Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science (0011)
Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to pursue a rewarding career in the field of early childhood education. Early childhood educators play a crucial role in shaping the development of young children, influencing their emotional, social, cognitive, and physical growth during the critical formative years. A child's experiences in the early years have a lasting impact on their academic, personal, and professional success.
This comprehensive program covers a wide range of topics essential for working with young children, including child development, creative play, effective teaching strategies, curriculum design, and observation and assessment techniques. Students will learn how to create enriching environments and experiences that foster children's curiosity, self-confidence, and love of learning.
Richland Community College is proud to offer the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity ECE Credentials Levels 2-4, which are recognized by employers across the state. Level 2 aligns with the Basic Certificate, Level 3 with the Advanced Certificate, and Level 4 with the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. These credentials are highly valued by employers, providing students with a competitive edge in the job market.
Graduates of the ECE program can pursue various positions in early childhood settings, such as preschool teacher assistants, childcare workers, early childhood educators, program coordinators, and family child care providers. With an ECE certificate or degree, students will be qualified to work in a variety of environments, including daycare centers, Head Start programs, elementary schools, after-school programs, and private childcare facilities.
By focusing on the positive development of children in the early stages of their lives, the ECE program at Richland Community College not only prepares students for successful careers but also contributes to the greater well-being of the community. Through nurturing, educated professionals, children will receive the support and care they need to build a strong foundation for their future academic and life success.
Graduation Requirements
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Total Credit Hours: 61 credit hours in courses numbered 100 and above
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Course Requirements: "C" or better in all Early Childhood Education (ECE) courses.
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Residency: 15 credit hours or more at Richland Community College
Additional Course Considerations
Students attending full-time who begin in spring may not finish in a two-year time frame.
This is a career and technical degree. Some courses may not transfer to a four-year institution.
Curriculum Requirements
Required Courses
| ECE 101 | Intro to Early Childhood Education | 3.0 |
| ECE 103 | Child Guidance | 3.0 |
| ECE 107 | Creative Experiences | 3.0 |
| ECE 110 | Health, Nutrition, and Safety for Young Children | 3.0 |
| ECE 111 | Children's Literature | 3.0 |
| ECE 116 | Infant/Toddler Development | 3.0 |
| ECE 119 | Science and Math for Young Children | 3.0 |
| ECE 201 | Child Care Administration | 3.0 |
| ECE 203 | Child, Family, and Community | 3.0 |
| ECE 205 | Diversity and Equity | 3.0 |
| ECE 207 | Observing and Assessment | 3.0 |
| ECE 210 | Curriculum Design for Early Childhood | 3.0 |
| ECE 215 | Child Development | 3.0 |
| ECE 221 | Teaching Strategies for Special Needs | 3.0 |
| ECE 290 | Work Exp Practicum & Seminar | 3.0 |
| PSYCH 110 | Introduction to Psychology | 3.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition 1 | 3.0 |
| Or | |
| ENGL 105 | Technical Writing in the Workplace | 3.0 |
| MATH 104 | Technical Mathematics | 4.0 |
| Or | |
| MATH 110 | Concepts of Mathematics | 4.0 |
| COMM 101 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| Fine Arts Elective | 3.0 |
Suggested Course Sequence
Fall Semester
| ECE 101 | Intro to Early Childhood Education | 3.0 |
| ECE 103 | Child Guidance | 3.0 |
| ECE 107 | Creative Experiences | 3.0 |
| ECE 110 | Health, Nutrition, and Safety for Young Children | 3.0 |
| PSYCH 110 | Introduction to Psychology | 3.0 |
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
| ECE 116 | Infant/Toddler Development | 3.0 |
| ECE 201 | Child Care Administration | 3.0 |
| ECE 221 | Teaching Strategies for Special Needs | 3.0 |
| ECE 290 | Work Exp Practicum & Seminar | 3.0 |
| Fine Arts Elective | 3.0 |
Spring Semester
| ECE 203 | Child, Family, and Community | 3.0 |
| ECE 205 | Diversity and Equity | 3.0 |
| ECE 210 | Curriculum Design for Early Childhood | 3.0 |
| ECE 215 | Child Development | 3.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition 1 | 3.0 |
| Or | |
| ENGL 105 | Technical Writing in the Workplace | 3.0 |
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