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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.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
First Semester | Hours | |
| ECE 101 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
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.) Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 102 | Child Development | 3 |
Description: Provides a study of human development from conception through adolescence. Includes research methods and developmental theories. Addresses 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 of early childhood professional practice. IAI ECE 912 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 115 | Principles of Early Childhood Curriculum | 3 |
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. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
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. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/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 with a grade of B or better and required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with a grade of B or better and required reading placement test score. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Mathematics 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
Second Semester | ||
| ECE 226 | Assessment and Guidance | 3 |
Description: Understands 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. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 250 | Health, Nutrition and Safety | 3 |
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. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 252 | Child-Family-Community | 3 |
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 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| MGT 205 | Leadership | 3 |
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. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
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 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
Third Semester | ||
| ECE 253 | Administration of Early Childhood Programs | 3 |
Description: Provides guidelines for the establishment and operation of a child development center. Emphasizes the director's role in programming, school policies, budgeting, record keeping, licensing, municipal codes, insurance, staff development, evaluation procedures, parent communication and community resources. Prerequisite: Completion of 15 credit hours including ECE 102 and ECE 115 with grades of C or better, or consent of program coordinator. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| EDU 219 | Students with Disabilities in School | 3 |
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 emotonal 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 Illinoios Administrative Code 25, Section 25:25 for professional educator licensure. There is a mandatory 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 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| EDU 220 | Diversity in Schools and Society + | 3 |
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, particulary in multicultural and global contexts. Includes examination of both social and global perspectives. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| EDU 250 | Introduction to Technology in Education | 3 |
Description: Introduces educators to the knowledge and skills required to demonstrate their proficiency in the current technology standards. The course focuses on both knowledge and performance, and includes hands-on technology activities. Prerequisite: Keyboarding, basic skill word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs, or consent of instructor. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology + | 3 |
Description: Investigates human and animal behavior with an 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 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
Fourth Semester | ||
| AAS General Education elective(s) 2 | 3 | |
| ECE 254 | Interpersonal Relationships in Early Childhood Education | 1 |
Description: Explores personal experiences within the work environment, impact of sex-roles, organizational policies and professional standards. Emphasizes team building and the development of effective interpersonal communication skills. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 1 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 293 | Early Childhood Director Practicum | 3 |
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 160 and MKT245 AND consent of coordinator. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 11 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE elective: Any ECE course. | 3 | |
| FSM 114 | Food Standards and Sanitation | 2 |
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. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 2 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| MKT 245 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
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. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
The mathematics requirement for this degree can be met with MGT 150 (Business Math) or Math Competency. See Math Competency options for information. Students who use 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.
See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
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.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
First Semester | Hours | |
| ECE 101 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
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.) Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 102 | Child Development | 3 |
Description: Provides a study of human development from conception through adolescence. Includes research methods and developmental theories. Addresses 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 of early childhood professional practice. IAI ECE 912 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 115 | Principles of Early Childhood Curriculum | 3 |
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. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
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. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/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 with a grade of B or better and required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with a grade of B or better and required reading placement test score. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Mathematics 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
Second Semester | ||
| ECE 111 | Infant/Toddler Programs | 3 |
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 programs are required. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 226 | Assessment and Guidance | 3 |
Description: Understands 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. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 250 | Health, Nutrition and Safety | 3 |
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. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| EDU 219 | Students with Disabilities in School | 3 |
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 emotonal 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 Illinoios Administrative Code 25, Section 25:25 for professional educator licensure. There is a mandatory 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 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology + | 3 |
Description: Investigates human and animal behavior with an 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 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
Third Semester | ||
| ECE 209 | Language Development and Activities for the Young Child | 3 |
Description: Provides an in-depth knowledge and understanding of language development, the stages involved, the role that adults play and the relationship of language to other aspects of development. Introduces the student to a wide variety of language activities appropriate for young children and develops skills in preparing, presenting and evaluating language activities. Prerequisite: ECE 115. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 210 | Creative Activities for Young Children | 3 |
Description: Examines the theoretical framework for art, creativity, music and movement. Acquaints the student with a variety of creative art materials and methods appropriate for use in programs for young children. Includes firsthand experience with materials and planning an arts program. Stresses the relationship of creative experiences within the curriculum and the role of creative experiences within the early childhood program. Prerequisite: ECE 115. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 291 | Early Childhood Practicum I | 3 |
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. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 11 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| EDU 220 | Diversity in Schools and Society + | 3 |
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, particulary in multicultural and global contexts. Includes examination of both social and global perspectives. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
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 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
Fourth Semester | ||
| AAS General Education elective(s) 2 | 3 | |
| ECE 221 | Math and Science for the Young Child | 3 |
Description: Introduces the theory and practice related to math and science for young children. Emphasis will be placed on the development and evaluation of developmentally appropriate activities and instructional materials. Prerequisite: ECE 115. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 252 | Child-Family-Community | 3 |
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 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 292 | Early Childhood Practicum II | 3 |
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. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 11 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE elective: Any ECE course. | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
The mathematics requirement for this degree can be met with MGT 150 (Business Math) or 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 elective. See full list of AAS General Education electives.
This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement.
See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
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.