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.

Application Process

Admission to this program is a two-step process. Please send the required documents to cehd@govst.edu or to your advisor (listed below). Once we have determined your eligibility, you will be given further instructions to complete your application for admission to Governors State University.

Required documents:

Your Gateways Professional Development Record or your Gateway Credential certificate
Note: If you do not have either, please note that in your email.
Your unofficial transcript from all of your current/former institutions
Employer Agreement Letter
File

Early Childhood Education - Workforce BA, Employer Approval Letter Template
Watch the Information Session video for this program. (video coming soon)

Visit Campus

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.

View Catalog

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

File

Early Childhood Education - Workforce BA, Employer Approval Letter Template