Early Childhood Education

• Early childhood educators and assistant teachers are found in several places, including childcare centers, preschools and special programs for children ages 6-weeks through 8 years old. 
• The National Career Clusters Framework created a tool to help you find a career that suits your interests and skills. Our early childhood education program is part of the Education & Training career cluster.

• Coursework is taught by experienced, caring faculty.
• Kish is a Gateway credentialed entitled college. Gateways credentials are symbols of professional achievement that show your knowledge, skills and experience in caring and educating for children. They are an individual achievement that you can be proud of. Credentials are awarded and recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Bureau of Child Care and Development. 

• Earning a Gateways credential signifies to employers that you have received quality knowledge, skills and experience in taking care of children. It is a professional achievement to take pride in. 
• Our certificate program is an excellent way to get your foot in the door in the childcare industry and try out the profession before becoming an early childhood educator or pursuing other positions in the industry.

Students interested in pursuing a certificate are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor for course and career planning.

The Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship is for people interested in working or advancing their careers in early childhood education. ECACE scholarships cover costs such as tuition, room and board, books, and supplies for undergraduate students (including Kish ECE students) participating in Illinois colleges or universities. 

Scholarship Criteria:

• Currently working or having worked in positions such as teacher, assistant or director in early childhood centers, schools or homes; and membership in the Gateways to Opportunity registry.
• Enrollment or acceptance for enrollment on a full- or part-time basis at a public or non-profit private 2- or 4-year ECACE-participating institution in Illinois, as an undergraduate student, pursuing an early childhood education major or postsecondary credential.

Apply

To learn more about ECACE at Kish, email Alea Akers at aakers1@kish.edu or call 815-825-9537.