Early Childhood Education

Teachers and educators play an essential role in the lives of their students. Early childhood education professionals are particularly vital. Their efforts can instill an interest and love of learning in young children and can help determine the educational path their students take later in life.

At Oakton, we're proud to offer an Early Childhood Education Program to train and prepare students for this important job. We offer a diverse set of study options so you can choose the path that best suits you, your interests and your goals.

Our Early Childhood Education Program will educate you to assist infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and early school-age children in group situations. You'll receive hands-on instruction in college-affiliated, nationally accredited early childhood education centers that serve as field sites.

We offer several stackable certificates, starting with as few as six courses to complete through an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, to prepare you for a range of teaching positions from infancy through early school age. Our classes will give you the foundation to start or build upon a career, while our advisors and faculty will help ensure you complete the necessary coursework and field experiences to get your credentials.

Degrees and Certificates

At Oakton, we offer an A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as a number of specialized certificates. All certificates are stackable, in that they build upon each other so that you are always progressing towards a higher certificate or degree. Each certificate and the A.A.S. degree is aligned to an Illinois Gateways to Opportunity credential and the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral (INCCRRA).

Our program offerings include credentials geared at working with infants and toddlers, preschoolers and young school-age children in group settings and administrative credentials based on your goals and interests in the field of Early Childhood Education.

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Our Basic Early Childhood Education Certificate can be earned in 18 credit hours and completion of this certificate can lead to obtaining the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Care and Education Credential Level 2.

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The Advanced Early Childhood Certificate is a 30 credit hour course and completion of this certificate can lead to obtaining the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Care and Education Credential Level 3.

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You can earn the Early Childhood Education Administration Certificate in 32 credit hours and completion of this Certificate can lead to obtaining the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Director Credential Level 1. 

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The Basic Infant Toddler Certificate is a 21 credit hour program and upon completion of this certificate can lead to obtaining the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Credential Level 2.

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You can earn your Advanced Infant Toddler Certificate in 36 credit hours, which can lead to obtaining the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Credential Level 3.

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Completion of our Basic Family Child Care Provider Certificate can lead to obtaining the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Family Child Care Provider Credential Level 2.

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Our 36-credit hour Advanced Family Child Care Provider Certificate can help lead you to obtaining the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Family Child Care Provider Credential Level 3.

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Earn your Early Childhood Credential or Degree for Free

The Illinois Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program was created to address the increasing demand for highly qualified Early Childhood (EC) professionals in Illinois. This scholarship program is specifically targeted at the early childhood workforce in Illinois looking to upskill their qualifications and/or pursue further certificates, degree programs, or endorsements through a participating ECACE institution.

Oakton welcomes EC professionals interested in pursuing their Gateways Level 2, 3, or 4 Credentials in Early Childhood, Infant Toddler, or Family Child Care and those seeking the Gateways Level 1 Director Credential.

ECACE Scholarship

If you are working or previously worked in an Early Childhood Education Center, Daycare Center or Preschool setting, you may be eligible for scholarship dollars to earn credentials at Oakton.

If eligible, you could receive scholarship dollars (after other financial aid you may qualify for) to cover:

  • Tuition and Fees
  • Books & Supplies
  • Personal expenses (e.g. technology, transportation, childcare expenses)

More information on the scholarship is available through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Apply for the ECACE Scholarship

ECACE Logo

Supplemental ECACE Funding Program

Another funding opportunity available to the Oakton EC students who are pursuing EC credentials is The Supplemental ECACE Funding Program.

Students enrolled in an ECE program of study and taking ECE courses may qualify for these funds. 

You can apply for the funding program online.

To learn more about these scholarships, contact us by filling out the form below, and an ECE Mentor Coach will contact you soon.

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Affiliation and Practicum

Students have the opportunity to observe and interact with young children throughout the program. Designated field affiliation experiences are included in ECE 104-Introduction to Early Childhood Education and ECE 255-Curriculum Design for Early Childhood Program. Students pursuing the A.A.S. degree complete ECE 257-a one-semester, 225-hour on-site practicum experience culminating in a classroom take-over week. The full course description of ECE 257 is indicated in the course catalog.

 

What's Next?

We are glad you are considering attending Oakton College. No matter where you are in your decision-making process, we are here to help you with your next steps. Whether you're ready to apply now, need information on paying for college or have questions and want to contact someone, we're here to help.

From a career perspective, the field of Early Childhood Education is as varied as the children it serves. Those pursuing the Basic and Advanced ECE or Infant Toddler Credentials can find opportunities as assistant teachers (if they hold no other college credit hours) up to lead teachers (if they already have earned at least an Associate Degree in another field). Graduates of the A.A.S. program often go on to pursue teaching positions in community-based child care programs. Employment opportunities also exist in Head Start Programs and State Pre-Kindergarten settings.

