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Education, Early Childhood - Associate in Arts (681)

To teach young children (birth to age 8) in Illinois public schools, teachers must be licensed by the State of Illinois. Since admission is competitive, completion of the recommended courses does not guarantee admission. Community college students are strongly encouraged to complete an Associate in Arts (AA) degree prior to transfer. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale), dependent on the transfer school requirements, is required for program admission.

Information regarding Illinois standards for Professional Educator License is available on the Illinois State Board of Education Website at www.isbe.net.

Students pursuing licensure versus non-licensure tracks should consult with education faculty at their institutions.

Students who have already chosen the university to which they plan to transfer should consult that institution's catalog or department advisor and an SVCC academic advisor in planning their program. Transfer guides for some universities are available at svcc.edu/transfer.

Criminal History Check Policy

Illinois law requires Illinois school boards to conduct a criminal background investigation on applicants for employment. This law also prohibits the employment of a person who has been convicted of committing or attempting to commit any one or more of a number of offenses. At present, offenses include first degree murder; any Class X felony; juvenile pimping; soliciting for a juvenile prostitute; exploitation of a child; obscenity; child pornography; harmful material; criminal sexual assault; aggravated criminal sexual assault; offenses set forth in the Cannabis Control Act; and crimes defined in the Illinois Controlled Substance Act. Employment must be denied whether the offenses and/or conviction occurred inside or outside the state of Illinois.

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.

Follow this link for career information.

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College

• Academic Advising, 815-835-6354
• Beth Smaka, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education, 815-835-6388

Total Hours Required - 66-68 Hours

Suggested Program

First Semester - 17 Hours

• ART119 - Survey of Western Art ( 3 Semester Hours)

  A survey of the history of art forms and aesthetic intentions of various cultures, designed as a humanities elective or requirement for the non-art major. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): F2 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  OR

  MUS201 - Music Appreciation ( 3 Semester Hours)

  A course where the novice can learn, without going into music history, the basic mechanics of all types of music ranging from classical to rock. The course emphasizes what to listen for and to identify factors that influence music (politics, religion, technology, philosophy, etc.). Examples of various arts are used to clarify fundamental concepts for those who have no experience in the field of music. (Open to all students) Prerequisite: Placement into ENG 101 (Composition I) or completion of ELA 099 (Preparatory Language Arts for the College Student).. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): F1 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week
   

• ECE114 - Child Care and Development ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course provides an overview of the theory and principles of human growth and development from conception through adolescence. Content includes an in-depth study of the inter-relatedness of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects of development. Development is studied in the context of family, gender, culture, language, ability, socioeconomics, diversity, and society. Special emphasis will be on the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Gardner. Field observations are required. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) ECE 912 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• EDU105 - Preparing for Careers in Educa ( 1 Semester Hours)

  The course introduces the student to licensure standards and the course sequence required for education majors. In addition, students are introduced to cognitive skills needed for teaching, classroom motivation and management skills, and strategies securing entry-level employment in the teaching profession. Students will be required to complete 15 hours of observation hours in varying grade levels/ classrooms with the purpose of aiding in choosing the correct licensure path. 1 Semester hour Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lab/week

• ENG101 - Composition I ( 3 Semester Hours)

  A basic course in essay writing with emphasis on exposition, ENG 101 stresses knowledge and application of the rhetorical modes. ENG 101 presupposes competence in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Prerequisite: ACT standard score in English of 22 or above; required scores on the current English placement test, or grade of C or higher in ELA 099. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• FYE101 - First Year Experience ( 1 Semester Hours)

  The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills, goal setting, academic planning, time and money management, and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment, students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. 1 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 1 lec/week

• MAT110 - Math for Elementary Teachers I ( 3 Semester Hours)

  The emphasis of this course is placed on mathematical reasoning and problem-solving as it pertains to modern elementary/middle school mathematics. Topics include: basic problem solving, whole numbers and elementary number theory, fractions, ratios and percents, rational numbers, and real numbers. Prerequisite: MAT 076 with a grade of C or higher or one year of high school geometry with a grade of C or higher and MAT 081 with a grade of C or higher, or two years of high school algebra with grades of C or higher or appropriate placement score. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week

