University of Illinois System
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U of I System Early Childhood Education Programs

Do you enjoy working with young children? Have you considered becoming an early childhood educator or advancing your career in leadership roles within early childhood education? You may be a high school student drawn to working with young children or you may have already started your educational journey at a community college or training program. Whether you are looking to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an early childhood education field, obtain a professional educator license, or pursue a Illinois Gateways credential, we have programs to match your interests, suit your schedule, and advance your career.

The University of Illinois System universities at Urbana-Champaign and Chicago are collaborating to expand access to early childhood education (ECE) across the state. These universities offer a wide array of early childhood programs for learners of all education levels, career aspirations, and geographic locations. They also provide options for transferable coursework across institutions.

UIUC Programs UIC Programs

 

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UIUC Programs

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers multiple pathways to advance your career in early childhood education. Whether you’re a transfer student looking for a flexible online option or a traditional on-campus learner, these programs provide the credentials and expertise needed to support your students. Explore the options below to find the program that fits your career goals best.

Early Childhood Professional Education, Early Childhood Education, BS

Licensure

Through an online program meeting virtually in the evenings, transfer students holding an Illinois Gateways ECE level 4 credential and an associate degree in early childhood or similar field earn a bachelor’s degree and an IL Professional Educator's License with an endorsement in early childhood education and a special education letter of approval for Pre-K.

Non-Licensure

Through an online program meeting virtually in the evenings, transfer students holding an Illinois Gateways ECE level 4 credential and an associate degree in early childhood or similar field earn a bachelor’s degree and are eligible for the Illinois Gateways ECE level 5 credential.

Early Childhood Education, BS

Through a traditional on-campus program, students earn a bachelor's degree and are prepared to apply for an Illinois Professional Educator License with an endorsement in early childhood education and a letter of approval in early childhood special education. Graduates are eligible to apply for a one-year master's program in early childhood special education in the Department of Special Education.

Early Childhood Education Plus Teaching Licensure, EdM

Through a traditional on-campus program, students earn a master's degree and are prepared to apply for an Illinois Professional Educator License with an endorsement in early childhood education and a letter of approval in early childhood special education.

Human Development & Family Studies, BS

The Human Development and Family Studies program prepares students for diverse careers in fields like healthcare, therapy, education, and social services, or for graduate study. Students tailor their coursework in human development and family science, including practical experiences and a focus on diversity, to match their individual career goals.

Early Childhood Special Education - Two Year Master’s Degree Program

Through a traditional on-campus program, students earn a master's degree in early childhood special education. This program is appropriate for individuals who are not seeking a teaching license (because they already have one or because they are not interested in a position that requires a teaching license).

Early Childhood Special Education - Three Year Master’s Degree Program

Through a traditional on-campus program, students earn a master's degree in early childhood special education and are prepared to apply for an Illinois Professional Educator License with an endorsement in early childhood education and an Early Childhood Special Education Letter of Approval. This program is appropriate for individuals who are seeking a teaching license.

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UIC Programs

The University of Illinois Chicago offers a range of programs designed to prepare educators and professionals for impactful careers in early childhood care and education. Whether you’re pursuing a degree, professional licensure, or specialized credentials, UIC provides flexible pathways through traditional, hybrid, and online formats. Explore the options below to find the program that aligns with your career goals.

BA in Urban Education-Elementary Education

Through a traditional program students earn a bachelor's degree and an Illinois Professional Educator License with endorsements in elementary and early childhood education.

BA Human Development and Learning

This program focuses on human development across the lifespan and its implications for learning environments. Students gain a deep understanding of cognitive, social, and emotional development, preparing them for roles in education, social services, and research.

MEd Early Childhood Education

This Master of Education program prepares graduate students for leadership roles in early childhood education, focusing on advanced pedagogical strategies, research, and policy. It’s designed for educators seeking to deepen their expertise and influence in the field.

Alternative Professional Educator Licensure Program

This program offers an accelerated pathway to professional licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than education. It provides the necessary coursework and practical experience to meet Illinois licensure requirements, often with flexible scheduling options.

Early Childhood Special Education Approval

This specialized approval prepares educators to work with young children (birth to age 5) who have disabilities or are at risk for developmental delays. It covers assessment, individualized education programs (IEPs), and inclusive practices.

Early Childhood ESL/Bilingual Approval

This approval equips educators with the skills to support young English Language Learners (ELLs) in early childhood settings. It focuses on strategies for language acquisition, cultural responsiveness, and creating supportive bilingual environments.

Illinois Director Credential

The Illinois Director Credential is for early childhood professionals who aspire to or currently hold leadership positions in early care and education programs. It covers areas such as program management, financial oversight, and staff development, ensuring directors are prepared to lead high-quality programs.

Featured Alumni Successes

Yolanda Flowers

Yolanda Flowers

 

Alternative Licensure Program (ALP)

 

 

Now working at: It Takes A Village Family of Schools

 

Program highlights:

The highlights of this program are that it is completely free of tuition cost, which removes a significant financial barrier and allows me to focus fully on my professional growth. I also value that the program directly supports me in obtaining my teaching license, providing a clear and structured pathway toward becoming a certified educator. In addition, the combination of one-on-one guidance and group support ensures that I receive personalized mentorship while also benefiting from collaboration and shared learning with peers.

Future goals:

My future goals are centered on remaining in the field of early childhood education, where I can continue to nurture and guide children through their learning journeys during these foundational years. I aspire not only to support children directly but also to serve as a resource and mentor for other educators, fostering collaboration and professional growth within the teaching community. Looking ahead, I envision creating an early learning program that is deeply reflective of the community it serves, one that values cultural diversity, family engagement, and equitable access to high-quality education.

Advice to future students:

My advice to future students joining this program is to embrace the journey with an open mind and a willing heart. There will be challenges but remember that every step you take brings you closer to your goal of becoming an educator. Lean on the support offered both one-on-one and in group settings because you are never alone in this process. Trust in your ability to grow, celebrate your progress along the way, and know that your presence in this field will make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.

Melissa Perez

Melissa Perez

 

MEd Early Childhood Education

 

 

Now working at: Currently working as a preschool float teacher at a Montessori school, where I support classrooms across different age groups and gain hands-on experience with child-led learning.

 

Program highlights:

The highlights of my program have been the incredible support from professors and colleagues, as well as seeing how closely what we’re learning in class connects to what I observe daily at my school. It’s been rewarding to bridge theory and practice in such a meaningful way.

Future goals:

My future goals are to become a lead teacher and eventually step into a leadership role within early childhood education, such as a curriculum specialist or program coordinator.

Advice to future students:

Stay curious and open-minded throughout the program, and don’t be afraid to lean on your professors and cohort for support. The coursework is meaningful but can feel heavy at times, so good organization and balance are key. Remember to connect your assignments to your own teaching practice—it makes the learning richer and more relevant.