Early Childhood Education

Department: Education

Program Type: Education and Liberal Arts

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Overview

ECC's Early Childhood Education program is perfect if you're passionate about working with children and possess patience, creativity, and communication skills. The program provides the opportunity to develop essential skills for this field. It prepares you for a rewarding career in early childhood education.

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) are vital in nurturing and educating young children from infancy to school. Providing patient and compassionate care, ECEs help children develop into curious, confident, and well-adjusted individuals. If you're eager to impact a child's life positively, consider exploring the Early Childhood Education program at Elgin Community College.

Our program is supported by knowledgeable and experienced faculty who uphold high standards of professionalism in child care. As a student, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience through observation and practical work at the Early Childhood Lab School. This on-site child care center is available for ECC students and employees. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to gain experience at local DCFS-licensed child care centers.

Child Development Associate (CDA) Policy: Elgin Community College recognizes students entering with their Child Development Associate (CDA) by giving six elective semester credits for the ECE program. This process requires a review, so students with an active CDA should meet with the early childhood instructional coordinator to verify their active credential and complete all required paperwork.

Prepare for Immediate Employment

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, childcare workers earn a median salary of around $30,000 annually. If you enjoy working with young children, there are many settings where you can build your career—like child care centers, preschools, or private homes. Typical jobs in this field include Preschool Teachers, Childcare Workers, and Teacher Assistants. To explore career options and related programs, check out Career Coach. For questions, please contact an academic advisor.

Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

Review the ECC catalog for details about the plan of study and course descriptions.

Early Childhood Education Alumna

Learn more about Eugenia Caldera Dorado, an ECC Early Childhood Education alumna.

Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship

The Gateways Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to Early Childcare and Education professionals in Illinois. Gateways to Opportunity is a state-funded scholarship program that supports individuals pursuing college credit, credentials, or degrees. This support is available for Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD) coursework. This program can be applied to:

Associate degrees
Bachelor degrees
Master degrees programs
Certificates
Endorsements
Credentials

Explore this page to learn eligibility requirements, application procedures, and your responsibilities if awarded a Gateways Scholarship. For additional information, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit our FAQ page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an early childhood educator do?

An ECE or Childcare Provider is responsible for the care and education of young children, typically ranging from infants to school age (0-8 years old). Their duties involve creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that promotes children's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Here are some primary responsibilities of a Child Care Instructor:

Supervising children's safety, ensuring physical safety and well-being at all times.
Monitoring children to prevent accidents and manage behavior.
Maintain a daily routine to provide structure and consistency.
Develop age-appropriate educational activities that foster learning and development.
Promote social and motor skills
Teach and model positive social interactions, such as sharing, cooperation, and empathy.

What’s the difference between ECC's Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Education (K–12) programs?

Both programs prepare you to make a difference in students' lives—but they focus on different age groups, learning environments, and career paths.

Early Childhood Education (ECE):
If you love working with young children—from infants to about age 8—Early Childhood Education (ECE) might be the right fit. ECEs nurture and guide children through their earliest stages of development, helping them grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually. At ECC, you’ll gain hands-on experience through observation and practical work at the on-campus Early Childhood Lab School and local DCFS-licensed child care centers. Typical careers include:

preschool teacher
childcare worker
teacher's assistant

Education (K–12):
If you want to teach older children in elementary, middle, or high school settings, the K–12 Education pathway is for you. This program prepares you to earn your Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), which is required for all certified teachers in the state. At ECC, you’ll build a foundation for transferring to a university to complete your bachelor’s degree in education. Career options include:

elementary teacher
middle school teacher
high school teacher
special education teacher

How do I become an early child educator?

At ECC, Students aspiring to enter the field of Early Childhood Education must complete our program. Illinois accredits Elgin Community College's ECE program. This includes credentials such as the Illinois Director's Credential Level I, Infant/Toddler Credential, ECC Credentials Levels 2-4, and ESL/Bilingual Credential through Gateways for Illinois.

Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship

The ECACE Scholarship Program, funded by the state of Illinois, helps students pursuing careers in Early Childhood Education. Designed to address the shortage of qualified educators, it provides financial support for tuition, fees, books, and supplies. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Scholarship Program website.

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