Graduates of the A.A.S. program can continue their education towards a BA in Early Childhood Education through direct transfer to public universities in Illinois or through articulated transfer agreements with private colleges and universities. Those who complete their BA in ECE often pursue careers as lead teachers in Head Start or community-based child care centers or as Illinois licensed Early Childhood teachers in a public school setting.

Enrolling at Oakton College can save you thousands of dollars and help you earn more over the course of your career. Our tuition is among the lowest in the region, and we offer many ways to bring your costs down even more.

99 percent of Oakton students graduate without debt.

To help you get there, you can apply for a scholarship, which you don’t have to pay back. We award $12 million in scholarships annually. Financial Aid includes grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance that can reduce your costs of attending college.

We offer payment options that give you control over how you pay. Pay all at once or spread your payments over the course of the semester.

Learn more about your options for paying for your education

An Oakton College student smiles while using a computer.

As your community college, we serve students from various backgrounds. We aim to make the application process as easy and as clear as possible for everyone.

We can help you get started on a degree or certificate. Applying to Oakton is fast and easy.

Your first step before you begin your studies is filling out an admission application and completing your enrollment process.

Get Started at Oakton

Oakton College students celebrate graduating in full regalia.

Meet Your Faculty and Experts

Oakton's Early Childhood Education faculty is made up of passionate educators who are eager to connect with you and make a difference. The Early Childhood Education Program's curriculum is guided by an expert panel of teachers, administrators and child-development specialists.

Paula Luszcz, Chair
Professor of Early Childhood Education
B. A. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
M.P.H. University of Illinois at Chicago
M. A. Northeastern Illinois University
pluszcz@oakton.edu
847.376.7438
Office: 2524, Des Plaines

Cheryl Joseph
Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education
B.A. Northern Illinois University
M.S. Northern Illinois University
cjoseph@oakton.edu
847.376.7271
Office: 2811, Des Plaines

Meet our part-time faculty

Ann Gadzikowski
Lecturer
B.A. Northwestern University
M.Ed. Loyola University, Chicago
Certification: Illinois Director
agadziko@oakton.edu

Deanna Goldsmith
Lecturer
B.S. Michigan State University
M.A. Roosevelt University
dgoldsmi@oakton.edu

Linda Hermes
Lecturer
B.A. Clarke College
lhermes@oakton.edu

Mindi Schryer
Lecturer
B.A., M.A. National Louis University
Gateways Certified Technical Assistance Advisor
Toddler/PK CLASS Certified Observer


Ginger Cacnio
Lecturer
B.A. National Louis University
M.A. Pacifica Graduate Institute

Bettye Cohns
Lecturer
B.A., M.A. Ashford University
Illinois Director

Marie Chandel Spurgeon
Lecturer
B.A. Kendall College
M. A. National Louis University
spurgeon@oakton.edu

Sue Uribe
Lecturer
B.S. Northeastern Illinois University
M. Ed. Loyola University, Chicago
suribe@oakton.edu

Stephanie Alban-Kako
Community College Relationship Manager
National Louis University

Laura Byes
Executive Director
Learning Bridge Early Education Center

Bettye Cohns
Representative/Alumni
ECE Community Member/GoAEYC

Susan Fahey
Director
Children's Care & Development Center

Barbara Golik
Principal / First Steps Preschool
East Maine School District 63

Marsha Hawley (Representing District 535)
Associate Director of Student Support
Illinois State Board of Education

Heather Jones
Director/Owner
Sunny Days Child Care

Julie Lear
Faculty
Niles North High School

Reagan Miller
Executive Director
Gertrude B. Nielsen Child Care & Learning Center

Nicole Ramirez
Administrative Director
Reba Early Learning Center

Sharyl Robin
Director of Trainings & Contracts
Children’s Home & Aid

Sandra Rojo
Bilingual Higher Education Organization Navigator–Oakton-assigned Navigator
Illinois Action for Children

Mindi Schryer
Adjunct Faculty, ECE Department
Northeastern Illinois University

Carol Teske
Executive Director
Evanston Childcare Network

Joanna Varda
Executive Director
Swift Child Care

Stephen Vick
Executive Director
Infant Welfare Society of Evanston


Ex-officio Members

Marc Battista
AVP Workforce Education/Dean, Business and Career Technologies
Oakton College

Monique Hudson
Site Coordinator, ECE Center
Oakton College

Cheryl Joseph
ECE Full-Time Faculty
Oakton College

Paula Luszcz
ECE Full-Time Faculty
Oakton College

Susan Uribe
Adjunct Faculty
Oakton College

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Children’s Care and Development Center
3925 Lunt Ave.
Lincolnwood  60045
Contact: Susan Fahey, 847.676.8388
Full day: Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers
Affiliation Placement
Preschool: M - Th: 9 a.m. - 12 noon
2-3 year olds: M - Th: 9 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Toddlers: M - Th: 9 a.m. - 12 noon; 2:30 - 5 p.m.
Infants: M - F: 7 a.m. -6 p.m.


