Designed for the Working Adult

The Early Childhood Professional Education Program is an online program uniquely designed for transfer students holding an associate degree in early childhood or similar field. Coursework is offered online, in the evening, and in a format structured to meet the needs of working professionals. Field and clinical experiences will be arranged to meet the geographic and logistical constraints of program participants.

This program offers two professional tracks:

• Licensure Track - ECE bachelor's degree and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Professional Educator Licensure Birth-2nd Grade and Gateways Level 5 Credential.
• Non-Licensure Track - ECE bachelor's degree and Gateways Level 5 Credential.

To apply, complete a Petition for Late Application and indicate you are applying to the ECPE program.

Admission Requirements

• Current or previous experience in the field of early childhood education.
• An AA, AS, AAS, or AT degree in Early Childhood Education or similar field from an approved Illinois community college program.
• The IL Gateways Level 4 ECE Credential.
• GPA of 2.0/4.0 or higher on previous coursework.

Illinois ECACE Scholarship Program

This program meets the eligibility requirements for the Illinois Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Scholarship. For more information, go to the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Scholarship Program webpage.