• PSC163 - Am Government & Politics ( 3 Semester Hours)

  Students will examine American constitutional foundations and democratic values, explore the role of public opinion and the character of the political process, and understand the role of the media and interest groups in policy-making. Students will gain an understanding of how the major branches of the federal government work, and improve skills in evaluating and analyzing current public policy issues. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S5 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Second Semester - 16-17 Hours

• Earth Science (GSC) 3-4 Semester hour(s)
• *Humanities 3 Semester hour(s)
• **ECE or EDU elective 3 Semester hours
• Personal Development elective 1 Semester hour

• ENG103 - Composition II ( 3 Semester Hours)

  An advanced course in essay writing with emphasis on formal research, ENG 103 serves to develop a proficiency in the collection and selection of data as applied to the completion of a formal research paper. In addition, students receive instruction in logic and reasoning, including the fundamentals of argumentative and persuasive writing. Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in ENG 101 or its equivalent or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 901R Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• MAT111 - Math for Elementary Teacher II ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course is a continuation of MAT 110 - Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I. Topics include: real numbers, introductory probability and statistics, geometry measurement, coordinate geometry and transformations. Prerequisite: MAT 110 with a grade of C or higher. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): M1 903 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week

Third Semester - 16-17 Hours

• CHE103 - Introduction to Chemistry ( 4 Semester Hours)

  A one semester general survey covering basic chemistry principles including topics in organic chemistry. In particular, emphasizing electronic structure and periodic law, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, chemical reactions and calculations, acids, bases, salts, and organic compounds. Depth of coverage is designed to meet the needs for the general education requirement and of students in areas such as nursing, home economics, and allied health. Credit will not be awarded for both CHE 102(3 credits) and CHE 103(4 credits). 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): P1 902L Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec, 2 lab/week

  OR

  PHY175 - Introduction to Physics ( 4 Semester Hours)

  Basic concepts of physics including units in mechanics, sound, optics, electricity, magnetism and Bohr theory; to build an organized body of knowledge relating to physical phenomena encountered in the student's life. Designed to meet the laboratory requirements for non-science majors and students in elementary education. Prerequisite: ELT 120; or MAT 078, MAT 081, MAT 106, or higher; or 2 years of high school algebra with a grade of “C” or higher; or appropriate mathematics placement score. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): P1 900L Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec, 2 lab/week
   

• ECE118 - Parent-Teachr-Child-Comm Relat ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course focuses on the child in the context of family, school and community. An analysis of the contemporary American family will be discussed, with emphasis on the individual family interactions within the larger societal context. The course will examine the interplay of diverse cultures, lifestyles, language and communication with the role of school and other community institutions. Students will gain an understanding of their professional role in supporting practices that strengthen respectful family/child relationships through effective use of community and family resources. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) ECE 915 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• ECO211 - Principles of Macroeconomics ( 3 Semester Hours)

  A survey of macro-economic theory with emphasis on resource allocation in a mixed-enterprise economy. Concentration is on the operation of the market mechanism. The role of government and labor, national income determination and accounting, monetary and fiscal policy and the neoclassical synthesis. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S3 901 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3/lec week

  OR

  ECO212 - Principles of Microeconomics ( 3 Semester Hours)

  A continuation of ECO 211 with emphasis on micro-economic theory. Concentration is on supply and demand, the theory of the firm, monopoly and imperfect competition, international trade and finance, economic problems of underdeveloped nations and contemporary problems of economic growth and stability in a mixed enterprise economy. ECO 211 is recommended. Prerequisite: ECO 211 recommended. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S3 902 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week
   

• EDU220 - Students/Disabilities School ( 3 Semester Hours)

