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Early Childhood Care and Education • Associate in Applied Science

Occupational Program

Colleague Code: AAS.CHDV

Curriculum Code: CDV 207

Program Information:

Early Childhood Educators specialize in the care and education of children from birth–to age eight. Students will learn about child development, health, safety, nutrition, demonstrate understanding of developmentally appropriate practices, and implement curricula in field experiences.

Students pursuing work with children birth through age eight may choose to enter the workforce with a credential/degree or transfer to a university upon completion of the AAS degree.  Careers in childcare centers, working with young children and their families, in social service agencies, and family/community support specialists are options. 

Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) is an entitled institution through Gateways to Opportunity – Illinois Professional Development System. The AAS degree at LLCC is eligible for Gateways ECE Level IV, ITC Level IV, and IDC Level IV credential through the Gateways to Opportunity website.  

  • After completing the coursework, students will be eligible for a Credential ECE Level IV, ITC Level IV, and IDC Level 1
  • Graduates work as teachers and directors in child development centers, Head Start, nursery schools, family child-care providers and in agencies providing family support.
  • Career cluster includes child development center aide, teacher and director; family child-care provider; nursery schoolteacher or aide; school age child-care worker; playground supervisor; and family support worker.
  • This applied science program of study must be taken in its entirety to meet degree requirements.

For Program Information Contact:

Social Sciences and Business at 217-786-2391 or 217-786-2414 or see a Student Success Coach.

Recommended Course Sequence:

First Semester:

ECE 109Observation and Assessment

3

ECE 121Introduction to Early Childhood Education

3

ECE 122Growth and Develop in Early Childhood Years

3

EGL 101Composition I

3

CMN 101Public Speaking Fundamentals

3

Second Semester:

ECE 105Curriculum and Planning

3

ECE 107Health, Safety and Nutrition

3

ECE 124Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood

2

EGL 102Composition II

3

Science or Math Selection

3

 

POS 101Introduction to American Politics

3

OR

POS 201State and Local Government

3

Third Semester:

ECE 201Science and Math

3

ECE 202Play in the Learning Environment

3

ECE 204Creative Activities

3

ECE 212Practicum I

2

ECE 213Seminar I

1

ECE 219Infant and Toddler Care and Education

3

Fourth Semester:

ECE 203Home, School and Community Relationships in Early Childhood

3

ECE 205Guidance and Discipline

3

ECE 214Practicum II

4

ECE 215Seminar II

2

ECE 225Administration

3

Course Requirements:

Required General Education Courses

CMN 101Public Speaking Fundamentals

3

EGL 101Composition I

3

EGL 102Composition II

3

 

POS 101Introduction to American Politics

3

OR

POS 201State and Local Government

3

 

Science or Math Selection

3

Total Credit Hours:15

Required Program Courses

Please see your Student Success Coach for course planning.

ECE 105Curriculum and Planning

3

ECE 107Health, Safety and Nutrition

3

ECE 109Observation and Assessment

3

ECE 121Introduction to Early Childhood Education

3

ECE 122Growth and Develop in Early Childhood Years

3

ECE 124Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood

2

ECE 201Science and Math

3

ECE 202Play in the Learning Environment

3

ECE 203Home, School and Community Relationships in Early Childhood

3

ECE 204Creative Activities

3

ECE 205Guidance and Discipline

3

ECE 212Practicum I

2

ECE 213Seminar I

1

ECE 214Practicum II

4

ECE 215Seminar II

2

ECE 219Infant and Toddler Care and Education

3

ECE 225Administration

3

Total Credit Hours:47

Total Credit Hours: 62