Program in Early Childhood Education (Licensure)
The Early Childhood Education Program offers a course of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree. The major in Early Childhood Education consists of 54 credit hours, including two 100-hour clinical experiences at different age levels of early childhood. Each clinical includes a 3-credit weekly lecture to provide more in-depth examination of field experiences and on time field relevant topics.
In addition, students are required to pursue endorsement in TESOL or BLBC (please contact the TESOL program advisor or ECED program advisor for BLBC endorsement requirements)
Students who complete this program qualify for Early Childhood licensure. Upon licensure, they are eligible to teach early childhood (birth-2nd grade).
Early Childhood Studies Concentration (Non-Licensure)
This concentration is designed as a non-licensure track for students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. This concentration prepares students to graduate with knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to work with children from birth to Grade 2 in a variety of settings which do not require a teaching license. Such settings include museums, child care programs, non-profit organizations, private schools/businesses, and other places which provide conducive environments for young children to engage in active learning as they grow and develop.
Students can enter the program with AA or AAS, or as Freshmen. After the completion of 60 credit hours, all undergraduates will be able to proceed with taking courses if they have the following:
- Minimum GPA 2.5
- No grades below a "C"
- Successfully completed (with a C grade minimum) English 101 and 102 and college level Math
University Core Curriculum Requirements
| General Education Distribution Area | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Fine Arts (FA)* 2 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: Art, CMT (Mass Media or Theatre), Music (includes Dance). | 6 |
| Humanities (HU)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: CMT (Communication), English, Linguistics. Philosophy, Women's and Gender Studies, World Languages and Cultures, (Note: No more than two foreign language courses may be used to fulfill this requirement.) | 9 |
| Behavioral/Social Sciences (SB)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: African & African American Studies, Anthropology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography & Environmental Studies, History, Justice Studies, Latino & Latin American Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work | 9 |
| Natural Sciences (NS and NSL)** 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study; one course must have a laboratory component (NSL): Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics (Note: If an FYE ANTH that counts as Natural Science is taken, only one Biology course may be used for Natural Science). | 9 |
| Engaged Learning Experiences | |
| Students must complete, at Northeastern, three courses designated as Engaged Learning Experiences courses. One of the Engaged Learning Experiences courses must be at the 300-level, and one Engaged Learning Experiences course must be designated as "Boundary Crossing". | |
| Discipline Specific (ELE-DS) These courses have pre-requisites that are specific courses within a program of study. Discipline Specific courses give students a deeper understanding of how knowledge is created and applied in their field. | |
| Boundary Crossing (ELE-X) These are courses that cross disciplinary boundaries and/or cross boundaries through engagements outside the classroom or University allowing students to see how knowledge gained in one field might inform other fields or other aspects of society. | |
| Math/Quantitative Reasoning (MA) 1 Math course, that has intermediate Algebra as prerequisite OR is a course listed on the General Education Distributive Learning List of Approved Courses. Any 3 hour college level math course, beyond Intermediate Algebra, meets this requirement. |
- *
Majors in Fine Arts, Humanities or Social/Behavioral Sciences, may waive up to 6 credit hours of General Education requirements in the corresponding distribution area.
- **
Majors in Natural Sciences may waive up to 9 credit hours of General Education requirements in the Natural Sciences distribution area.
Students should also be aware of all other university requirements to obtain a degree - NEIU requirements
Major in Early Childhood Education for the Bachelor of Arts Degree
The major in Early Childhood Education is designed to meet the state teacher licensure requirements.
In order to register for Block 2 courses, students must have met the Goodwin College of Education's requirements for licensure candidacy. Students should meet with the program Advisor to plan their program in Block 1. Students should complete the necessary procedures to achieve licensure candidacy and declare their major before or while they are enrolled in EDFN 302 and EDFN 303 (Block 1). Only students who have declared their major and are candidates for licensure will be permitted to register for Early Childhood Education Professional Courses. An NEIU GPA of 2.5 is required to begin Block 2 classes.
No more than two grades of "C" in professional sequence coursework is allowed. A grade of "D" in any required Early Childhood course will not be accepted toward the Early Childhood major. The student may repeat a course with a "D" grade one time only, depending on program review. If a student fails to earn a "C" or better, the student will be dropped as an Early Childhood major.
