Early Childhood Education
Admissions and Records
- Email: admissions@svcc.edu
- Phone: (815) 835-6273
- Fax: (815) 456-4240
- Visit Admissions to view Hours
Early Childhood Education - Associate in Applied Science (042)
This program aligns to the AAS/Gateways to Opportunity ECE and ITC Level 4 credentials.
The Early Childhood Education program provides the academic background and practical experience for people interested in careers in education, including infant, preschool and school-age child care in early childhood centers, family child care homes, parent education, and early childhood program supervision. Coursework focuses on theory, research and program practice pertaining to children prenatal to early school age. Students will have the opportunity to observe and assess children's behaviors and to work directly with children in a supervised setting. This program provides a comprehensive course of study, including physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of young children, curriculum development, literature and language arts, creative activities for teaching art, music, math and science, behavior guidance, health and nutrition, and one supervised practicum experience.
Credential Program Description
Students enrolled in Early Childhood programs at Sauk Valley Community College will be eligible to complete credentials through Gateways to Opportunity Illinois Professional Development System for ECE and ITC Levels 2, 3 and 4. Benefits of this credentialing process increase a student's employability and make students eligible for scholarship opportunities and wage differentials. Students must earn a "C" or better in all ECE courses used to fulfill Gateways to Opportunity credentialing requirements.
The Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity allows for transfer of ECE community college career degrees in their entirety (including Gateways Level 4 and a 2.0/4.0 CGPA) to participating four-year schools with junior-level standing.
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 a group day care, preschool setting, or in family care.
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
- Beth Smaka, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education, 815-835-6388
Total Hours Required - 62-63 Hours
Major Field Requirements - 46-47 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECE109 | Found of Infant & Toddler Care | 4 Hours |
| This course provides students with an overview of the development of children birth through age three. Students will explore physical social emotional cognitive and linguistic growth as well as factors that affect learning and development. Emphasis will be placed on the role of family and community partnership in effective care-giving programs. Students will also design developmentally appropriate curriculum including observation and formal and informal assessment techniques. Students will demonstrate understanding of the InfantToddler Environment Rating Scale ITERS by performing an evaluation in an infanttoddler classroom setting. Students will participate in a minimum of 50 hours of required field experience.Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 4LectureLab Hours 4 lecweek | ||
| ECE114 | Child Care and Development | 3 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 socialemotional 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 NoneIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI ECE 912Semester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE115 | Intro to Early Childhood Educ | 3 Hours |
| This survey course provides an overview of early childhood care and education including historical and cultural perspectives organization structure programming and evidence-based practices. Professional and evidence-based practices of highly qualified early childhood educators are outlined with an emphasis on their ability to enhance development and learning of each and every child between the ages of birth and eight. Considerations for diversity of culture language race socio- economic status gender ethnicity and ability will be included. Students will spend a minimum of 15 hours of observation in diverse early childhood settings.Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE118 | Parent-Teachr-Child-Comm Relat | 3 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 familychild relationships through effective use of community and family resources.Prerequisite NoneIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI ECE 915Semester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE202 | Lang/Literacy Dev/Young Childr | 3 Hours |
| Students will be introduced to the perspectives concepts and methods of language and literacy development in young children. Students will focus on the speech and language development of young children ages 0-8 as well as the practices to individualize teaching to support language and literacy development in a diverse classroom. Typical and atypical language development the diverse factors that influence language and literacy development developmentally appropriate methods materials and environments and supporting English language learners will be emphasized.Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE207 | Math for the Young Child | 3 Hours |
| This course is an exploration of early mathematical content and concepts that are relevant to young children ages 0-6. Students will learn what mathematics looks like during the early years and learn strategies to recognize and promote mathematical understanding in young children. Particular emphasis will be on the following concepts numbers measurement shapes patterns spatial relations analysis of data.Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| - OR - | ||
| MAT106 | Applied Mathematics | 3 Hours |
| Applied mathematics is a fundamental course for students in technical and career programs. The course includes fundamental mathematics algebra geometry right triangle trigonometry business mathematics and statistical concepts which are applied to the solution of practical problems. Scientific notation metrics and use of the calculator are also covered. Prerequisite a grade of C or better in MAT 075 or MAT 078 or higher OR appropriate placement see current placement score prerequisite chart3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| - OR Higher - | ||
| ECE228 | Child Health-Nutrition-Safety | 3 Hours |
| This course provides an overview of the health safety and nutritional needs of young children and early childhood practices to ensure the health and well-being of each child in a group setting. Content includes roles and responsibilities of adults in meeting childrens diverse needs the promotion of healthy life style practices understanding common childhood illnesses and injuries meeting health nutrition and safety standards and planning nutritious meals that are appropriate for each child.Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE240 | Observ & Assess Young Children | 3 Hours |
| This course focuses on authentic alternative classroom-based assessment on young children and how to appropriately use standardized test information. The course will further provide the student with the knowledge and skills to interpret and use the information gained to plan curriculum that is responsive to and supportive of childrens learning and development. Students will have the opportunity to engage in assessment processes through means of classroom observations providing each student with a stronger understanding of child development skills. Students learn about and explore a variety of age individually linguistically and culturally appropriate formal and informal assessments to gather and share information on each childs skills abilities interests and needs birth through age 8. This class requires a 20 hour observation clinical component. Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE250 | Early Childhood Practicum | 3 Hours |
