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Career options
Prepare for work in a variety of facilities for young children with this 60-credit-hour Early Childhood Education degree. You’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to launch a successful teaching career.
Focus areas of study include promoting child development and learning, building family and community relationships, using developmentally effective approaches to connect with children and families and using content knowledge to develop meaningful curriculum. You’ll also get hands-on experience working with children at Harper’s Child Care Learning Center, an on-site preschool facility where you’ll receive guidance and feedback from certified teaching professionals.
The Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education offers specializations in Director and Teacher. Students may complete ONE specialization (click to expand):
The 60 credit-hour curriculum is designed to provide students with the requisite skills and theoretical knowledge to work in a variety of facilities for young children as a director for half-day and full-day early childhood centers.
Upon completion of courses for the specialized area of director, demonstration of proof of First Aid/CPR certification and verification of 1200 hours of management experience, students need to complete an IL Gateways application to qualify for the Illinois Director Credential Level 1.
This sequenced degree plan is one of two options that students may pursue to earn the Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. While there are multiple specializations, this particular degree can be awarded only once.
F = Fall only course S = Spring only course U = Summer only course
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 101 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Provides an overview of early childhood care and education, including the basic values, structure, organization and programming. Examination of the student’s personal qualities in relationship to expectations of the field. Directed observation in a variety of programs and settings. Six (6) hours of observation required. (NOTE: The program’s health requirements must be completed prior to observation.) Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
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| ECE 102 | Child Development | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Provides a study of human development from conception through adolescence. Includes research methods and developmental theories. Address all major areas of development (physical, social, emotional and cognitive, language, and aesthetic) and the interaction among these areas. Also examines current research and major developmental theoretical points of view, including those of Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Skinner, Gardner and others. Explores child development in the context of gender, family, culture, socio-economics, race, ethnicity, religion, and society. Emphasis is on the implication for early childhood professional practice. IAI ECE 912 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| ECE 115 | Principles of Early Childhood Curriculum | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Provides an overview of principles involved in planning, implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate curriculum. Includes lesson plans, emerging curriculum, scheduling, room arrangement, materials and equipment; individual, small and large group activities; short and long term goals; and teacher’s roles and responsibilities in curriculum development. Three (3) hours of observation required. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in ECE 102 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 | AAS General Education |
|
Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options: english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 086 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 099 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with required reading placement test score. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| Mathematics1 | 3 | AAS General Education | |
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 226 | Assessment and Guidance | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Understand concepts of appropriate assessment, expected educational outcomes, the teacher's responsibility in assessment and how young children develop and learn. Students will understand how appropriate assessments can measure and evaluate child growth and development and how the use of assessment tools can influence decisions in early childhood education with an emphasis on appropriate guidance techniques and strategies. Four (4) hours of observation are required. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in ECE 102 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| ECE 250 | Health, Nutrition and Safety | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Focuses on personal health of the individual, including nutrition and health and safety issues, with emphasis on meeting health needs for children in group settings. A healthy lifestyle, preventive health and community health are examined. One (1) hour of observation is required. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| ECE 252 | Child -Family -Community | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Concentrates on teacher's role in working with children within the context of family and community. Stresses effective communication, diversity, professionalism and social policy. Includes an in-depth study of community resources. Two (2) hours of observation are required. IAI ECE 915 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| MGT 205 | Leadership | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Investigates leadership styles and the influences of leadership styles within organizations from start-ups to global corporations. Explores the empirical science and evidence of leadership styles, motivation, communication, conflict resolution, negotiations, creativity and innovation. Examines leadership styles as they relate to culture, diversity and globalization. Evaluates the performance of successful leaders. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
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| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 | AAS General Education |
|
Description: Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 253 | Administration of Early Childhood Programs F | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description:
