Early Childhood Education w/ Early Childhood Special Education and English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsements, B.A.
PREPARING FOR A CAREER IN DIVERSE EARLY CHILDHOOD SETTINGS
The Early Childhood Education program at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ grants students the tools and knowledge to make a positive difference in the lives of young children and their families, regardless of ability, income level or cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Officially titled the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education with ESL Endorsement, this ECE degree program is one of the few bachelor’s degrees in early childhood in Illinois to combine general education, special education, and ESL training into a single major, preparing graduates to teach in nearly any early childhood classroom they encounter.
ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ partners with more than 60 school districts and 130 schools across seven counties in the Chicagoland area, providing students with opportunities to complete field experiences in diverse school and community settings.
What Sets ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ Apart?
A few things that set ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ’s bachelor of early childhood education program apart:
- Three Endorsements, One Degree - Most early childhood education programs require students to pursue endorsements separately, often through additional coursework or certification programs after graduation. ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ integrates preparation for three endorsements within the bachelor’s degree: Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, and English as a Second Language. Together, these endorsements prepare candidates to support young children with diverse learning, developmental, and language needs across a variety of early childhood and educational settings.
- Two Pathways to the Same Degree - Whether you’re a traditional student or a working professional already in the field, ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ offers a path that fits. The Traditional Pathway follows a 16-week, in-person schedule on the Romeoville campus. The Accelerated Pathway is built for working adults with 8- and 16-weekonline sessions, evening scheduled class meetings, and discounted adult-learner tuition.
- 2 + 2 Partnership with Joliet Junior College - Students can complete an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Child Development at Joliet Junior College and transfer to ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ with junior-level status to complete their remaining bachelor's degree requirements. Students can choose the ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ pathway that best fits their needs, including on-campus or online options. This partnership provides a cost-effective pathway toward earning a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education from ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ.
The Early Childhood Special Education with ESL Endorsement program is fully approved by the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board and the Illinois State Board of Education.
Preparing Educators for Diverse Early Childhood Settings
The BA in ECE at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to work with young children and families across diverse early childhood settings.
Throughout the program, students explore:
- The unique developmental needs of young children
- The complexities of cultural and linguistic diversity and individual learning differences
- How to communicate and build relationships with young children and their families
- How to use observation, documentation, and assessment to understand children’s learning and development
- Theories and practical application of developmentally appropriate practice
Earn Three Full Endorsements on One License
ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ University’s program is one of the few early childhood degree programs in Illinois to integrate preparation for  all three endorsements within one major:
- Early Childhood Education - Prepares candidates to teach young children from birth through Grade 2.
- Early Childhood Special Education - Prepares candidates to support and teach young children with disabilities from birth through Grade 2 in inclusive early childhood settings.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) - Prepares candidates to support multilingual learners in PreK–Grade 12 settings.
- Optional: Bilingual Endorsement - Bilingual students may add this endorsement by completing one additional course and passing the applicable ILTS Target Language Proficiency test.
Together, these endorsements prepare candidates to support children with diverse learning, developmental, and linguistic needs and can expand their opportunities within Illinois schools and early childhood programs.
Market Demand
Qualified early childhood educators continue to be needed across Illinois, particularly those prepared to support young children with disabilities and multilingual learners. ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ's combination of Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, and ESL preparation equips graduates with a valuable combination of qualifications to meet the needs of diverse learners across early childhood settings.
TWO PATHWAYS TO BECOMING AN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
TRADITIONAL PROGRAM PATHWAY
The Traditional Program Pathway follows a 16-week semester schedule, with courses meeting in person during the daytime on the ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ Romeoville campus, with regularly scheduled class sessions. This pathway is designed for students seeking a primarily on-campus college experience, with regularly scheduled, in-person class sessions.
ONLINE PROGRAM PATHWAY
The Online Program Pathway is designed for working adults who need  an evening schedule while maintaining structured class engagement. Courses are offered in 8- and 16-week sessions, delivered online in the evening. Most major courses meet synchronously, meaning students are required to attend a scheduled live online class meeting each week at a designated time. These courses are not self-paced; regular attendance during the online meeting time is expected. While coursework is completed online, the program also includes required field experiences in early childhood settings.
WHICH PATHWAY IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Both pathways lead to the same BA degree and have the same degree requirements. The primary difference is how courses are delivered. The Traditional Program Pathway is designed for students who prefer primarily daytime, on-campus classes, while the Online Program Pathway is designed for working adults who prefer scheduled evening online classes.
Time to degree completion varies based on transfer coursework, course load, course sequencing, and remaining degree requirements.
Transfer students receive an individualized study plan based on how their prior coursework applies toward remaining degree and program requirements.
Early Childhood Education Degree Requirements
Once accepted into the Early Childhood Education program at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ, candidates must continue to meet the following:
- Maintain a minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Earn a grade of C or higher in required major and applicable general education coursework
- Successfully complete required field and clinical experiences
- Demonstrate the professional dispositions and conduct expected of educator candidates
Students may pursue the BA through a teacher licensure or non-licensure pathway. Students pursuing teacher licensure must also meet all applicable Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements for licensure.
Please refer to the Office of Admission for current freshman or transfer admission requirements and application steps or contact the Office of Admissions at (815) 836 - 5250 or admission@lewis.edu.
Sample Courses
- Beginning Linguistics and Development of Speech and Language in Early Childhood
- Instructional Methods in Early Childhood Inclusive Education
- Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Inclusive Education
- Scientific Inquiry and Technology in Early Childhood Education
- Foundations of Teaching Bilingual and English Language Learners
Early Childhood Education Subsequent Teaching Endorsement – Birth-Grade 2 (18 credit hours)
ALREADY A LICENSED TEACHER? Add an Early Childhood Education Endorsement
Licensed teachers interested in expanding their credentials may complete an 18-credit Early Childhood Education Subsequent Teaching Endorsement. Candidates must hold an eligible Illinois educator license and meet all applicable Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements for adding the endorsement.
