A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education
Program Overview
The Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education is a 61-hour, online degree program that prepares
professionals for positions in private or public early child care and education settings, preschool center-based
care, family home child care, and day care settings. Students may choose the option of
preparing to serve as an assistant teacher, teacher, and/or director, as well as meet Illinois Department of
Child and Family Services (DCFS) requirements for private administration of day care homes.* Lincoln Christian
University’s Hargrove School of Adult & Graduate Studies offers this online degree for the reduced tuition rate
of only $249 per credit hour. Additional scholarship opportunities are available to qualified students through
Illinois’ Gateways to Opportunity.
All courses are offered online in an accelerated format (6 weeks per course). Students must also complete 155
clock hours of field experience, as well as demonstrate satisfactory professional dispositions, develop an electronic
portfolio to demonstrate their achievement of specified Illinois teaching standards, and complete first aid and
infant/toddler CPR training. Graduates of this program may also apply for provisional Early Education Certification
through the Association of Christian Schools International. For more information, contact the program director,
Dr. Karen Estep. The Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood prepares graduates who:
- Demonstrate the appropriate knowledge, skills, and disposition necessary in organizational leadership to be an Early Childhood administrator.
- Exhibit appropriate Christian dispositions to work with all children, families, colleagues, administration, and the community so all children learn.
- Apply appropriately their content knowledge throughout diverse field experiences.
- Evaluate and create learning materials appropriate for teaching children birth to kindergarten in church and child care settings.
- Promote effective and appropriate support for the spiritual formation of and learning by all children birth to kindergarten, using differentiated
instruction, integration of technology, and developmentally and culturally appropriate practice for diverse settings.
* This 61-hour program meets requirements for two Illinois credentials: ECE Credential Level 4 and Infant Toddler Credential Level 4 as
described by Illinois’ Gateways to Opportunity. Those desiring the Illinois Director
Credential Level 1 need to complete 8 additional hours (noted under Program Requirements).
Credentials Available
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