Effective Date
01/20/2025
Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Education
Total Program Credits: 28.5
(formerly The Early Childhood Advanced Career Pathway Level III Certificate, Gateways to Opportunity Level III Credential)
The Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Education, is designed for students interested in entering the Early Childhood Education field or students currently employed within the field seeking to progress in their current role. Students will be introduced to foundational concepts and best practices in the areas of: child development, curriculum and instruction, health, safety and nutrition, guidance and classroom management, diversity and inclusion, and observation, documentation and assessment. Students enrolled in this more advanced pathway are provided the opportunity to develop and refine their skills through hands-on experience and implementation. This certificate is aligned to the Gateways to Opportunity Level III Early Childhood Credential. This pathway is designed with stackable course offerings so students can progress within the credentialing system and obtain more advanced certificates and degrees. Field experience/observation hours are a requirement for all ECE courses. Field experiences in this advanced certificate program progress from basic observation to supervised implementation within an early childhood classroom setting. All program courses may not transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
Stackable Degree:
Early Childhood Education, Associate in Applied Science, Career Pathway
Stackable Certificate:
Early Childhood Advanced Career Pathway Level II Certificate, Gateways to Opportunity Level II Credential
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Education, the graduate will be able to:
- Apply Developmentally Appropriate Practice in all aspects of curriculum and instruction.
- Describe the developmental characteristics and needs of children birth through age eight.
- Utilize observation, documentation, and assessment to inform their practices with young children.
- Establish respectful and reciprocal relationship with children and their families.
- Create classroom environments that promote respect and acceptance for human diversity.
- Exhibit professional practices that are aligned with NAEYC Professional Standards and Code of Ethical Conduct.
(Reviewed Fall 2024)
Placement Measures
Program Map for Students
| ECE 110 ◊ Early Child Development | Core Course | 3 |
| ECE 111 ◊ Introduction to Early Childhood Education | Core Course | 3 |
| PSY 100 ◊ Introduction to Psychology | Social and Behavioral Science Gen-ed | 3 |
| RHT 101 # ◊ English Rhetoric & Composition I | Communications Gen-ed | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 12 |
Notes: Grade of “C” or higher is an IAI requirement for RHT 101◊ and RHT 102◊.
PSY 100◊ and RHT 101◊ may be used as a Core Course.
| ECE 118 ◊ Health, Nutrition & Safety | Core Course | 3 |
| ECE 142 ◊ # Students With Disabilities in School | Core Course | 3 |
| MAT 116 # ◊ Math for Elementary School Teachers I | Core Course | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 9 |
| ECE 138 ◊ # Observation, Assessment, Curriculum and Guidance of Young Children | Core Course | 3.5 |
| ECE 146 ◊ Child, Family & Community | Core Course | 3 |
| ECE 153 ◊ Guiding Children and Managing the Classroom | Core Course | 1 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 7.5 |
KEY
(AAS/CERT) |
| General Education |
Communications, Fine Arts, Humanities, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social and Behavioral Science (see individual degree requirements). |
| Core Course |
Course(s) listed in a semester the student is required to take. |
| Program Elective |
Course(s) that faculty recommend and are listed in the ‘Program Electives’ section (if any) for this program. |
If intending to transfer, choose courses accepted by your transfer institution. |
| General Elective |
Course(s) chosen by the student, if needed, above and beyond core courses and program electives (if any), to complete the Program Total Credits. |
| ◊ symbol |
This course is articulated. (course transfers to 3 or more Illinois State schools, as an elective or equal course-to-course) |
| # symbol |
This course has a prerequisite. (course(s) student takes prior to taking this course) |
Last Updated
1/16/2025 10:43:34 AM