| A supervised field experience designed to utilize and develop the students learned training and educational skills in a chosen field. All students are required to spend at least six hours per week at a career education site as agreed upon with the advisor for a total of 90 hours minimum.Prerequisite Students may register for practicum only with the consent of the SVCC practicum coordinator and the students assigned academic counselor. Completion of first and second semester courses in the ECE suggested program required.Semester hours 3LectureLab Hours 6 labweek | ||
| ECE275 | Curric Dev Early Child Classrm | 3 Hours |
| The principles involved in planning implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate evidence-based curriculum for young children are studied. The course focuses on relationships among developmental theory philosophy practice and development of curriculum based on the needs and interests of young children including those who are culturally linguistically and ability diverse. The analysis of a wide range of early childhood curriculum models is emphasized. Field experiences are required.Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| EDU102 | Computer Education for Teacher | 3 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 None3 Semester hours3 lecweek | ||
| - OR - | ||
| CIS109 | Introduction to Computers | 3 Hours |
| This introductory course consists of the study of computer hardware software operating systems communications networking Internet systems and program development life cycles and their role in business decision making. The use of Internet multimedia security and ethics will be emphasized throughout the course. In addition laboratory experience will be gained with a survey of Microsoft Windows and business computer software applications programs in word processing electronic spreadsheets database management presentation graphics and Internet. Prerequisite None. Students having no experience with computers are encouraged to first take CIS 100-Keyboarding3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI BUS 902LectureLab Hours 2 lec 2 labweek | ||
| EDU210 | Diversity in Education | 3 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 policyPrerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| EDU220 | Educ of the Exceptional Child | 3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI ECE 913LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| EDU221 | Children's Literature | 3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI H3918LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| - OR - | ||
| LAN161 | Beginning Spanish I | 4 Hours |
| A study of functional Spanish with emphasis on speaking the language. Practice in reading and writing simple Spanish. Prerequisite None4 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 4 lecweek | ||
| - OR Higher - | ||
| PED220 | Rhythms & Games for Children | 3 Hours |
| Methods of administering supervising and teaching the major areas of rhythms games testing and apparatus in the elementary school grades. The course is designed to fit the needs of the classroom teacher in approaching the area of learning.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecture | ||
General Education Requirements - 15 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Communications (ENG101, COM131 Required) | 6 Hours | |
| Physical or Life Science (BIO120 Recommended) | 3 Hours | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (PSY103 and SOC251 Required) | 6 Hours |
SVCC Degree Requirement - 1 Hour
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 Hour |
| 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 None1 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 1 lecweek | ||
Suggested Program
First Semester - 16 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO120 | Environmental Health | 3 Hours |
| An examination of the environmental effects on human physiological systems resulting in diverse problems such as heart disease cancer and other health related concerns. This course is designed to assist the student in making informed responsible decisions affecting personal and environmental wellness.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE114 | Child Care and Development | 3 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 socialemotional 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 NoneIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI ECE 912Semester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE115 | Intro to Early Childhood Educ | 3 Hours |
| This survey course provides an overview of early childhood care and education including historical and cultural perspectives organization structure programming and evidence-based practices. Professional and evidence-based practices of highly qualified early childhood educators are outlined with an emphasis on their ability to enhance development and learning of each and every child between the ages of birth and eight. Considerations for diversity of culture language race socio- economic status gender ethnicity and ability will be included. Students will spend a minimum of 15 hours of observation in diverse early childhood settings.Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 Hour |
| 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 None1 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 1 lecweek | ||
| PED220 | Rhythms & Games for Children | 3 Hours |
| Methods of administering supervising and teaching the major areas of rhythms games testing and apparatus in the elementary school grades. The course is designed to fit the needs of the classroom teacher in approaching the area of learning.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecture | ||
| PSY103 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 Hours |
| This course is designed to introduce the student to major concepts theories principles and research in the field of psychology. This course will survey the scientific study of human and animal characteristics and behavior. Major topics from biological behavioral cognitive personality developmental abnormal and social psychology theory and research will be emphasized. Universal characteristics and individual differences will be explored Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S6 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
Second Semester - 15 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECE202 | Lang/Literacy Dev/Young Childr | 3 Hours |
| Students will be introduced to the perspectives concepts and methods of language and literacy development in young children. Students will focus on the speech and language development of young children ages 0-8 as well as the practices to individualize teaching to support language and literacy development in a diverse classroom. Typical and atypical language development the diverse factors that influence language and literacy development developmentally appropriate methods materials and environments and supporting English language learners will be emphasized.Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE275 | Curric Dev Early Child Classrm | 3 Hours |
