The Early Childhood Education program is designed for students interested in entering the childcare field or upgrading current skills. This program provides the academic background and practical experience for people interested in careers in education, including infant, toddler, preschool/pre-K, and school-age child care in early childhood centers, family child care homes, parent education, and early childhood program supervision. The classes will include practicum experience in a Child Development Center.

Certificates and Degrees

Spoon River College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, as well as Assistant Teacher and Early Childhood Educator certificates. The completion of the Early Childhood Education program will prepare the student with the skills necessary to understand how to provide developmentally appropriate interactions and learning experiences for young children.

Nature of Work

Employment opportunities for graduates of the early childhood education program are very positive, whether pursuing a career in group day care, preschool settings or family care. Because of the rapid growth in group care/education, the need for excellence in child care providers is of critical importance. This program is part of the Education & Training Career Cluster.​​​​​​​​

Scholarships Opportunities:


If you work or have worked in early childhood education and you are looking to achieve additional credentials or a degree in early childhood education, you may be eligible for the Illinois Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program. Scholarships cover your total cost of attendance for an academic year (including summer) after the other financial aid received.  For more information, visit the Illinois Student Assistance Commission website!

Credit for Prior Learning

Child Development Associate (CDA):

  • A student that has been awarded a valid and current CDA, is eligible to receive credit for 2 Early Childhood Education (ECE) courses
  • ECE courses include ECE100- Introduction to Early Childhood and ECE123- Health, Safety, and Nutrition

Degree​​

Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education – Gateway to Opportunity Level 4 Credential (Total 60 credits Hrs)

Course CodeCourse​Credit Hours
Fall Semester CoursesCredit Hrs.
ECE 100Introduction to Early Childhood3
ECE 101Infant/Toddler Development3
ECE 200Growth and Development of Young Children3
ENG 101Composition I3
***Mathematics -- MAT 102, MAT 105, MAT 125 or MAT 1323
Total15
​​Spring Semester Courses​Credit Hrs.
ECE 123Health, Safety and Nutrition3
ECE 228Observation/Assessment (Pre-req ECE 200)3
ECE 203Curriculum for Early Childhood Programs3
ECE 210Infant/Toddler Curriculum3
***Psychology/Sociology course -- PSY 130 or SOC 1003
Total15
Fall Semester CoursesCredit Hrs.
ECE 150Language Development & Activity for Young Children3
ECE 220Methods of Guiding Child Behavior3
ECE 231Practicum I (Pre-req ECE 200 & ECE 228)3
***Humanities Elective3
COM 103Speech Communication3
Total15
​​Spring Semester Courses​Credit Hrs.
ECE 180Math & Science for the Young Child3
ED 205The Exceptional Child3
ECE 225Child, Family, Community3
ECE 226Admin/Sup/EC Prog3
ECE 232Practicum II (Pre-req ECE231)3
Total15
​​Total Credit Hours60

Certificates​​

Assistant Teacher Certificate – Gateways to Opportunity Level 2 Credential

Course CodeCourse​Credit Hours
Fall Semester CoursesCredit Hrs.
ECE 100Introduction to Early Childhood3
ECE 200Growth and Development of Young Children3
ECE 220Methods of Guiding Child Behavior3
Total9
​​Spring Semester Courses​Credit Hrs.
ECE 123Health, Safety and Nutrition3
ECE 203Curriculum for Early Childhood Programs3
ECE 225Child, Family, Community3
Total9
​​Total Credit Hours18

Early Childhood Educator Certificate – Gateway to Opportunity Level 3 Credential

Course CodeCourse​Credit Hours
Fall Semester CoursesCredit Hrs.
ECE 100Introduction to Early Childhood3
ECE 200Growth and Development of Young Children3
ECE 220Methods of Guiding Child Behavior3
ENG 101Composition I3
***Mathematics -- MAT 102, MAT 105, MAT 125 or MAT 1323
Total15
​​Spring Semester Courses​Credit Hrs.
ECE 123Health, Safety and Nutrition3
ECE 203Curriculum for Early Childhood Programs3
ECE 225Child, Family, Community3
ECE 228Observation/Assessment (Pre-req ECE 200)3
***Psychology/Sociology course -- PSY 130 or SOC 1003
Total15
​​Total Credit Hours30