Community Consolidated School District 62
Westerhold Early Learning Center
Forest Elementary School
1375 S. 5th Avenue
Des Plaines 60018
Contact: Margarite Benaris
847.824.1065
Practicum and Affiliation Placements
Birth-3 and 3-5 year olds
M-F 7:00a.m.-6:00p.m.


Covenant Nursery School (Trinity Lutheran Church)
3637 Golf Road
Evanston 60203
Contact: Tina Vanderwarker, 847.675.2993
Part day program
Affiliation Placement
2 - 5 year olds
A.M. sessions (9:15 - 11:45)
Email: tinav@covenantnurseryschool.org


Evanston Montessori Children’s House
949 Ridge Ave
Evanston  60202
Contact: Basharat Ahmed, 847.890.2225
Email: basharat@evanstonmontessori.com


Gertrude Nielson Child Care and Learning Center
3835 Willow Road
Northbrook 60062
Contact: Arlene Yallelus, 847.564.3004
Full day: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, and Kindergarten
Affiliation Placement
Toddler/Preschool
Email: ayallelus@gbnchildcare.com


Glenview Community Church Nursery School
1000 Elm Street
Glenview 60025
Contact: Marcia Kiraly, 847.729.1440
Part day program
Affiliation Placement
2 - 5 years old
A.M. sessions
Kinderquest: A.M. and P.M.


Glenview Methodist Preschool
727 Harlem Ave.
Glenview 60025
Contact: Karen Coan, 847.729.3606
Part day: A.M. and P.M.
Affiliation Placement
9 - 11:15 a.m.
12:30 - 2:45 p.m.


Howard Area Family Center
7510 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago 60626
Contact: Rebecca Conner, 773.764.7610
rconner@howardarea.org (primary access to contact)
Full day program: Infant, Toddler, and Preschooler
Affiliation Placement
Preschool (mixed age): 9 a.m. - 12 noon; 3 - 5 p.m.
Toddlers and 2s: 8 - 11:30 a.m.; 3 - 5 p.m.
Infants: 8 - 11:30 a.m.


JCY Northwest Family Center
1700 Weiland Road
Buffalo Grove 60089
Contact: Ruth Taxy, 847.279.0900
Full day: Infants, Toddlers, Tots, Preschool, Kindergarten, School Age (after school)
Affiliation Placement
Preschool (half day): 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Full day: 6 weeks - school age: 6:45 a.m.-  6 p.m.
Kindergarten: 9 - 11:30; 12:30 - 3


Jolly Fun House Academy
1001 Oak Ave
Prospect Heights 60070
Contact: Amber Grafman/Marianne Thein, 847.541.5577
Full day: Infants – 12 years of age
Affiliation Placement
6 weeks – 12 years
A.M. or P.M.


Jolly Fun House Playschool
7559 W. Addison Street
Chicago 60634
Contact: Gigi Bowie, 773.637.6115
Full day: Toddlers - 5 years of age
Affiliation Placement
15 months - 5 years of age
A.M. or P.M.


Learning Bridge Early Education Center
1840 Asbury Ave.
Evanston 60201
847.869.2680
Contact: Ann Reppelt


Little Hands Child Development Center
2755 Sanders Road
Northbrook 60062
Contact: Sarah Perna, 847.326.9500
Full day: Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers
Affiliation Placement
Infants through Preschool
8 - 11 a.m.; 3 - 6 p.m.


Little Ones Preschool Nursery School
3433 Walters Ave.
Northbrook 60062
Contact: Sheree Feldman, 847.272.4646
Part day preschool A.M. and P.M.
Affiliation Placement
M – F: 9 - 11:15 a.m.; 12:45 - 3 p.m.


Marletta Darnall Schaumburg Child & Family Center
725 E. Schaumburg Road
Schaumburg 60194
Contact: Darleen Towns, 630.671.2400  ext. 224


Northbrook Community Nursery School
2700 Willow Road
Northbrook 60062
Contact: Gail Nemoy, 847.272.5430
Part day
Affiliation Placement
9 - 11:30 a.m.
2 – 5 years old


Oakton College
Skokie campus
7701 N. Lincoln Ave
Skokie 60076
Contact: Monique Hudson 847.635.1441
Classes: full day and part day (a.m. and p.m.)
Age group for both classes: 3 - 5 years old
Affiliation Placement
Part day
M/W/F: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.; 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
T/TH 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Full day: 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon; 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.


