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 universities at Urbana-Champaign and Chicago are collaborating to expand
access to early childhood education (ECE) across the state of Illinois. Our two universities offer a
wide array of early childhood programs for learners of all education levels, career aspirations, and
geographic locations and options for transferable coursework across institutions.
UIUC ProgramsUIC Programs
UI 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 universities at Urbana-Champaign and Chicago are collaborating to expand access to
early childhood education (ECE) across the state of Illinois. Our two universities offer a wide array of
early
childhood programs for learners of all education levels, career aspirations, and geographic locations and
options for transferable coursework across institutions.
UIUC Programs UIC
Programs
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.
As required by federal regulations and in compliance with the State Authorization
Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) Manual, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign indicates whether a
program’s curriculum (regardless of modality) meets or does not meet the educational requirements for
licensure or certification in that state.
For more information, please review the Professional Licensure Public Disclosures.
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 PreK.
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
As required by the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5)
(v)
and 34 CFR 668.43 (c), and in compliance with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA)
Manual,
the University of Illinois Chicago indicates whether a program's curriculum (regardless of modality)
meets or does not meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in a specific state
or
territory.
For more information, please review the Professional Licensure Public Disclosures.
Through a traditional program students earn a
bachelor's degree and an Illinois Professional Educator License with
endorsements in elementary and early childhood education.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The PEL is issued by the Illinois State Board of Education and qualifies individuals to teach in
Illinois public schools. Holders of a PEL may be endorsed in multiple areas.
Gateways credentials are awarded through the IL Gateways to Opportunity Professional Development
system. These credentials are widely recognized across the Illinois early childhood field and
may be required for certain positions in Illinois early childhood care and education centers.
These credentials have multiple levels linked to training and degrees.
The Early Childhood Education (Birth to Grade 2) endorsement qualifies teachers to teach in
public school general education classrooms up to Grade 2.
The Special Education Letter of Approval (Birth to age 5) is added to a PEL in Early Childhood
Education (ECE) of Special Education (LBS1) and qualifies teachers to teach in public school
special education classrooms up to age five.