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Career Expectations

Certificates in early childhood and infant-toddler education are stackable towards an associate’s degree and provide multiple entry points into the profession. Teaching assistant, co-teacher and lead teacher positions are possible with career certificates in ECE.

An associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from an Illinois-approved and credentialed program will prepare students for teaching positions in childcare centers and homes, and builds the foundation for transferring to a bachelor’s degree program.

A bachelor’s degree in education from an Illinois-approved certification program prepares students for teacher licensure in the state of Illinois and to become classroom teachers. Graduate degrees in education prepare students to be school administrators and specialized school personnel such as counselors or special education teachers.

 

Necessary Skills and Attitudes

Students in education will be required to pass disposition assessments that measure students’ professional attitudes and behaviors, such as caring, collaboration, and respect for diverse experiences.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students plan standards-based curricula that are individually, linguistically, and culturally appropriate.
2. Students communicate with families and stakeholders to gather information and provide resources in ways that are respectful, inclusive, and culturally responsive.
3. Students identify atypical and typical development patterns and apply developmental theory to observation, planning, and reflection
4. Students identify the principles of creating and maintaining safe and healthy environments in accordance with state licensing regulations.
5. Students create and support physical and social environments that nurture positive relationships with self and others and are aligned to DAP and UDL frameworks
6. Students implement ethical observation, screening, and assessment strategies that engage families and inform individual, group, and program planning.
7. Students reflect on their own actions, choices and values, and align them to applicable legal and ethical guidelines.

 

Gateways to Opportunity Illinois Professional Development System Program standards and course objectives are aligned to: NAEYC Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation IL Gateways ECE and ITC credentials 2-4 IDEC & IL DCFS requirements for Early Childhood employment Illinois Professional Educator Standards

 

ECE At ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡: Stackable Credentials And Degree Pathways & Master Course List (Fall 2026, Rev 1)

What is ECACE?

Completion of the Associate of Applied Science degree in early childhood education and Illinois Gateways ECE Credential Level 4 will deem a student eligible for transfer into an ECE baccalaureate program at an Illinois public university with junior status. For additional information and requirements, please contact Advising.

ECACE Scholarship

 

Meet The Faculty

Mary E Smaka Ms. Smaka began teaching Early Childhood Education courses at ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in 2019. Prior to that, she taught in a 1st-3rd grade public Montessori classroom in Helena, MT for 15 years. She is a member of NAEYC, ACCESS, ILAEYC, and the American Montessori Society. Ms. Smaka holds an Illinois Professional Educator License. M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, Plymouth State University B.S., Elementary Education, University of Montana -Western Elementary Level 1, American Montessori Society