Why Study Early Childhood Education?
Quick Facts
General Education Requirements
for Options 1 and 2: 49-52 hours
Professional Coursework
(Options 1 and 2): 60 hours
Teacher Specialization Coursework
(Options 1 and 2): 18 hours
Total: 127-130 hours
Full Program RequirementsThe earliest
years of life are the foundation for a child’s future development, providing a
strong base for lifelong learning. According to the National Association for
the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) children who receive early childhood
educational opportunities are more successful on average as they continue in
their educational and professional futures. Many of the skills that children
develop in their early years lay the foundation for how they view education
throughout the remainder of their lives.
The Governors State University Bachelor
of Arts in Early Childhood Education program prepares future educators to
work with children from birth through second grade, including teaching in
classrooms and other early childhood settings serving English Language Learners
and children with special needs.
Early Childhood Education students may pursue one of two
bachelor’s degree study track options: Option 1 (licensure) orOption 2 (non-licensure).
Upon successful completion of all required coursework, Option 1 graduates will earn a
Professional Educator License (PEL) endorsed for early childhood (birth to 2nd
grade), English as a Second Language (ESL) and Special Education approval
(birth through age 5).
Upon successful completion of all required coursework, Option 2 graduates will be able to
pursue careers such as: Preschool teacher, infant/toddler specialist, child
care administrator or director, child and family advocate, family services
worker, parent educator, resource and referral specialist, family child care
provider, early intervention specialist.
More
than 200 hours of diversified clinical experiences are incorporated throughout
both programs prior to student teaching (Option 1) or the practicum (Option 2).
Real World Experience
The
on-campus Family Development Center serves children from the local
community while providing students in education programs a chance to practice
teaching models under the guidance and supervision of licensed educators. In
addition, teacher candidates also have field experiences in local early
childhood and elementary schools.
Reach Your Career Goals
As an
early childhood educator, you will support the academic, social, and emotional
development of children in a variety of settings: infant/toddler, preschool,
kindergarten, and first and second grade classrooms. Employment for preschool
teachers is expected to grow over the next decade - faster than the national
average for all occupations (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). Kindergarten
and early elementary positions are also expected to grow due
to a statewide shortage of qualified teachers. Teachers with an ESL endorsement
and special education approval are especially in demand (ISBE, 2018).
Contact:
Eileen Lally Advisor
ellay@govst.edu
708.534.4399