州长州立大学

The earliest years of life are the foundation for a child’s future development, providing a strong base for lifelong learning. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) children who receive early childhood educational opportunities are more successful on average as they continue in their educational and professional futures. Many of the skills that children develop in their early years lay the foundation for how they view education throughout the remainder of their lives.

The Governors State University Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education program prepares future educators to work with children from birth through second grade, including teaching in classrooms and other early childhood settings serving English Language Learners and children with special needs.

Early Childhood Education students may pursue one of two bachelor’s degree study track options: Option 1 (licensure) or Option 2 (non-licensure).

Upon successful completion of all required coursework, Option 1 graduates will earn a Professional Educator License (PEL) endorsed for early childhood (birth to 2nd grade) and English as a Second Language (ESL).

Upon successful completion of all required coursework, Option 2 graduates will be able to pursue careers such as: Preschool teacher, infant/toddler specialist, child care administrator or director, child and family advocate, family services worker, parent educator, resource and referral specialist, family child care provider, early intervention specialist.

More than 200 hours of diversified clinical experiences are incorporated throughout both programs prior to student teaching (Option 1) or the practicum (Option 2).

Real World Experience

The on-campus Family Development Center serves children from the local community while providing students in education programs a chance to practice teaching models under the guidance and supervision of licensed educators. In addition, teacher candidates also have field experiences in local early childhood and elementary schools.

Reach Your Career Goals

As an early childhood educator, you will support the academic, social, and emotional development of children in a variety of settings: infant/toddler, preschool, kindergarten, and first and second grade classrooms. Employment for preschool teachers is expected to grow over the next decade - faster than the national average for all occupations (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). Kindergarten and early elementary positions are also expected to grow due to a state wide shortage of qualified teachers. Teachers with an ESL endorsement and special education approval are especially in demand (ISBE, 2018).