This course is only offered in the fall term. Prerequisite: Completion of 15 credit hours including ECE 102 and ECE 115 with grades of C or better, or consent of program coordinator. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| EDU 219 | Students With Disabilities in School | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Presents the historical, philosophical and legal foundations of special education as well as an overview of the diverse characteristics of individuals with exceptional cognitive, physical, social and emotional needs, including, but not limited to, children identified as learning disabled. Covers identification, intervention strategies, cross-categorical methods of instruction and programs to meet their needs, including, but not limited to, assistive technologies, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), behavioral interventions, and Universal Design. Studies applicable state and federal laws and requirements, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), Individual Education Plan (IEP), Response to Intervention (RTI) and inclusive programming. This course addresses the coursework identified in the Illinois Administrative Code 25, Section 25:25 for professional educator licensure. There is a mandatory fifteen (15) hour clinical component in this course; therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. IAI ECE 913 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| EDU 220 | Diversity in Schools and Society + | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Provides an introduction to diversity issues in schools and society today. Examines how schooling is shaped by the social contexts in which it occurs, particularly in multicultural and global contexts. Includes examination of both social and global perspectives. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| EDU 250 | Introduction to Technology in Education F | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description:
This course is only offered in the fall term. Prerequisite: Keyboarding, basic skill word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs, or consent of instructor. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology + | 3 | AAS General Education |
|
Description: Investigates human and animal behavior with emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary and classic psychological investigation. Emphasizes psychological theories, principles, and research applications. Introduces the divisions of the American Psychological Association. References biological processes, sensation, perception, learning, memory, thinking, emotional life, mental disorders, intelligence, aptitude, personality, development, daily life and everyday problems. IAI S6 900 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAS General Education elective2 | 3 | AAS General Education | |
| ECE 254 | Interpersonal Relationships in Early Child Education S | 1 | Program Requirement |
|
Description:
This course is only offered in the spring term. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| ECE 293 | Early Childhood Director Practicum | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Emphasizes the practical application of early childhood education principles and theories in a supervisory capacity, while working with a director, staff, parents, and young children. The student will be supervised by a qualified director for 300 documented hours as mandated by the State of Illinois Director Credentials. Prerequisite: ECE 253, MGT 205 and MKT 245 AND consent of coordinator. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| ECE elective3 | 3 | Program Requirement | |
| FSM 114 | Food Standards and Sanitation | 2 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Introduces safe food handling practices and discusses the standardized procedures involved in the procurement, storage, preparation, holding, and service of safe food. Prepares students for the State of Illinois-approved Food Service Sanitation Manager’s Certification test. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| MKT 245 | Principles of Marketing | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Focuses on marketing activities that will cover product planning, pricing strategies and promotional efforts including advertising, selling and sales promotions and distribution channel effectiveness. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
1 - The mathematics requirement for this degree (MTH 065) can be met with Math Competency. See Math Competency options for information. Students who utilize Math Competency to meet the mathematics requirement must complete an additional three credit-hour AAS General Education elective. See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
+ - This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement.
2 - See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
3 - ECE elective: Any ECE course.
The 60 credit-hour curriculum is designed to provide students with the requisite skills and theoretical knowledge to work in a variety of facilities for young children. Upon completion of courses for the specialized area of teacher, students need to complete an IL Gateways application to qualify for the Illinois ECE Credential Level 4 and Illinois Infant/Toddler Credential Level 4.
This sequenced degree plan is one of two options that students may pursue to earn the Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. While there are multiple specializations, this particular degree can be awarded only once.
F = Fall only course S = Spring only course U = Summer only course
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 101 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Provides an overview of early childhood care and education, including the basic values, structure, organization and programming. Examination of the student’s personal qualities in relationship to expectations of the field. Directed observation in a variety of programs and settings. Six (6) hours of observation required. (NOTE: The program’s health requirements must be completed prior to observation.) Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| ECE 102 | Child Development | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Provides a study of human development from conception through adolescence. Includes research methods and developmental theories. Address all major areas of development (physical, social, emotional and cognitive, language, and aesthetic) and the interaction among these areas. Also examines current research and major developmental theoretical points of view, including those of Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Skinner, Gardner and others. Explores child development in the context of gender, family, culture, socio-economics, race, ethnicity, religion, and society. Emphasis is on the implication for early childhood professional practice. IAI ECE 912 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| ECE 115 | Principles of Early Childhood Curriculum | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Provides an overview of principles involved in planning, implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate curriculum. Includes lesson plans, emerging curriculum, scheduling, room arrangement, materials and equipment; individual, small and large group activities; short and long term goals; and teacher’s roles and responsibilities in curriculum development. Three (3) hours of observation required. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in ECE 102 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 | AAS General Education |
|
Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options: english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 086 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 099 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with required reading placement test score. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| Mathematics1 | 3 | AAS General Education | |