Why ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ?
- Ranked as one of U.S. News & World Report's ""
- Small learning communities with individualized faculty support
- Experienced faculty with backgrounds across diverse early childhood settings
- Job-embedded field and clinical experiences for eligible students
- Professional Learning Communities that support collaboration and professional growth
- Dedicated licensure and ILTS content exam preparation and support
Scholarships  and Financial Aid Opportunities
- Mines-Quinlan Annual Scholarship
- TEACH Grant
Eligibility and funding availability vary by program. Visit the Financial Aid for Educational Studies page for more information on education scholarships.
Life After ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ: Career  Settings
Graduates who complete the teacher licensure pathway and meet all state licensure requirements are prepared for teaching positions in public school preschool and primary-grade settings. The BA also prepares graduates for careers across a variety of early childhood, family support, and community-based programs.:
- Public and Private Schools
- Early Childhood Education and Child Care Programs
- Head Start and Early Head Start Programs
- Early Intervention Programs
- Home Visiting and Parent Education Programs
- Social Service and Family Support Agencies
ON CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES
- Aspiring Educators
- Best Buddies Illinois
- Catholic and Lasallian Educators Program
- Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education (KDP)
- Black Student Union (BSU)
- Latin American Student Organization (LASO)
- Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
FIND THE BEST FIT FOR YOUR GOALS
Whether you're seeking DCFS Lead Teacher qualifications, a degree, licensure, or Gateways funding, this guide can help you identify the pathway that best aligns with your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions - Early Childhood Education Degree at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ
What is a bachelor of arts in early childhood  education?
A bachelor of arts in early childhood education is an undergraduate degree focused on preparing students to support the learning and development of young children across a variety of early childhood settings. At ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ, the Early Childhood Education BA integrates preparation in early childhood education, early childhood special education, and English as a Second Language (ESL). Students pursuing teacher licensure are prepared for endorsements in all three areas.
What are the early childhood education degree requirements at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ?
Students complete required Early Childhood Education coursework along with applicable general education and field and clinical experience requirements. Requirements may vary based on previously completed coursework and transfer credits. Students pursuing teacher licensure must also meet program requirements and all applicable Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements for licensure.
Does ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ offer an early childhood education degree in the Chicago area?
Yes. ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ's main campus is located in Romeoville, Illinois, in the greater Chicagoland area. Students can complete the Early Childhood Education BA through the Traditional Program Pathway, with primarily daytime, on-campus courses, or the Online Program Pathway, which offers scheduled evening online courses designed for working adults.
How long does it take to complete the ECE degree program?
Completion time depends on transfer credits, previously completed coursework, remaining degree and licensure requirements, course load, and course availability. Transfer students receive an individualized study plan after their prior coursework has been evaluated so they can see exactly what requirements they have remaining.
Can I earn an early childhood teaching license with multiple endorsements at once?
Yes. ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ is one of the few early childhood education programs in Illinois to integrate preparation for Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, and English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsements within one bachelor's degree program. Students who are proficient in a language other than English may also be eligible to add the Bilingual Education endorsement.
What can you do with a bachelor of early childhood education?
Graduates may pursue careers in childcare, Head Start and Early Head Start, early intervention, home visiting and parent education, family support, and other early childhood programs. Graduates who complete the teacher licensure pathway and meet all applicable state requirements may also pursue teaching positions in public schools and other settings requiring an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL).
Is there a more affordable path to a bachelor's degree in early childhood?
Yes. ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ's 2+2 partnership with Joliet Junior College provides a cost-effective pathway to a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Students can complete an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Child Development at JJC and transfer to ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ to complete their remaining bachelor's degree requirements at a discounted tuition rate.
Is the Online Program Pathway self-paced?
No. Most courses in the Online Program Pathway include a scheduled live Zoom class meeting one evening per week, typically beginning at 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. Regular attendance and participation are expected. Most courses are offered in 8-week sessions, while some extend across the full 16-week semester.
Does the Online Program Pathway allow me to finish my degree faster?
The Online and Traditional Program Pathways have the same degree requirements. While many Online Program Pathway courses are offered in shorter 8-week sessions, this does not necessarily reduce the overall time required to complete the degree. Completion time depends on factors such as transfer credits, remaining requirements, course load, and course availability.
Can I complete field experiences at my current workplace?
Eligible students who are already employed in an early childhood setting may be able to complete certain field and clinical experiences at their current workplace. The site and placement must meet ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ and applicable state requirements, and approval is determined based on the requirements of each clinical experience.
Can I earn the bachelor's degree without pursuing teacher licensure?
Yes. ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ offers both licensure and non-licensure options within the Early Childhood Education BA. Students pursuing teacher licensure complete the requirements leading to eligibility for an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), including required clinical experiences and student teaching. Students who do not plan to pursue teacher licensure complete alternative field experiences and an internship as part of the non-licensure pathway.
What is student teaching like?
Students pursuing teacher licensure complete a traditional student teaching placement during the final semester of the program. Student teaching is a full-time commitment for a minimum of 15 weeks, five days per week during school hours, and follows the calendar of the placement site. Placements must meet ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ and applicable state requirements.
Can I transfer an AAS in Early Childhood Education to ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ?
Yes. Students who have completed an eligible Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development at an Illinois community college may transfer into the BA program with junior-level status. Prior coursework is evaluated to determine how it applies toward remaining degree and program requirements.
Share ➤