All teacher candidates must maintain a 2.75 GPA. To be entitled for licensure, a student must earn a "B" or better in Student Teaching and for graduation, a 2.75 cumulative GPA is required.
MINOR AREA OF STUDY
MINOR SUBJECT AREA – 18 CREDIT HOURS MINIMUM
Students are required to declare a minor in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) or BLBC (Bilingual/Bicultural) and/or pursue an endorsement in either ESL or Bilingual Education. Please consult with the Early Childhood Program Advisor for more information.
PROFESSIONAL SEQUENCE WITH ADMISSION AND RETENTION REQUIREMENTS
-- Consult the program for admission requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements: | ||
| BLOCK 1 | ||
| EDFN-302 | Philosophical And Historical Foundations Of Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| EDFN-303 | Early Childhood Development | 3 |
| BLOCK 2 | ||
| ECED-301 | Curriculum And Instruction In Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECED-306 | Methods Of Teaching Reading In Early Childhood | 3 |
| ECED-313 | Writing Intensive Program: Language Development And Educational Implications | 3 |
| ECED-316 | Child, Family And Community | 3 |
| BLOCK 3 | ||
| ECED-338 | Developmental Assessment Of Young Children | 3 |
| ECED-355 | Methods Of Teaching Mathematics, Science And Social Science In Early Childhood | 3 |
| BLBC-340 | Teaching English Learners In Diverse Classrooms | 3 |
| ECED-327A | Clinical Experiences In Early Childhood Education: Infant To Preschool | 3 |
| BLOCK 4 | ||
| ECED-325 | Children's Literature Across The Curriculum | 3 |
| ECED-352 | Methods Of Teaching Language Arts, Music And Art In Early Childhood | 3 |
| SPED-382 | Strategies For Differentiating Instruction For Students With Exceptional Learning Needs | 3 |
| ECED-327B | Clinical Experiences In Early Childhood Education: Kindergarten To 2nd Grade | 3 |
| BLOCK 5 | ||
| ECED-329 | Student Teaching In Early Childhood | 12 |
| Student Teaching in Early Childhood (ECED 329B is taken only by those in the CPS Residency program ) This course is repeatable so that it is spread over two semesters. | ||
| Total Hours | 54 | |
BLOCK 1: Do the following in this Block:
- Meet with ECED program Advisor and review the requirements to be eligible for the licensure program.
- Students must successfully complete Block 1 (EDFN 302 and EDFN 303) to be eligible for Block 2 professional courses.
- Create an ELIS teacher licensure account, if one has not already been created, by visiting https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Educator-Licensure-Information-System.aspx.visitinghttps://www.isbe.net/Pages/Educator-Licensure-Information-System.aspxvisitinghttps://www.isbe.net/Pages/Educator-Licensure-Information-System.aspx
- Register for Block 2
- Attend mandatory clinical information meeting and apply for the first Clinical Experience (ECED-327A). See clinical-experiences-and-student-teaching office information.
Eligibility for the first Clinical Experience in Block 3
- In Block 1 students must consult with the Early Childhood program Advisor to receive guidance about their application for the first clinical experience in Block 3.
- The application for clinical experiences and student teaching is processed by staff in the Clinical Experiences and Student Teaching (CEST) Office (LWH 4023).
- Students must have completed an application for a clinical experience in order to be placed in a school by the CEST office.
-
Students must have also completed the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) field experience online registration form as well as a CPS background check.
BLOCK 2: Do the following:
- Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a GPA of 2.75 in professional courses.
- Complete ECED-301, ECED-306, ECED-313 and ECED-316.
- Apply to the CEST office for the first clinical ECED-327A, if not already completed.
BLOCK 3: Do the following:
- Complete ECED-355 concurrently with ECED-327A (with a grade of B or better), ECED-338, and BLBC 340
- Apply to the CEST office for the next clinical ECED-327B.
- Take and pass the ILTS Content Area test #206 (Early Childhood). Candidates must pass the State Content Area Test in order to be placed for student teaching.
- Apply to the CEST office for student teaching.
- Students must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a GPA of 2.75 in professional courses.