One Hope United Child Development Center*
9375 Church Street
Des Plaines 60016
Contact: Tanya Alvarez, 847.296.0669
Full day: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten
Affiliation Placement
Infant/Toddler/Preschool/Kindergarten
*Speak with your ECE instructor before contacting this center.


One Hope United - Wilmette Child Development Center*
3013 Illinois Road
Wilmette 60019
Contact: Kristin Pettice, 847.256.6600
Full day: Infant, Toddler, Preschool
Affiliation Placement
Preschool: 9 - 11 a.m.; 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Toddler: 9 - 11 a.m.; 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Infant: 9 - 11 a.m.; 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
*Speak with your ECE instructor before contacting this center.


One Hope United - O'Hare Child Development Center*
2300 E. Devon, Suite 171
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Stephanie Carnduff, 847.294.7780
Full day: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten
Affiliation Placement
Infant/Toddler/Preschool/Kindergarten
*Speak with your ECE instructor before contacting this center.


Ravinia Nursery School
686 Red Oak Lane
Highland Park 60091
Contact: Kathy Olsen, 847.831.3700
Part day: 2 year old - 5 year old
Affiliation Placement
Two year olds: T – F  9:15 - 11:15 a.m.
Three year olds: M – F  9 - 11:30 a.m.
Four year olds: M – F  12:30 - 3 p.m.


Reba Early Learning Center
740 Custer Ave.
Evanston 60202
Contact: Bettye Cohns, 847.475.6480
rebaelc@gmail.com
Full day program: 2 - 5 years old

River Grove School District 85.5
2650 Thatcher Ave.
River Grove 60171
Contact: Glenn Grieshaber, 708.453.6172

Rubber Ducky Home Day Care
898 Willson Drive
Des Plaines 60018 *DOG on premises.
Contact: Mary Masnica, 847.258.4683
Full day family childcare home: infants – school age
Affiliation Placement
8 a.m. - 12 noon; 2:30 - 5 p.m.
(Call between 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.)

Sunny Days Child Care and Preschool
1606 Fowler Ave
Evanston 60201
Contact: Heather Jones, 847.475.7495
sunnydayschildcareandprek.com
Family child care home provider

Total Child Center - First United Methodist Church
516 Church Street
Evanston 60201
Contact: Beth Ruppe, 847.864.7100
Part day and full day
Affiliation Placement
Full day (2 - 5 year old): A.M. and P.M.
Part Day (3 - 4 year old): A.M.

Unity Nursery School
827 Foster Street
Evanston 60201
Contact: Katie Martin, 847.869.7170
Part Day: 2 - 5 year old
Affiliation Placement
Varied Times


Winnetka Public School Nursery
1155 Oak Street
Winnetka, IL 60093
Contact: Erin Booker, 847.446.5153
Affiliation Placement
Varied

National-Louis University and Roosevelt University accept early childhood education courses within the framework of their transfer agreements with Oakton. Other schools may also accept credits; work with your advisor or the Career and Transfer Center to ensure your credits will transfer to the school of your choice.

In addition, general education credits achieved while pursuing the A.A.S. degree also should transfer. Oakton is part of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), and our curriculums are designed to allow you to transfer seamlessly to other Illinois institutions. Still, it's best you work with your advisor to be sure you're taking the proper courses required by the four-year institution you intend to transfer to. General education courses should be selected from the IAI Course List.

If you're entering this program for any certificate beyond the Basic ECE, Basic Infant Toddler, or Basic Family Child Care Provider, you should take the math and writing placement tests as soon as you apply to Oakton. These tests are required of all full-time students who plan to take any math or English courses as part of their study options. Students should place into at least EGL 090, 097, or 098 before taking Early Childhood Education program classes, as the reading and writing requirements are fairly rigorous.

After beginning the program, meet with your advisor or ECE Department Chair to discuss how to get connected with the Gateways to Opportunity website to get started to learn about credentials.

If you work or have worked in early childhood education and you're seeking additional credentials and/or a degree in early childhood education, you may be eligible for the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program.

Awards are available for undergraduate study at public and non-profit private 2- and 4-year Gateways-entitled and Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity member institutions. For students attending community colleges and public universities, the scholarship will cover the applicant's total cost of attendance for an academic year (including summer) after other financial aid is received. 

For more information, visit Illinois Student Assistance Commission online.