Early Childhood Education (BS)

Overview

Students studying early childhood education at SIUE put learning into practice by applying learned theory to hands-on learning experiences in schools. Class numbers are intentionally kept small so our faculty can provide students with personal attention.  

The program leads to:  

• Initial teacher licensure in Illinois to work with children birth through second grade 
• Non-licensure option to work in infant, toddler and preschool settings that do not require teacher licensure  

What can I do with a degree in early childhood education?

Teacher education programs at SIUE prepare students for teaching careers in:

• Early childhood education
• Elementary education
• Middle level education
• Special education 
• Secondary education

Our graduates also pursue careers as: 

• Parent educators
• Child development specialists
• Child service agency workers
• Child and family advocates
• Juvenile justice officers
• Hospital play group directors

Accreditation/Faculty

Accreditation
The program addresses national standards set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the National Association for the Education of Young Children, as well as state standards set by the Illinois State Board of Education. We are a Gateways entitled institution, offering the ECE Level 5 Gateways to Opportunity Credential to successful program graduates.

Faculty
Early childhood education classes are taught by faculty in the Department of Teaching and Learning

Diversity Statement/Professional Credential Disclosure

Diversity Statement
SIUE’s teacher education programs foster teacher candidates’ ability to understand and meet professional responsibilities by modeling respect and value for diversity. Candidates create and engage their students in practices that develop awareness, understanding, respect and a valuing of the forms of diversity that exist in society and their importance in learning and teaching. The School of Education, Health and Human Behavior teacher education programs are dedicated to supporting all teacher education candidates, regardless of their economic or social status, and advocates for the rights of students free from discrimination based on race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, ability or age.

Professional Credential Disclosure
This program is intended to prepare students for licensure/certification meeting educational requirements established by regulatory boards in the state of Illinois. Licensure/certification requirements can vary by state. If you intend to practice or teach inside or outside the state of Illinois, please visit our professional licensure webpage.

Hands-on Learning

Opportunities for experiential learning take many forms:

• In-class activities
• Simulations, including virtual simulations through the Virtual Professional Practice Lab
• Case studies
• School-based projects
• Undergraduate research
• Service learning projects

Our program also makes extensive use of field-based partnerships through field trips, practica and student teaching. Students are placed in a variety of diverse field experiences that allow them to interact with children and learn through real-world application.  

Early Childhood On-Site (EChOS)

The EChOS program is an alternative path to initial licensure in early childhood education allowing candidates who are currently working in the field of early childhood education to complete a program leading to a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education.

Students have the option of completing Illinois teacher licensure requirements or completing a non-licensure route. Courses are offered at times and locations to meet the needs of working adults. The professional sequence of courses can be completed in a maximum of three years prior to student teaching by taking two courses each fall, spring and summer term. Program participants are required to have completed an associate degree or credit equivalent prior to enrolling in EChOS.

Financial Assistance: Members of the early childhood education workforce who are seeking credentials and/or a degree in early childhood education may be eligible for the new Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) scholarship program. Program information, eligibility details and an online application are available through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

In addition to the ECACE scholarship application, applicants will be required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the same academic year in which they are applying for the scholarship. 

For more information, please contact Dr. Stacie M. Kirk, director, early childhood program at 618-650-3683 or skirk@siue.edu.