..................

See also the Early Childhood Education Department Page

Students may earn an Associate in Applied Science degree or one of several certificates, or may take individual courses for personal and professional growth. ECE courses are relevant and interactive, combining theory and practice. Off-campus observations of children are an integral part of many classes, enhancing the learning experiences. 

Professionals in the field of early childhood education must be well-prepared to work successfully with young children and their families. Oakton ECE students must, therefore, earn a minimum grade of C in all Early Childhood Education courses and successfully complete field experience requirements before they can be accepted into practicum field experience, be awarded a certificate, or be granted the A.A.S. degree.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children and Oakton’s Early Childhood Education Program encourage persons entering the field to have a minimum of an ECE certificate or an A.A.S. degree. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services states that a child care worker must have a minimum of six hours in early childhood education and two years of college credit to be licensed to teach young children in group care settings. If a student is seeking to meet these minimum Department of Children and Family Services requirements only, Oakton’s recommended core courses are as follows:

 Minimum Credits
ECE 102 Child Growth and Development 3
One of the following: 3-4

• ECE 104 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
• ECE 106 Guidance and Observation of Young Children
• ECE 125 Play and Creative Expression for the Young Child