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Transfer majors 
Earn your Associate in Arts degree and transfer to a four-year institution to study early childhood education. You’ll take core classes along with education-specific courses in areas such as introduction to education, childhood development, and working with students with special needs.
Harper College is an ideal place to study early childhood education. You'll get hands-on experience through the Early Childhood Laboratory School, an onsite pre-school.
Earn your bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Roosevelt University at Harper's campus through the University Center. Courses are taught by knowledgeable instructors who are highly skilled education professionals.
See your academic advisor for help choosing courses that meet the specific requirements of the four-year college or university you plan to attend.
This sample transfer planning guide meets the requirements of the Associate of Arts degree and follows the Illinois Articulation Initiative early childhood education baccalaureate major recommendations. Harper also offers an associate in applied science degree in early childhood education. Students choosing to follow this sample plan need to choose the major of Associate in Arts if needing financial aid. Transfer institution requirements may vary - students should check individual college/university requirements before completing the sample plan as outlined. Baccalaureate admission may be competitive. Completion of these courses alone does not guarantee admission.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 101 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education 1 | 3 |
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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 1 | 3 |
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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 |
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| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
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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 |
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| Mathematics2 | 3 | |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
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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 |
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| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 250 | Health, Nutrition and Safety 1 | 3 |
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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 |
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| ECE 252 | Child -Family -Community 1 | 3 |
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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 |
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| ENG 102 | Composition II | 3 |
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Description: Continues ENG 101. Reading literature and writing of various types of prose. Introduces methods used in writing investigative papers. IAI C1 901R Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor or department chair. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
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| HST 111 | The American Experience to 1877 or | |
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Description: Survey of the American experience through the pre-revolutionary period, the expansion westward and the Civil War. Special stress is placed upon the social, economic, cultural, political and constitutional development of the United States. IAI S2 900 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
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| HST 112 | The American Experience Since 1877 | 3 |
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Description: Surveys the end of Reconstruction to the present, with primary stress on political and economic development. Also includes social, intellectual, and cultural phases, expanded role of government in national affairs and the participation of the United States in international relations. IAI S2 901 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
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| Physical and Life Science3 | 4 | |
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 201 | Introduction to Education 1 | 3 |
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Description: Provides an introduction to teaching as a profession in the American education system. Offers a variety of perspectives on education including historical, philosophical, social, legal, and ethical issues in a diverse society. Includes organizational structure and school governance. 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. Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
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| Humanities and Fine Arts4 | 6 | |
| Physical and Life Science2 | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Science5 | 3 | |
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 219 | Students With Disabilities in School | 3 |
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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 |
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| Humanities and Fine Arts3 | 3 | |
| Major Discipline and Transfer Electives1 | 5 | |
| Social and Behavioral Science5 | 3 | |
1 - Students should consult with the transfer school as soon as possible to advise on which ECE and EDU courses to take that will transfer.
2 - Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category. Students should check the curriculum of the transfer school they are considering.
3 - Select one Physical and one Life Science course. At least one must include a lab. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.
4 - Select at least one course from Humanities and one from Fine Arts. Interdisciplinary courses may count in either category. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category. One course from Humanities and Fine Arts or from Social and Behavioral Sciences must meet the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement for the Associate in Arts degree.
5 - One course from Humanities and Fine Arts or from Social and Behavioral Sciences must meet the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement for the Associate in Arts degree.
For more information about studying early childhood education at Harper, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.