Harper College

OPTION 2: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DEGREE - TEACHER

Program Overview

The 60 credit-hour curriculum is designed to provide students with the requisite skills and theoretical knowledge to work in a variety of facilities for young children. Upon completion of courses for the specialized area of teacher, students need to complete an IL Gateways application to qualify for the Illinois ECE Credential Level 4 and Illinois Infant/Toddler Credential Level 4.

This sequenced degree plan is one of two options that students may pursue to earn the Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. While there are multiple specializations, this particular degree can be awarded only once.

F = Fall only course S = Spring only course U = Summer only course

Program Requirements

F = Fall only course, S = Spring only course, U = Summer only course

FIRST SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits Category
ECE 101 3 Program Requirement

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:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

ECE 102 3 Program Requirement

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:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

ECE 115 3 Program Requirement

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:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

ENG 101 3 AAS General Education

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 C or better. 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:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Mathematics1 3 AAS General Education

SECOND SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits Category
ECE 111 3 Program Requirement

Description: Examines the theories and research (including early intervention) related to infants and toddlers with a focus on methods of care given in home-based and school-based infant programs. Five (5) hours of observation of infants/toddlers and related program are required.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

ECE 226 3 Program Requirement

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:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

ECE 250 3 Program Requirement

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:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

EDU 219 3 Program Requirement

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:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

PSY 101 + 3 AAS General Education

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:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

THIRD SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits Category
ECE 209  F   3 Program Requirement

DescriptionThis course is only offered in the fall term.

Provides an in-depth knowledge and understanding of language development, the stages involved, the role that adults play, and the relationship of language to other aspects of development. Introduces the student to a wide variety of language activities appropriate for young children and develops skills in preparing, presenting and evaluating language activities.

Prerequisite: ECE 115.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

ECE 210  F   3 Program Requirement

DescriptionThis course is only offered in the fall term.

Examines the theoretical framework for art, creativity, music and movement. Acquaints the student with a variety of creative art materials and methods appropriate for use in programs for young children. Includes firsthand experience with materials and planning an arts program. Stresses the relationship of creative experiences within the curriculum and the role of creative experiences within the early childhood program.

Prerequisite: ECE 115.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

ECE 291 3 Program Requirement

Description: Emphasizes the practical application of principles and theories in early childhood education within a supervised setting, while working with young children. The student will be supervised by a qualified professional for 60 documented hours at an approved site and attend weekly seminars. (NOTE: The program's health requirements, background check and CPR Basic Rescuer certification must be completed prior to placement in practicum).

Prerequisite: ECE 101, ECE 102, ECE 115, ECE 209, ECE 226 and ENG 101 with grades of C or better, or consent of instructor.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

EDU 220 + 3 Program Requirement

Description: Provides an introduction to diversity issues in schools and society today. Examines how schooling is shaped by the social contexts in which it occurs, particularly in multicultural and global contexts. Includes examination of both social and global perspectives.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

SPE 101 3 AAS General Education

Description: Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

FOURTH SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits Category
AAS General Education elective2 3 AAS General Education
ECE 221  S   3 Program Requirement

DescriptionThis course is only offered in the spring term.

Introduces the theory and practice related to math and science for young children. Emphasis will be placed on the development and evaluation of developmentally appropriate activities and instructional materials.

Prerequisite: ECE 115.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

ECE 252 3 Program Requirement

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:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

ECE 292 3 Program Requirement

Description: Emphasizes the practical application of early childhood education principles and theories in a supervisory capacity, while working with young children aged 0-3 years. The student will be supervised by a qualified professional for 60 documented hours at an approved site and attend a weekly seminar (NOTE: The program’s health requirements, background check and CPR Basic Rescuer certification must be completed prior to placement in practicum).

Prerequisite: ECE 111 and ECE 291 with grades of C or better, and consent of instructor.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

ECE elective3 3 Program Requirement

1 - The mathematics requirement for this degree (MTH 065) can be met with Math Competency. See Math Competency options for information. Students who utilize Math Competency to meet the mathematics requirement must complete an additional three credit-hour AAS General Education elective. See full list of AAS General Education Electives.

+ - This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement.

2 - See full list of AAS General Education Electives.

3 - ECE elective: Any ECE course.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • HGD5: Integrates research, developmental theories, and observational data to make decisions about evidence-based practice supporting children's learning and development.
  • HSW6: Collaborates with diverse families and community organizations to support children's healthy development and learning.
  • IRE4: Designs learning environments and activities supportive of diverse, healthy development and learning.
  • OA5: Evaluates and selects appropriate strategies for collecting, recording, measuring, disseminating, and utilizing observation, screening, and assessment data which are responsive to the strengths and challenges of individual children and reflective of family goals and priorities.
  • CPD6: Selects appropriate content, aligned with relevant standards.
  • FCR6: Selects and implements culturally and linguistically appropriate procedures designed to gather information about children and families, including child and family strengths, priorities, concerns, and needs, and collaboratively integrates this information into child, family, and program goals.
  • PPD5: Engages in reflection and the design of a professional development plan with the goal of improving professional practice and fostering professional growth.
Last Updated: 3/15/24