Program Overview
The field of early childhood education is filled with many exciting career opportunities! Potential careers include working directly with young children and their families through teaching in public and private schools, Head Start programs, child care centers, and family child care homes. Career opportunities also include supporting those who work directly with young children in occupations that include administration, curriculum development, policy advocates and lobbyists, coaches and mentors, licensing representatives, and providers of professional development. Our state and nation is currently facing a critical need for well-prepared early childhood practitioners, with an anticipated growth in career opportunities of 14% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014).
The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licensing standards for the state of Illinois sets the qualifications for preschool and child care teachers.
Currently, the minimum requirements to be teacher-qualified:
- 60 college credits with 6 of those credits in courses directly related to early childhood education or child development from birth to age 8.
or
- 30 college credits with 6 of those credits in courses directly related to early childhood education or child development from birth to age 8, and one year (1,560 clock hours) of experience in a licensed preschool, child care center or kindergarten.
The minimum requirements to be director-qualified:
- Age of 21 or older
- 60 college credits with 18 of those credits in courses directly related to early childhood education or child development
or
- 30 college credits with 10 of those credits in courses directly related to early childhood education or child development and proof of enrollment in college until 60 college credits have been achieved. A total of 18 hours in courses related directly to child care or child development is required within the total two years of college credits, plus two years (3,120 clock hours) of experience in a licensed preschool, child care center or kindergarten.
The state also requires each preschool/child care teacher to complete 15 clock hours of workshops or in-service per year. MCC courses and workshops can be used to meet this requirement.
The above qualifications are the state minimum. MCC encourages students to improve their skills and knowledge by completing the associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or one of the certificate programs. Students are encouraged to meet with the ECE department chair to plan the most appropriate program of study.
At MCC, we have a variety of pathways designed to support your professional growth. Whether you are interested in earning a Gateways Credential or are planning to transfer to a four-year program, we have the courses and opportunities to meet your education and career needs. MCC’s Early Childhood Education Department has Entitled Institution status to award Level II through IV credentials to students who have completed the required courses for each type and level of credential. An Entitled Institution is a college or university who has aligned their coursework with credential requirements.
Each of our pathways is designed to support the attainment of Gateways Credentials. Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Credentials Levels 2-4 are for child care professionals working with children birth to age 8 who have specific levels of training, education, and experience.
The Gateways Credential is recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Services Bureau of Child Care and Development. Credentials are required for varied Circles of Quality in ExceleRate Illinois and can be used as a prerequisite for employment within early learning programs. To earn your Level 2-4 ECE Gateways Credential, you are required to follow a prescribed course of study. Please be sure to contact the ECE department chair for further information about this credential and required courses.
Students interested in completing a transferable degree at MCC, as well as those who wish to be preschool/child care teacher-qualified, may pursue an Associate in Science or an Associate in Arts degree by choosing electives from the ECE offerings. Some ECE prefix courses may not transfer to a four-year program. Students should check with an academic advisor about the Illinois Articulation Initiative and determine if ECE credits from MCC will be accepted at a four-year college.
Students may also check with the ECE department chair regarding the Career and Technical Education Initiative and high school articulation.
Program Prerequisite
While no prior experience is necessary to enroll in this program, students are expected to have writing skills equivalent to ENG 095 , reading skills equivalent to RDG 090 , and math skills equivalent to MAT 090 . A criminal background check is required to complete ECE 250 - Early Childhood Practicum .
For more information, visit: www.mchenry.edu/ece
The primary purpose of an Associate in Applied Science degree is to prepare students for employment. The AAS degree is not designed specifically for transfer; however, there are opportunities to apply some coursework or the whole degree to a bachelor’s degree program. For more information, see an academic advisor and the department chair.
Early Childhood Education, AAS Sample Semester Pathway
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