| The principles involved in planning implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate evidence-based curriculum for young children are studied. The course focuses on relationships among developmental theory philosophy practice and development of curriculum based on the needs and interests of young children including those who are culturally linguistically and ability diverse. The analysis of a wide range of early childhood curriculum models is emphasized. Field experiences are required.Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| EDU210 | Diversity in Education | 3 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 policyPrerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ENG101 | Composition I | 3 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 hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C1 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| SOC251 | Human Sexuality and Marriage | 3 Hours |
| This course is a survey of the contemporary family from historical and cross-cultural perspectives. This course explores the psychological sociological and biological perspectives on human sexuality dating marriage singles families as well as separation divorce. Topics addressed will include relationship types trends in mate selection marriage singlehood family functions structures uncoupling child rearing work gender power conflict and communication within the family.Prerequisite None although either PSY 103 or SOC 111 is highly recommended3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S7 902LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
Third Semester - 16-17 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECE109 | Found of Infant & Toddler Care | 4 Hours |
| This course provides students with an overview of the development of children birth through age three. Students will explore physical social emotional cognitive and linguistic growth as well as factors that affect learning and development. Emphasis will be placed on the role of family and community partnership in effective care-giving programs. Students will also design developmentally appropriate curriculum including observation and formal and informal assessment techniques. Students will demonstrate understanding of the InfantToddler Environment Rating Scale ITERS by performing an evaluation in an infanttoddler classroom setting. Students will participate in a minimum of 50 hours of required field experience.Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 4LectureLab Hours 4 lecweek | ||
| ECE118 | Parent-Teachr-Child-Comm Relat | 3 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 familychild relationships through effective use of community and family resources.Prerequisite NoneIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI ECE 915Semester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE228 | Child Health-Nutrition-Safety | 3 Hours |
| This course provides an overview of the health safety and nutritional needs of young children and early childhood practices to ensure the health and well-being of each child in a group setting. Content includes roles and responsibilities of adults in meeting childrens diverse needs the promotion of healthy life style practices understanding common childhood illnesses and injuries meeting health nutrition and safety standards and planning nutritious meals that are appropriate for each child.Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| EDU220 | Educ of the Exceptional Child | 3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI ECE 913LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| EDU221 | Children's Literature | 3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI H3918LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| - OR - | ||
| LAN161 | Beginning Spanish I | 4 Hours |
| A study of functional Spanish with emphasis on speaking the language. Practice in reading and writing simple Spanish. Prerequisite None4 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 4 lecweek | ||
| - OR Higher - | ||
Fourth Semester - 15 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECE207 | Math for the Young Child | 3 Hours |
| This course is an exploration of early mathematical content and concepts that are relevant to young children ages 0-6. Students will learn what mathematics looks like during the early years and learn strategies to recognize and promote mathematical understanding in young children. Particular emphasis will be on the following concepts numbers measurement shapes patterns spatial relations analysis of data.Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| - OR - | ||
| MAT106 | Applied Mathematics | 3 Hours |
| Applied mathematics is a fundamental course for students in technical and career programs. The course includes fundamental mathematics algebra geometry right triangle trigonometry business mathematics and statistical concepts which are applied to the solution of practical problems. Scientific notation metrics and use of the calculator are also covered. Prerequisite a grade of C or better in MAT 075 or MAT 078 or higher OR appropriate placement see current placement score prerequisite chart3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| - OR Higher - | ||
| COM131 | Intro to Oral Communication | 3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C2 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE240 | Observ & Assess Young Children | 3 Hours |
| This course focuses on authentic alternative classroom-based assessment on young children and how to appropriately use standardized test information. The course will further provide the student with the knowledge and skills to interpret and use the information gained to plan curriculum that is responsive to and supportive of childrens learning and development. Students will have the opportunity to engage in assessment processes through means of classroom observations providing each student with a stronger understanding of child development skills. Students learn about and explore a variety of age individually linguistically and culturally appropriate formal and informal assessments to gather and share information on each childs skills abilities interests and needs birth through age 8. This class requires a 20 hour observation clinical component. Prerequisite NoneSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ECE250 | Early Childhood Practicum | 3 Hours |
| A supervised field experience designed to utilize and develop the students learned training and educational skills in a chosen field. All students are required to spend at least six hours per week at a career education site as agreed upon with the advisor for a total of 90 hours minimum.Prerequisite Students may register for practicum only with the consent of the SVCC practicum coordinator and the students assigned academic counselor. Completion of first and second semester courses in the ECE suggested program required.Semester hours 3LectureLab Hours 6 labweek | ||
| EDU102 | Computer Education for Teacher | 3 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 None3 Semester hours3 lecweek | ||
| - OR - | ||
| CIS109 | Introduction to Computers | 3 Hours |
| This introductory course consists of the study of computer hardware software operating systems communications networking Internet systems and program development life cycles and their role in business decision making. The use of Internet multimedia security and ethics will be emphasized throughout the course. In addition laboratory experience will be gained with a survey of Microsoft Windows and business computer software applications programs in word processing electronic spreadsheets database management presentation graphics and Internet. Prerequisite None. Students having no experience with computers are encouraged to first take CIS 100-Keyboarding3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI BUS 902LectureLab Hours 2 lec 2 labweek | ||