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 Gateways credential, we have programs to match your interests, suit your schedule, and
advance
your career.
The University of Illinois campuses 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.
Answer the questions below to find out which programs are suited to your interests and career
aspirations.
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 Gateways credential, we have
programs to match your interests, suit your schedule, and advance your career.
The University of Illinois campuses 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.
Answer the questions below to find out which programs are suited to your interests and career aspirations.
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.
Through an online program meeting virtually in the
evenings, transfer students holding an IL Gateways 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.
Through an online program meeting virtually in the
evenings, transfer students holding an IL Gateways level 4 credential and an
associate degree in early childhood or similar field earn a bachelor's
degree and are eligible for the IL Gateways 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 a letter of approval in early childhood
special education. 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.
Through a traditional program students earn a
bachelor's degree and an Illinois Professional Educator License with
endorsements in elementary and early childhood education.
Through a hybrid program students earn a bachelor's
degree and have options to earn Illinois Gateways credentials in Early
Childhood, Infant Toddler, Family Support Specialist and Illinois Director.
Through a hybrid program, students earn a Master's
degree and have options to earn an Illinois Professional Educator License
with endorsements in early childhood and early childhood special education,
Illinois Gateways credentials in Early Childhood and Illinois Director, and
Illinois Early Intervention credential.
Through a Post-Baccalaureate program offered through
UIC extended campus in partnership with the Chicago Early Childhood
Workforce scholarship (CELWS), students earn an Illinois Professional
Educator License with an endorsement in early childhood.
Through a non-degree, hybrid program offered through
UIC extended campus, students earn an Illinois early childhood special
education approval on their Professional Educator Licensure in LBS1 or ECE
and an Illinois Early Intervention credential.
Through a non-degree, fully online program offered
through UIC extended campus, students earn an Illinois Gateways Director's
credential.
The Bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL)
approval is for students who are pursuing, or who have earned, an Illinois
Professional Educator License (PEL) in early childhood/early childhood
special education. Students have the option to complete the course sequence
fully or partially online through UIC extended campus or through graduate
programs.
Highlights & Successes
Featured Successes
Early Childhood Education success stories.
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Available scholarships
Information to go here about the listed scholarship below.
Professional Development Opportunities
a.
Section
Overview
b.
List of
professional
development opportunities and link out
Research Output
a.
Section
Overview
b.
TBD
Current ECE Policy
Highlight any state level policy related to ECE, link to the actual policy.
Career Opportunities
Description of different career opportunities and what credentials are needed for each (Cathy will find out
if
this already exists somewhere).
- This will cross link to section 2: programs will consist of the list of careers one can enter upon
completion (consider accordions)
- This will also list careers along with programs required to enter each of the careers (consider
accordions)
- Teacher’s Aid
- Programs needed to qualify
- Lead Teacher, etc…
- Programs needed to qualify