BLOCK 4: Do the following:
- Complete ECED-325, ECED-352, SPED-382 and ECED-327B (with a grade of B or better).
- Attend mandatory CEST office student teaching orientation meeting.
- Pass the ILTS Content Area test #206 (Early Childhood) if not completed or passed in Block 3.
- Meet with the program Advisor for an academic record review and obtain information on how to be authorized for student teaching.
- Must meet all Blocks 1, 2, 3 and 4 requirements before proceeding to student teaching.
BLOCK 5: Do the following:
- Complete Student teaching – ECED-329 OR ECED 329B (for those admitted to the CPS Residency Program). Those in the CPS Residency program are employed and paid by the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) during student teaching. If interested, please obtain more information from the CEST office.
- Complete and pass edTPA in ECED-329 during Student Teaching (to be eligible for Licensure).
LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
- In order to be entitled by NEIU for the Illinois Professional Educator License (early childhood-birth to 2nd grade), students must have received a “B” or better in student teaching and have passed the ILTS Content Area Test #206.
- In order to be licensed by the Illinois State Board of Education, students must have passed the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA).
EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR DEGREE COMPLETION
- Successful completion of all NEIU and ECED General Education Requirements
- Successful completion of Block 1 through Block 5 Courses
- Must earn a B or better in all Clinical Experiences and Student Teaching
- Must provide evidence of passing ILTS Content Area test #206 (Early Childhood)
- Must successfully complete the required minor
- Must have the minimum credit hours for degree: 120 credit hours
- Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Must maintain an overall GPA of 2.75 in professional sequence courses.
Early Childhood Studies Concentration (non-licensure)
BLOCK 1: Do the following:
- Meet with ECED program Advisor to declare your Major
- Transfer in course equivalents or successfully complete Block 1 (EDFN-302 and EDFN-303) to be eligible for Block 2 professional courses. Consult with the ECED Advisor.
BLOCK 2: Do the following:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- Complete ECED-301, ECED-306, ECED-313 and ECED-316.
BLOCK 3: Do the following:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- Complete ECED-338, ECED-355, BLBC-340
BLOCK 4: Do the following:
- Complete ECED-325, ECED-352, SPED-382.
- Meet with the program Advisor for an academic record review and obtain information on how to be authorized for the capstone.
- Must meet all Blocks 1, 2, 3 and 4 requirements before proceeding to the capstone.
BLOCK 5: Do the following:
- Complete the capstone
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5
EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR DEGREE COMPLETION
- Successful completion of NEIU and ECED General Education Requirements
- Successful completion of Block 1 through Block 5 Courses
- Must earn a B or better in the capstone
- Successful completion of the required minor
- Must have the minimum credit hours for degree: 120 credit hours
- Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements: | ||
| BLOCK 1 | ||
| EDFN-302 | Philosophical And Historical Foundations Of Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| EDFN-303 | Early Childhood Development | 3 |
| BLOCK 2 | ||
| ECED-301 | Curriculum And Instruction In Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECED-306 | Methods Of Teaching Reading In Early Childhood | 3 |
| ECED-313 | Writing Intensive Program: Language Development And Educational Implications | 3 |
| ECED-316 | Child, Family And Community | 3 |
| BLOCK 3 | ||
| ECED-338 | Developmental Assessment Of Young Children | 3 |
| ECED-355 | Methods Of Teaching Mathematics, Science And Social Science In Early Childhood | 3 |
| BLBC-340 | Teaching English Learners In Diverse Classrooms | 3 |
| BLOCK 4 | ||
| ECED-325 | Children's Literature Across The Curriculum | 3 |
| ECED-352 | Methods Of Teaching Language Arts, Music And Art In Early Childhood | 3 |
| SPED-382 | Strategies For Differentiating Instruction For Students With Exceptional Learning Needs | 3 |
| BLOCK 5 | ||
| ECED-375 | Capstone Experience in Early Childhood Studies | 6 |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
Please be aware that State of Illinois requirements have changed regarding edTPA completion, and it is no longer required (see Block 5).