  An introductory overview of the field of special education in which students will be introduced to the various disability categories that occur in the population including an overview of characteristics of individuals with disabilities and the diversity of the population of people with disabilities. Services and methodologies will be examined, including federal and state requirements for eligibility. Students will be encouraged to develop critical thinking skills in regards to current controversies in the field. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): ECE 913 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• MAT121 - College Algebra ( 4 Semester Hours)

  This course assumes proficiency with material in MAT 081. Topics extended to the college level include: real numbers, exponents and radicals, polynomials and factoring, fractional expressions, equations and inequalities, functions and their graphs, conic sections, and systems of equations and inequalities. New topics include: zeros of polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices, sequences, and the Binomial Theorem. This course requires a graphing calculator. Prerequisite: Either High School Math 3 with grades of C or higher, or both a geometry prerequisite (either MAT 076 with grade of C or higher or one year of high school geometry with grades of C or higher) and an algebra prerequisite (either MAT 081 with a grade of C or higher or two years of high school algebra with grades of C or higher or appropriate placement score). 4 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/week

  OR

  MAT240 - Elementary Statistics ( 3 Semester Hours)

  An introduction to basic concepts in statistical methods including measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, probability, theoretical and empirical distribution, estimation, tests of hypotheses, linear regression and correlation. Prerequisite: MAT 081 with a grade of "C" or higher or two years of high school algebra with grades of C or higher, Math 3 with a C or higher, or appropriate placement scores. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): M1 902 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week
   

Fourth Semester - 17 Hours

• *Humanities 3 Semester hour(s)
• Personal Development 1 Semester hour

• BIO103 - Introductory Biology ( 4 Semester Hours)

  An introduction to fundamental principles of biology including: nature of science, basic chemistry, the organization, structure and function of organisms, cell division, reproduction, genetics, evolution and ecology. The course is designed for the student with minimal science background. This course will satisfy science requirements for A.A., A.S. transfer, and A.A.S. degree students. (For non-science majors.) Credit will not be awarded for both BIO 103 and BIO 104. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): L1 900L Lecture/Lab Hours 3 lec, 2 lab/week

• COM131 - Intro to Oral Communication ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. This course: (1) develops awareness of the communication process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and expressive strategies; (3) promotes understanding of and adaptation to a variety of communication contexts; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in listening, reading, thinking, and speaking. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C2900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• GEO122 - World Regional Geography ( 3 Semester Hours)

  A systems approach to the study of the cultural and economic organizations of human activity throughout the world. Emphasis is placed upon perception and utilization of environment with special attention given to types of production, circulation patterns and settlement patterns throughout the world. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S4 900N Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• HIS221 - American History to 1865 ( 3 Semester Hours)

  Students will examine the first interactions of Native American cultures, European conquerors, and enslaved Africans. They will compare the Spanish, French, and English experiences in North America, and explore the events in the English colonies that led to revolution and independence. They will examine the constitution issues, political clashes, and social changes of the Federalist, Jefferson and Jacksonian periods. Students will explore westward expansion, immigration in the north, and the southern slave economy. They will consider the events of the decade of crisis that led to civil war, and look closely at the war and its major consequences. (Students cannot earn credit for both the HIS 223 and 224 sequence and the HIS 221 and 222 sequence.) 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): IAI: S2 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  OR

  HIS222 - American History Since 1865 ( 3 Semester Hours)

  Students will examine American history from the Reconstruction Era to the present. They will gain an understanding of historical periods and events such as the Industrial Revolution, the Gilded Age, the Great Depression, the two World Wars, the Cold War, The Age of Affluence, and the Struggle for Racial and Gender Equality. (Students cannot earn credit for both the HIS 223 and 224 sequence and the HIS 221 and 222 sequence.) 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): IAI: S2 901 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week
   

Footnotes

• *Recommended Humanities: choose one American Literature course (ENG 225 or ENG 226) AND one British Literature course (ENG 227 or ENG 228). American Literature and British Literature are offered on a rotation every other year.
• **Suggested electives include: ECE 115, EDU 102, EDU 210, EDU 221, EDU 224, EDU 275.