Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education

College of Lake County

The Associate in Applied Science Degree program in Early Childhood Education prepares students for careers working with young children. Graduates of the program are DCFS qualified to be lead teachers in and directors of day care centers, preschools, and school-age programs. Public school Pre-K programs employ A.A.S. degree graduates as assistant teachers. Many of the courses transfer to four year institutions with related programs.

In general, students who are successful in this program, share traits like these:

• Have strong competence in language arts and both written and oral communication, as well as everyday math and technology skills.
• Are caring, nurturing, patient, flexible, enthusiastic, and energetic and have a sense of humor.
• Like to multi-task and think on their feet.
• Open to working with diverse, multicultural populations and have a respect for differences in socio-economic levels.
• Commit to continuous professional development.