young children and early childhood practices to ensure the health and well-being of each child in a group setting. Content includes roles and responsibilities of adults in meeting children's diverse needs, the promotion of healthy life style practices, understanding common childhood illnesses and injuries, meeting health, nutrition and safety standards, and planning nutritious meals that are appropriate for each child. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $459 (effective 2026/27 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: None
Semester(s) Offered: Fall and Spring
ECE 102 Introduction to Early Childhood Ed (3)(3,0)
This survey course provides an overview of early childhood care and education including historical and cultural perspectives, organization, structure, programming, and evidence-based practices. Professional and evidence-based practices of highly-qualified early childhood educators are outlined with an emphasis on their ability to enhance development and learning of each and every child between the ages of birth and eight. Considerations for diversity of culture, language, race, socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, and ability will be included. Students will spend a minimum of 15 hours of observation in diverse early childhood settings. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: None
Semester(s) Offered: Fall and Spring
ECE 104 Foundations of Early Childhood Educa (3)(3,0)
This course is designed as an overview of basic principles of child development and learning, professionalism in the field of early care and education, and planning and maintaining safe and healthy learning environments. The course includes how providers advance and support children's physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development. Experiential learning opportunities engage students in building productive relationships with families. This course is part of the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) requirements to give college credits for the national Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. (1.2) Proficiency Credit: Available (2 MIE) Pass/No Credit: Not Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring and Summer
ECE 106 Experiential Learning in ECE (3)(0,15)
This course is designed to promote growth and development as a professional in early childhood education. The student will create a project in consultation with the instructor that is related to their early childhood education study. Verification and reflection of learning will be assessed by the instructor. This course will be taught as an independent study. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 E) Pass/No Credit Not Available NOTE: This is an elective course in the Early Childhood Education program.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring and Summer
ECE 114 Infant-Toddler Care (3)(3,0)
The patterns of growth and development in the child from birth to 3 years will be studied. The specific needs of infants and toddlers in various child care settings will be examined, with current research being considered. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in managing a safe environment while providing stimulating activities at appropriate levels.(1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: None
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
ECE 121 Math & Science for the Young Child (3)(3,0)
Introduction to basic concepts in math and science for young children. Emphasis on the learning process as well as the acquisition of information. Examine methods of learning through explanation and discovery. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $459 (effective 2026/27 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: None
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
ECE 124 Curriculum Planning/Young Child (3)(3,0)
The principles involved in planning, implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate, evidence-based curriculum for young children are studied. The course focuses on relationships among developmental theory, philosophy, practice, and development of curriculum based on the needs and interests of young children including those who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse. The analysis of a wide range of early childhood curriculum models is emphasized. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $459 (effective 2026/27 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: None
Semester(s) Offered: Fall and Spring
ECE 150 Child Guidance Practices I (3)(3,0)
Students will study the basic theory and practice for guiding toddlers and children's behavior. The emphasis will be on helping students utilize preventive techniques to eliminate and minimize discipline situations. Positive methods in helping children develop positive self-concepts will be stressed. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: None
Semester(s) Offered: Varies
ECE 174 Child Growth and Development (3)(3,0)
This course provides an overview of the theory and principles of human growth and development from conception through adolescence. Content includes an in-depth study of the interrelatedness of physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects of development. Development is studied in the context of family, gender, culture, language, ability, socioeconomics, diversity, and society. Special emphasis will be on the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Gardner. (1.2) IAI Major: ECE 912 Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Available NOTE: Encompassing prenatal through age eight and may include pre-adolescents.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: None
Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring and Summer
ECE 201 Field Experience I & Seminar (3)(0,10)
In-residence training is a supervised opportunity for the student to have first-hand experience in an institutional setting that meets his/her area of interest. In this setting, it is expected that the student will develop proficiency and display the skills required to perform adequately on-the-job. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 IE) Pass/No Credit Not Available NOTE: One hundred fifty (150) hours of on-site work is required as well as weekly class sessions with instructor. Students should have a Grade of C or better in the last three ECE courses prior to taking this course.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring and Summer
ECE 202 Field Experience II & Seminar (3)(0,10)
Training is a supervised opportunity for the student to have firsthand experience in an institutional setting that meets his/her area of interest. In this setting, it is expected that the student will develop proficiency and display the skills required to perform adequately on the job. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 IE) Pass/No Credit Not Available NOTE: One hundred fifty (150) hours of field work is required for this second experience, as well as weekly class sessions with the instructor.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in ECE 201
Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring and Summer
ECE 215 Child Care Administration (3)(3,0)
This is an advanced level course designed to equip students with an understanding of issues and skills related to effective administration of day care facilities which care for young children. The student will learn basic organizational skills and management techniques which will enhance the student's understanding and ability in the area of administration. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: None
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
ECE 220 Child, Family and Community (3)(3,0)
This course focuses on the diverse needs of the child within the context of family, school and community. The course will examine the interplay of diverse cultures, lifestyles, abilities, language and communication with the role of the early childhood environment and other community institutions. Students will gain an understanding of their professional role in supporting evidence-based practices that strengthen respectful, collaborative family/child partnerships through effective use of community and family resources. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: None
Semester(s) Offered: Fall and Spring
ECE 224 Exceptional Young Children (3)(3,0)
Presents an overview of critical elements related to educating young children with disabilities in the early childhood setting. Topics include the following: normal/exceptional developmental differences, the effects of exceptional learning challenges, inclusive environments, legislation, partnerships with families, IFSP/IEP process, managing behaviors and understanding transitions to support inclusion. (1.1) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in ECE 102
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
ECE 226 Methods of Bilingual & ESL Education (3)(3,0)
This course will examine culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogy. Students will learn to implement key strategies to help support multilingual and multicultural students in ways that value bilingualism and biliteracy. Students will use best instructional practices to integrate language, culture, and identity into pedagogical methods. Students will develop and maintain respectful, positive relationships with all children and families in ways that are responsive to language and cultural differences. (1.2) Proficiency Credit: Not Available Pass/No Credit: Not Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in ECE 102 or consent of instructor.
Semester(s) Offered: Spring