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Early Childhood Education: Educator Assistant

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Academic Programs

Early Childhood Education: Educator Assistant - Certificate (F15)

(F15) Certificate

This program aligns to the Gateways ECE Level 2 credential which includes completion of a high school diploma or GED.

The Early Childhood Education certificate program will assist individuals in securing the education and credentials needed to obtain employment in child care facilities. This certificate has been developed to assist persons to meet the minimal requirements for approval as an early childhood assistant.

Credential Program Description

Students enrolled in Early Childhood programs at Sauk Valley Community College will be eligible to complete credentials through Gateways to Opportunities state professional development system for ECE levels 2, 3 and 4. Benefits of this credentialing process increase a student's employability through ACCESS Illinois and makes students eligible for scholarship opportunities and wage differentials.

Work and Employment

The early childhood education program is designed to educate professionals for a diverse and challenging field. Employment opportunities for graduates of the early childhood education program are very positive, whether pursuing a career in group day care or preschool settings, or in family care. Click here for further career information: https://www.svcc.edu/academics/programs/individual/f15.html

Criminal History Check Policy

Illinois law requires licensed early childhood programs to conduct a criminal background investigation on applicants for employment. Employment of individuals who have been convicted of committing or attempting to commit offenses that may put children in harm's way is prohibited. Laws vary according to the agency and their licensing body.

Students who perform classroom observations through coursework at Sauk Valley Community College may be required by the selected school/site to undergo a criminal background check prior to placement. Students may be denied at any observation site based on the results of that check.

Students who feel their criminal background may exclude them from observation or employment should seek counseling with SVCC faculty or advising staff early in their program to determine how it may affect their participation and eligibility.

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College
Academic Advising, 815/835-6354;
Janis Jones, Assistant Professor of Education, 815/835-6410.


Major Field Requirements

  • ECE 114 - Child Care and Development 3 Semester hour(s)
  • ECE 115 - Principles of Early Childhood Education 3 Semester hour(s)
  • ECE 118 - Parent-Teacher-Child-Community Relations 3 Semester hour(s)
  • ECE 228 - Child Health, Nutrition and Safety 3 Semester hour(s)
  • PED 220 - Rhythms and Games for Children 2 Semester hour(s)
  • PSY 103 - Introduction to Psychology 3 Semester hour(s)

Total Hours Required for Certificate: 17

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Follow this link for career information.