In addition to the successful completion of the Early Childhood Education major and the required minor, students must complete the general education requirements for the College of Education. These requirements overlap with NEIU's General Education Requirements:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Arts (6 credit hours) | 6 | |
Any Music or Dance Course | ||
| Humanities (9 credit hours) | 9 | |
Select one of the following: | ||
| The World Of Poetry | ||
or ENGL-202 | The World Of Drama | |
or ENGL-203 | The World Of Fiction | |
And choose two courses from Limited List in: English, Foreign Language, Linguistics, Philosophy | ||
| Behavioral and Social Science (12 credit hours) | 12 | |
| American National Government | ||
| American History To 1877 | ||
or HIST-215 | American History Since 1877 | |
Select one of the following: | ||
| World History: East Asia (Non-Western/Third World) | ||
or HIST-111D | World History: Latin America | |
or HIST-111E | World History: Africa | |
or HIST-111F | World History: Islam | |
or ANTH-212 | Introduction To Cultural Anthropology | |
| Elective | ||
| Biological & Physical Sciences (12 credit hours) | 12 | |
Coursework must include Biological, Earth and Space, & Physical Science (include one lab course) | ||
| ENGL-101 & ENGL-102 | Writing I and Writing II 1 | 6 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Public Speaking 1 | ||
or CMTC-202 | Voice and Diction | |
| HSCI-107 | Health For Effective Living | 3 |
| College-level Mathematics Course (approved by ECED advisor). 1 | 3 | |
| Physical Education Elective | 1 | |
| Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation | 120 | |
- 1
Students must receive a grade of "C'' or higher.
It is recommended to consult with your advisor at least once each semester.
This sample curricular map is provided to guide you in the planning of your progression for this major. This guide should not replace regular consultations with your program advisor. For specific recommendations of courses not identified, please consult your program advisor.
In order to register for Block 2 courses. you must have declared a major and be admitted to the College of Education.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Hours | |
| ENGL-101 | Writing I | 3 |
| CMTC-101 or 202 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Math Course | 3 | |
| Non-Western/Third World course | 3 | |
| HSCI-107 | Health For Effective Living | 3 |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| ENGL-102 | Writing II | 3 |
| HIST-214 or 215 | American History To 1877 | 3 |
| 1 elective - Social Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| 1 Music or Dance class | 3 | |
| Fine Arts Course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| Earth Science course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| Block 1A | ||
| EDFN-302 | Philosophical And Historical Foundations Of Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ENGL-201 or ENGL-202 or ENGL-203 | 3 | |
| 1 Phys Ed Course | 1 | |
| BIO-100 | Introduction To Biology | 3 |
| 1 Course in Minor | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 13 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| Block 1B | ||
| EDFN-303 | Early Childhood Development | 3 |
| PSCI-216 | American National Government | 3 |
| 2 Humanities courses | 6 | |
| Any Natural Science Course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| One Physical Science course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| Block 2 | ||
| ECED-301 | Curriculum And Instruction In Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECED-313 | Writing Intensive Program: Language Development And Educational Implications | 3 |
| ECED-316 | Child, Family And Community | 3 |
| 2 Courses from Minor | 6 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| Block 3 | ||
| ECED-306 | Methods Of Teaching Reading In Early Childhood | 3 |
| ECED-338 | Developmental Assessment Of Young Children | 3 |
| ECED-355 | Methods Of Teaching Mathematics, Science And Social Science In Early Childhood | 3 |
| ECED-327A | Clinical Experiences In Early Childhood Education: Infant To Preschool | 3 |
| 1 Course from Minor | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| Two courses from minor | 6 | |
| Floating Course | ||
| BLBC-340 | Teaching English Learners In Diverse Classrooms | 3 |
| Term Hours | 9 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| Block 4 | ||
| ECED-325 | Children's Literature Across The Curriculum | 3 |
| ECED-352 | Methods Of Teaching Language Arts, Music And Art In Early Childhood | 3 |
| SPED-382 | Strategies For Differentiating Instruction For Students With Exceptional Learning Needs | 3 |
| ECED-327B | Clinical Experiences In Early Childhood Education: Kindergarten To 2nd Grade | 3 |
| Term Hours | 12 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| Block 5 | ||
| ECED-329 | Student Teaching In Early Childhood | 9,12 |
| Term Hours | 9-12 | |
| Total Hours: | 124-127 | |