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Associate in Arts Degree with a Concentration in Early Childhood Education (681)

The early childhood education concentration will prepare students to transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and teacher licensure (PreK- Grade 2) in the state of Illinois.

Education, Early Childhood - IAI Recommended Course Sequence

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Transfer Considerations

1. IMPORTANT NOTE ON GENERAL EDUCATION RECOMMENDATIONS: The courses recommended in the suggested program are beyond the minimum requirements necessary for completion of general education courses for an Associate of Arts degree. The general education recommendations listed below are for a student's full licensure requirements.  Some of these additional courses may be completed after a student transfers, even with an Associate of Arts degree. Licensure information is based on the Illinois State Board of Education's administrative rules for teacher education preparation.

Competitive Admissions

1. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale), dependent on the transfer school requirements, may be required for program admission.
2. Students will also need to achieve a C or better grade in all general education coursework.

Special Considerations

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College

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

Minimum Total Credit Hours - 65 Hours

Suggested Course Sequence

First Semester - 16 Hours

• Personal Health & Development - 1 Semester hour

• 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 and prenatal development through age 8. Content includes an in-depth study of the inter-relatedness of physical, social/emotional, cognitive, language and aesthetic aspects of development. Development is studied in the context of family, gender, culture, language, ability, socio-economics, diversity and society. Current research and major developmental theories are examined with an emphasis on the implications for early childhood professional practice. Students are required to complete 3 observations at an approved preschool site. Prerequisite: None Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) ECE 912 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• EDU105 - Prep for Careers in Education ( 2 Semester Hours)

  This course introduces the student to licensure standards, course sequences, and skills required for education majors. Students will be introduced to the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards and will become familiar with the roles and responsibilities of teachers and the dispositions of effective teachers. Students will be exposed through observation activities to varying grade levels/ classrooms with the purpose of aiding in choosing the correct licensure path. Prerequisite: None 2 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lecture/week

• ENG101 - Composition I ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course (1) develops awareness of the writing process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and editorial strategies; (3) stresses the variety of uses for writing; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in reading, thinking, and writing. Prerequisite: Required placement score on approved English placement test, high school unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, or a 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. Prerequisite: None 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 school mathematics. Topics include basic problem solving, whole and elementary number theory, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions and percent, and the real number system. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in MAT 081 (or higher) AND MAT 076 OR appropriate placement (see current placement score prerequisite chart) 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. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S5 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Second Semester - 15-16 Hours

• IAI Biological Science 3-4 Semester hour(s)

• EDU210 - Diversity in Education ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course is designed to introduce pre-service teachers to the basic principles and foundations of educating for diversity. The course will explore schooling in and for global society. Emphasis will be on material evaluation and selection, curricular design, and the relationship between diversity, classroom procedure, and educational policy Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• EDU221 - Children's Literature ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course introduces students to the history, themes, form, and genres of literature for children. Special emphasis on the analysis and evaluation of literature for children, as well as the social and cultural contexts that have influenced the creation and selection of literature for children. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): H3918 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• 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. Topics include algebraic thinking, introductory probability, statistics, 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 - 15-16 Hours

• IAI Physical Science 3-4 Semester hour(s)*
• ECE/EDU Elective 3 hours**

• 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, international trade, national income determination and accounting, money and banking, monetary and fiscal policy, and macroeconomic fluctuations. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S3 901 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3/lec week

  OR

  ECO212 - Principles of Microeconomics ( 3 Semester Hours)

  Introduction to price theories, the behavior of the firm under varying market conditions and the behavior of the consumer. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S3 902 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week
   

• EDU220 - Educ of the Exceptional Child ( 3 Semester Hours)

  An introductory overview of the field of special education and the educational and evidence-based strategies that support children with exceptional cognitive, social, physical, and emotional needs. Services and interventions will be examined, including federal and state requirements for eligibility. Students will be introduced to the various exceptionality categories that occur in the population including an overview of characteristics of individuals in each category, with emphasis on category-appropriate interventions and teaching strategies. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): ECE 913 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• ART119 - Art Appreciation ( 3 Semester Hours)

  A survey of the visual arts (painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and architecture). Examines historical, social and technological factors that contribute to understanding the function and meaning of works of art. This course fulfills a fine arts general education requirement for the non-art major. Prerequisite: None 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: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): F1 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week
   

Fourth Semester - 18 Hours

• Humanities/Fine Arts 3 Semester hour(s)
• Program Elective (EDU/ECE, MAT, GSC) 3 Semester hour(s)***

• EDU102 - Computer Education for Teacher ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course is designed to meet the needs of education majors. This course will introduce students to the fundamentals and skills necessary to effectively integrate technology into teaching. This course is designed for the student with minimal computer experience. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) 3 lec/week

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

  The oral communication course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. The 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. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C2 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• GEO122 - Human Geography ( 3 Semester Hours)

  An introduction to regional surveys of the basic concepts within human geography. Provides an initial understanding of spatial analysis through traditional and digital tools and uses them to explore cultural phenomena. Introduces regional populations, migrations, languages, religions, and ethnicities as well as their urban, political, and economic constructs. Explores both developed and developing regions and their connections to each other and to the physical and environmental factors that influence their culture. Prerequisite: None 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 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. Prerequisite: None 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. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): IAI: S2 901 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week
   

Footnotes

• *One lab science required of either IAI Biological Science or IAI Physical Science
• **Recommended Electives include: ECE 115, ECE 118, ECE 240, or EDU 275. Consult an advisor for best transfer fit.
• ***Students should consult with an advisor for best transfer fit. Students attending NIU will need to take one Physical Science (CHEM/PHY) and an additional Earth Science (GSC) course. Students may need MAT 240. Other recommended electives are ECE 115, ECE 118, ECE 240, EDU 275.