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 111 | Infant /Toddler Programs | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Examines the theories and research (including early intervention) related to infants and toddlers with a focus on methods of care given in home-based and school-based infant programs. Five (5) hours of observation of infants/toddlers and related program are required. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| ECE 226 | Assessment and Guidance | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Understand concepts of appropriate assessment, expected educational outcomes, the teacher's responsibility in assessment and how young children develop and learn. Students will understand how appropriate assessments can measure and evaluate child growth and development and how the use of assessment tools can influence decisions in early childhood education with an emphasis on appropriate guidance techniques and strategies. Four (4) hours of observation are required. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in ECE 102 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| ECE 250 | Health, Nutrition and Safety | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Focuses on personal health of the individual, including nutrition and health and safety issues, with emphasis on meeting health needs for children in group settings. A healthy lifestyle, preventive health and community health are examined. One (1) hour of observation is required. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| EDU 219 | Students With Disabilities in School | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Presents the historical, philosophical and legal foundations of special education as well as an overview of the diverse characteristics of individuals with exceptional cognitive, physical, social and emotional needs, including, but not limited to, children identified as learning disabled. Covers identification, intervention strategies, cross-categorical methods of instruction and programs to meet their needs, including, but not limited to, assistive technologies, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), behavioral interventions, and Universal Design. Studies applicable state and federal laws and requirements, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), Individual Education Plan (IEP), Response to Intervention (RTI) and inclusive programming. This course addresses the coursework identified in the Illinois Administrative Code 25, Section 25:25 for professional educator licensure. There is a mandatory fifteen (15) hour clinical component in this course; therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. IAI ECE 913 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology + | 3 | AAS General Education |
|
Description: Investigates human and animal behavior with emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary and classic psychological investigation. Emphasizes psychological theories, principles, and research applications. Introduces the divisions of the American Psychological Association. References biological processes, sensation, perception, learning, memory, thinking, emotional life, mental disorders, intelligence, aptitude, personality, development, daily life and everyday problems. IAI S6 900 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 209 | Language Development and Activities for the Young Child F | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description:
This course is only offered in the fall term. Prerequisite: ECE 115. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| ECE 210 | Creative Activities for Young Children F | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description:
This course is only offered in the fall term. Prerequisite: ECE 115. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| ECE 291 | Early Childhood Practicum I | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Emphasizes the practical application of principles and theories in early childhood education within a supervised setting, while working with young children. The student will be supervised by a qualified professional for 60 documented hours at an approved site and attend weekly seminars. (NOTE: The program's health requirements, background check and CPR Basic Rescuer certification must be completed prior to placement in practicum). Prerequisite: ECE 101, ECE 102, ECE 115, ECE 209, ECE 226 and ENG 101 with grades of C or better, or consent of instructor. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| EDU 220 | Diversity in Schools and Society + | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Provides an introduction to diversity issues in schools and society today. Examines how schooling is shaped by the social contexts in which it occurs, particularly in multicultural and global contexts. Includes examination of both social and global perspectives. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 | AAS General Education |
|
Description: Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAS General Education elective2 | 3 | AAS General Education | |
| ECE 221 | Math and Science for the Young Child S | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description:
This course is only offered in the spring term. Prerequisite: ECE 115. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| ECE 252 | Child -Family -Community | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Concentrates on teacher's role in working with children within the context of family and community. Stresses effective communication, diversity, professionalism and social policy. Includes an in-depth study of community resources. Two (2) hours of observation are required. IAI ECE 915 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| ECE 292 | Early Childhood Practicum II | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Emphasizes the practical application of early childhood education principles and theories in a supervisory capacity, while working with young children aged 0-3 years. The student will be supervised by a qualified professional for 60 documented hours at an approved site and attend a weekly seminar (NOTE: The program’s health requirements, background check and CPR Basic Rescuer certification must be completed prior to placement in practicum). Prerequisite: ECE 111 and ECE 291 with grades of C or better, and consent of instructor. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|||
| ECE elective3 | 3 | Program Requirement | |
1 - The mathematics requirement for this degree (MTH 065) can be met with Math Competency. See Math Competency options for information. Students who utilize Math Competency to meet the mathematics requirement must complete an additional three credit-hour AAS General Education elective. See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
+ - This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement.
2 - See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
3 - ECE elective: Any ECE course.
Students interested in early childhood education may also be interested in:
For more information about teaching courses at Harper College, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.