Teacher teaching small children

Early Childhood Administration, A.A.S.

The Early Childhood Administration degree prepares students for employment in the management of early childhood and school-age programs. Students acquire the skills and knowledge to administrate programs serving infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children. This program includes the courses in the Administration of an Early Childhood Center certificate.  Upon successful completion of this degree, students are eligible to apply for the Gateways Illinois Director’s Credential Level 1 and ECE Credential Level 2. This degree program requires a minimum of 64 credits in program requirements, program electives, and general education in the courses listed below.

For more information about Early Childhood Education and Care, please visit the program page.

Degree Requirements

Field of Study Code: ECEC.AAS.ADMIN

Program Requirements
ECEC 1100Intro to the Early Childhood Profession3
ECEC 1101Growth & Development of the Young Child3
ECEC 1102Child Guidance Practices3
ECEC 1116Care Infant Toddler & Two-Year Child I3
ECEC 1163Practicum: At-Risk Early Childhood Prog1
ECEC 2245Preschool Methods of Intentional Teaching and Learning4
ECEC 2210The Young Child With Special Needs2
ECEC 2211Child Health, Safety and Nutrition3
ECEC 2221Early Childhood Administration Practicum4
ECEC 2251Curriculum Planning for the Young Child3
ECEC 2252Child/Family/Community Relations & Resources3
ECEC 2254Administration of an Early Childhood Center - Program Operations3
ECEC 2255Administration of an Early Childhood Center - Practices & Procedures3
ECEC 2256Administration of an Early Childhood Center - Staff, Families, & Children3
Program Electives
Select three credits in Early Childhood Education and Care courses 13
General Education
Select 20 to 21 credits 120-21
Total Credits64-65
1

In addition to the courses listed above.

General Education Requirements

For general education requirements for the A.A.S. degree, please visit the A.A.S. degree catalog page.

Suggested Semester Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First SemesterCredits
ECEC 1100 Intro to the Early Childhood Profession 3
ECEC 1101 Growth & Development of the Young Child 3
ECEC 2256 Administration of an Early Childhood Center - Staff, Families, & Children 3
ECEC 2211 Child Health, Safety and Nutrition 3
Gen EdMATH 1100 or Above 4
 Credits16
Second Semester
ECEC 1102 Child Guidance Practices 3
ECEC 2251 Curriculum Planning for the Young Child 3
ECEC 2255 Administration of an Early Childhood Center - Practices & Procedures 3
SPEEC 1100 Fundamentals of Speech Communication 3
Gen EdPhysical and Life Sciences 4
 Credits16
Summer Semester
ECEC 2254 Administration of an Early Childhood Center - Program Operations 3
ENGLI 1101 English Composition I 3
 Credits6
Third Semester
ECEC 2245 Preschool Methods of Intentional Teaching and Learning 1 4
ECEC 1116 Care Infant Toddler & Two-Year Child I 3
ECEC 1163 Practicum: At-Risk Early Childhood Prog 1
ECEC 2252 Child/Family/Community Relations & Resources 3
Gen EdPsychology or Sociology 3
 Credits14
Fourth Semester
ECEC 2221 Early Childhood Administration Practicum 4
ECEC 2210 The Young Child With Special Needs 2
ElectiveProgram Elective 3
Gen EdHumanities and Fine Arts 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits64
1

ECEC 2245 Preschool Methods of Intentional Teaching and Learning is only offered in the fall semester.

Important Notes about the ECEC Administration Program:

  • This program is designed as a two year program for full-time students who follow this program map. Deviation from the program map, including completing only early childhood courses, completing all general education courses first, or other individual academic circumstances, will delay certificate and degree completion timeline.
  • ECEC courses require field observation assignments in licensed child care centers.
  • Methods course and Practicum hours are completed during the day in an approved licensed child care center.
  • Students will complete service learning in ECEC 2252 Child/Family/Community Relations & Resources.
  • Some courses are only offered certain semesters.
  • Fingerprinting/background check and medical clearance are required for some courses.
  • The ECEC Administration program is designed with a stackable Administration certificate that leads into the A.A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Administration.
  • The ECEC Administration program is aligned with Gateways to Opportunity, so students may be eligible for the Gateways Level 2 ECE Credential and the Illinois Director Credential 1 through successful completion of specific coursework.

Program Milestones

First Semester

Second Semester

  • If you have not done so yet this semester, it is important to make an appointment with ECEC program advisor Christine Jandak to discuss your future academic progress.
  • Meet with ECEC Clinical Chair regarding practicum placement for fall semester for ECEC 1163 Practicum: At-Risk Early Childhood Prog and for ECEC 2245 Preschool Methods of Intentional Teaching and Learning. These courses require a permit in addition to other requirements.
  • Contact Student Education Association Representative with questions.

Summer Semester

  • Apply for the Administration of an Early Childhood Center certificate.

Third Semester

  • The ECEC program has an articulation agreement with National-Louis University. Students interested in completing a Baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Administration should meet with a National-Lewis representative.
  • Meet with ECEC Clinical Chair regarding practicum placement for the spring semester for ECEC 2221 Early Childhood Administration Practicum. Permit and other requirements are needed.

Fourth Semester

  • Apply for the Administration of an Early Childhood Center Degree and Graduation.
  • Apply for Early Childhood Education and Care Certificate.
  • Apply for the Gateways Illinois Director Credential Level 1 and Gateways ECE Level 2 (entitled route).
  • Update resume.