Harper College will be closed Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.
Program facts
Take the next step in a fulfilling career in education and enroll in this 18-credit-hour
certificate program. You’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as an
assistant teacher in a
licensed child-care facility. Harper College is known for providing teachers with
a high-quality education, and graduates of this program are routinely sought after
by local employers.
You’ll take courses in areas such as introduction to early childhood education, child development,
assessment and guidance, principles of early child curriculum, health, nutrition and
safety, and child-family-community. Additionally, you’ll get hands-on experience working with
children under the direction of skilled educational professionals in the Harper College
Early Childhood Laboratory School, an on-site preschool facility.
Credit earned for this certificate can be applied to the Early Childhood Education A.A.S. Degree at Harper College.
This 18 credit-hour curriculum will qualify students for the Illinois ECE Credential-Level 2. Students will need to complete an IL Gateways application. This certificate program will provide an assistant teacher in a licensed child care facility with basic knowledge in early childhood care and education.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| ECE 101 | INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION | 3 |
Description: Provides an overview of early childhood care and education, including the basic values, structure, organization and programming. Examination of the student's personal qualities in relationship to expectations of the field. Directed observation in a variety of programs and settings. Six (6) hours of observation required. (NOTE: The program's health requirements must be completed prior to observation.) Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 102 | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
Description: Provides a study of human development from conception through adolescence. Includes research methods and developmental theories. Addresses all major areas of development (physical, social, emotional and cognitive, language and aesthetic) and the interaction among these areas. Also examines current research and major developmental theoretical points of view, including those of Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Skinner, Gardner and others. Explores child development in the context of gender, family, culture, socio-economics, race, ethnicity, religion and society. Emphasis is on the implication of early childhood professional practice. IAI ECE 912 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 115 | PRINCIPLES OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM | 3 |
Description: Provides an overview of principles involved in planning, implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate curriculum. Includes lesson plans, emerging curriculum, scheduling, room arrangement, materials and equipment; individual, small and large group activities; short and long term goals; and teacher's roles and responsibilities in curriculum development. Three (3) hours of observation required. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in ECE 102 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 226 | ASSESSMENT AND GUIDANCE | 3 |
Description: Understands concepts of appropriate assessment, expected educational outcomes, the teacher’s responsibility in assessment and how young children develop and learn. Students will understand how appropriate assessments can measure and evaluate child growth and development and how the use of assessment tools can influence decisions in early childhood education with an emphasis on appropriate guidance techniques and strategies. Four (4) hours of observation are required. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in ECE 102 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 250 | HEALTH, NUTRITION AND SAFETY | 3 |
Description: Focuses on personal health of the individual, including nutrition and health and safety issues, with emphasis on meeting health needs for children in group settings. A healthy lifestyle, preventive health and community health are examined. One (1) hour of observation is required. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| ECE 252 | CHILD-FAMILY-COMMUNITY | 3 |
Description: Concentrates on teacher's role in working with children within the context of family and community. Stresses effective communication, diversity, professionalism and social policy. Includes an in-depth study of community resources. Two (2) hours of observation are required. IAI ECE 915 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Fall 2025 | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Students interested in early childhood education may also be interested in:
For more information about teaching courses at Harper College, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.