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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: FAMILY CHILD CARE II

Program Overview

This 36 credit-hour curriculum will qualify students for the Illinois Family Child Care Credential Level 3. Students will need to complete an IL Gateways application. This certificate meets the minimal educational requirements established by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for an early childhood teacher who has also obtained one year of experience in a licensed center.

Program Requirements

Required Early Childhood Education Courses:

Number Course Title Credits
ECE 101 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.)

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

ECE 102 3

Description: Provides a study of human development from conception through adolescence. Includes research methods and developmental theories. Address 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 for early childhood professional practice. IAI ECE 912

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

ECE 115 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.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

ECE 140 3

Description: Provides guidelines and responsibilities in providing care in a Family Child Care setting for infants and young children. Ten (10) hours of observation in a family child care setting are required.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

ECE 226 3

Description: Understand 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.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

ECE 250 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.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

ECE 252 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

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

ECE 290 3

Description: Emphasizes the practical application of early childhood education principles and theories in a Family Child Care setting. The student will be supervised by a qualified Family Child Care Provider for 50 documented hours.

Prerequisite: ECE 140 with a grade of C or better and consent of coordinator.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

EDU 219 3

Description: Presents the historical, philosophical and legal foundations of special education as well as an overview of the diverse characteristics of individuals with exceptional cognitive, physical, social and emotional needs, including, but not limited to, children identified as learning disabled. Covers identification, intervention strategies, cross-categorical methods of instruction and programs to meet their needs, including, but not limited to, assistive technologies, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), behavioral interventions, and Universal Design. Studies applicable state and federal laws and requirements, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), Individual Education Plan (IEP), Response to Intervention (RTI) and inclusive programming. This course addresses the coursework identified in the Illinois Administrative Code 25, Section 25:25 for professional educator licensure. There is a mandatory fifteen (15) hour clinical component in this course; therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. IAI ECE 913

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

Required General Education Courses:

Number Course Title Credits
ENG 101 3

Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900

Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options: english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 086 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 099 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with required reading placement test score.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

Mathematics1 3
PSY 101 3

Description: Investigates human and animal behavior with emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary and classic psychological investigation. Emphasizes psychological theories, principles, and research applications. Introduces the divisions of the American Psychological Association. References biological processes, sensation, perception, learning, memory, thinking, emotional life, mental disorders, intelligence, aptitude, personality, development, daily life and everyday problems. IAI S6 900

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

1 - The mathematics requirement (MTH 065 or higher) for this degree can be met with Math Competency.  See Math Competency options for information. Students who utilize Math Competency to meet the mathematics requirement must complete SOC 101.

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Last Updated: 11/8/24