Early Childhood Educator (ECE)

ECE-101. Introduction to Early Childhood. (3 Credits)

This course is designed as an overview of early childhood care and education, including the basic values, structure, organization, and programming in early childhood. Examination of the student's personal qualities in relationship to expectations of the field is addressed throughout the course. A field experience component of 15 contact hours of direct observation in a variety of early childhood settings is required. Fee is required. (4 contact hours)

ECE-105. Health, Safety and Nutrition. (3 Credits)

A comprehensive overview of ways to ensure a child's physical well-being. Basic and changing health, safety and nutrition needs of children are examined, as well as appropriate methods by which these needs can be met in group or home settings. A clinical component will be included. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

ECE-107. Infant and Toddler Development. (3 Credits)

Studies patterns of growth, concepts, principles and theories of development for children from birth to toddlers. Examines needs of infants and toddlers in various childcare settings that are safe, developmentally and culturally appropriate. Skills will be developed to manage a safe environment indoors and outdoors while planning stimulating age appropriate activities that concentrate on all areas of development with particular attention to language development. Recognize atypical and typical development with infants and toddlers. Provide an understanding of good health and nutrition. Observe and document development and communicate findings, to inform programmatic decisions which will help a child develop a positive sense of self. Guide children with positive methods of discipline. Maintaining professionalism in practice with confidentiality and respect for families while continuing to.

ECE-109. Child, Family and Community. (3 Credits)

This course focuses on the child in the context of family, school and community. Students will conduct a service learning project, advocate for students and families, discuss and analyze the contemporary American family, study other cultures, lifestyle diversity, communication issues, and the role of school and community within our changing society. (3 contact hours)

ECE-201. Math, Science and Social Studies. (3 Credits)

Introduction to the theory and practice related to the curricular areas of math, science and social studies for young children. Emphasis will be placed on the development and evaluation of developmentally appropriate activities and instructional materials. An overview of a wide variety of experiences and methods for developing self-expression and creativity in the young child, including art, music, rhythm, and movement is included. (3 contact hours)

ECE-202. Growth and Development/Young Child. (3 Credits)

This course is a foundation course in theory and principles of development, conception through age eight. Course includes an in-depth study of physical, social/emotional, cognitive, language, and aesthetic development. An examination and practical application of theory to include Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Skinner, and others. An exploration of child development in context of gender, family, culture, and society. An emphasis on the implications for early childhood professional practice. A clinical component will be included. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

ECE-203. Administration of EC Programs. (3 Credits)

This course will prepare a candidate to become a director of a licensed center or a licensed home provider. The course will cover the Department of Children and Family Services' (DCFS) state regulations that apply to early childhood. Various numbers of clinical hours will be required depending on the level of Illinois Gateways Credential being sought. A student can obtain these additional hours by completing an internship program ECE-237. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

ECE-205. Curriculum-Early Childhood Programs. (3 Credits)

Overview of principles involved in planning, implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate curriculum. Includes lesson plan; emerging curriculum; scheduling; room arrangement; materials and equipment; individual, small-and-large group activities; short- and long-term goals; and a study of teacher's roles and responsibilities in curriculum development. A clinical component will be included. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

ECE-211. Special Topics in Education. (1-3 Credits)

Students will work with the program coordinator to create supervised internship opportunities in early childhood settings. This course is intended for students pursuing the Infant/Toddler and Director-Level certificates. Infant/Toddler and Director-Level students will complete supervised clinical hours totaling 50-300 depending on the credentialing needed. Fee is required. (1-3 contact hours)

ECE-233. ECE Practicum. (2 Credits)

This course provides students with a hands-on clinical field experience in a qualified early childhood setting (birth through age 8). This experience involves observation of and interaction with practitioners, and it is evaluated and under the guidance of the classroom teacher/supervisor and the college instructor. Students will complete a minimum of 160 documented contact hours including instructional planning, classroom management, technology usage, diversity considerations, and different methodologies to be eligible for the State of Illinois ECE Level 4 Credential. Fee is required. (10 contact hours)

ECE-237. ECE Practicum Seminar. (1 Credit)

This course serves as a capstone educational experience in which students will dialogue, research and reflect on professional practice within varied early childhood settings (birth through age 8). Emphasis is placed on reflective practices and understanding the field of early childhood. (1 contact hour)

ECE-243. Infant/Toddler Practicum. (2 Credits)

This course provides students with a hands-on clinical field experience working in a qualified early childhood setting with infants and toddlers (birth through age 3). Emphasis is placed on the completion of teaching learning skills, reflective practices and understanding of the field of early childhood for children from birth to three years old. This experience is evaluated and under the guidance of the classroom teacher supervisor and the college instructor. Students will complete a minimum of 160 documented contact hours including instructional planning, classroom management, technology usage, diversity considerations, and different methodologies to be eligible for the State of Illinois Infant/Toddler Level 4 Credential. Fee is required. (10 contact hours)

ECE-247. Infant/Toddler Practicum Seminar. (1 Credit)

This course serves as a capstone educational experience in which students will dialogue, research and reflect on professional practice within varied early childhood settings (birth through age 3). Emphasis is placed on reflective practices and understanding the field of early childhood. (1 contact hour)

ECE-253. ECE Director Practicum. (3 Credits)

This course provides students with an extensive clinical field experience in early childhood administration in a qualified early childhood setting working with a child care center director, staff, young children, and families. Emphasis is placed on the real-world application of principles, practices, and theories of early childhood education and care (birth through age 8). This experience is evaluated and under the guidance of the classroom teacher/supervisor and the college instructor. Students will complete a minimum of 300 documented contact hours to be eligible for the State of Illinois Director Level 1 Credential. Fee is required. (20 contact hours)

ECE-257. ECE Director Practicum Seminar. (1 Credit)

This course serves as a capstone educational experience in which students will dialogue, research, and reflect on professional practice and administrative responsibilities associated with varied early childhood settings (birth through age 8). Discussion and reflections will emphasize the real-world application of principles, practices, and theories of early childhood education and care. (1 contact hour)