Early Childhood Education: Option 3 – Initial Licensure (Teacher Workforce), B.A.
Earn Your Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education
Now accepting applications for Spring 2027!
The Early Childhood Education Workforce Program is available to those who already hold an associate’s degree and a Gateways to Opportunity – ECE Credential Level 4. Students must be working in an early childhood setting, with at least one year experience and be able to get employer support.
This online, two-year program is built for working professionals and offers asynchronous courses with a weekly check-in with a program faculty member.
Program cohorts begin each Fall and Spring. As a student, you will receive academic, financial, professional, and personal support as you progress through the program, earn your degree and, and become a licensed teacher. (NOTE: we have to be careful not to over-promise on the financial support)
Admission to this program is a two-step process. Please complete the Interest Form (link) and submit along with the required documents to Dr. Candace Smith at csmith49@govst.edu. Once we have determined your eligibility, you will be given further instructions to complete your application for admission to Governors State University.
Highlights of Teacher Workforce Program
- Earn credit hours for prior learning experience with program admittance
- Program offers fully online, asynchronous courses with weekly check-ins with faculty
- Program offers job-embedded field work
Degree/Certifications Earned
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Early Childhood Education
- Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
- Early Childhood Education (Birth through 2nd Grade) Endorsement
- Early Childhood Special Education Approval (PreK only)
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement
- Early Childhood Special Education Approval (PreK Only)
- Illinois Gateways Credentials - ECE Credential Level 5
Career Paths
Many doors will open for you once you earn your B.A. in Early Childhood Education. Here are just some of the potential careers you can pursue.
- Kindergarten, First-Grade, or Second-Grade Teacher
- Preschool or Infant/Toddler Teacher
- Family/Parent Educator or Specialist
- Child and Family Advocate
- Assessment Specialist
- Early Intervention Specialist
What You'll Study
Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.
Courses are offered fully online, with asynchronous courses. Students are required to attend weekly virtual check-ins with a faculty member.
Program Requirements
- Have an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Arts or Sciences (AA/AS)
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Have a current Gateways to Opportunity Credential - Level 4
Link to Gateways - Currently work in an Illinois early childhood setting, with at least one year of experience
Submit an employer verification letter using the template provided
Application Process
- To initiate the pre-admission process, submit the interest form (NOTE: double check name and link here) to have Governors State University representatives review your transcripts and verify your Gateway credentials.
- Submit your unofficial transcripts from all previously attended institutions of higher education, along with your Gateways Professional Development Record or your Gateways Credential certificate.
- Once you are pre-approved for the program, you will be given further instructions to complete your official application for admission to GovState.
- Click this link to watch the Information Session video for this program. (NOTE: insert link here)
ISBE Approval
We are proud that our Early Childhood Program
is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Faculty and Staff Contacts
Marlon Cummings, Ph.D.
CEHD Dean and ECE Program Coordinator
Lynette Miller
Undergraduate Academic Advisor lmiller13@govst.edu, 708-235-3360