Early Childhood Education with Preschool Lab

KACC’sEarly childhood Education (ECE) with Preschool Lab program offers comprehensive training in early child development. In addition to developing professional skills in this rewarding field, students have an opportunity to develop competency in basic principles of child growth and development, engage in hands-on experiences with 3, 4 and 5 year-olds in the onsite preschool lab and actively participate in planning and implementing curriculum activities within our lab.

Students gain skills and knowledge in areas such as guiding the behavior of children, growth and development, preschool operation, safety, first aid and are exposed to a variety of career profiles in home, public and private teaching settings. 

Students plan and implement activities designed as formal lesson plans utilized in the preschool. Students experience acting as both a teaching team-member and leader. 

Second-year students may have an opportunity to gain experience through an internship/job shadowing at a local daycare/preschool facility.

Dual Credit Opportunities:  

KACC’s Child Development  curriculum has been designed to include college level material. Dual credit curriculum is embedded throughout the entire school year.  Students who successfully complete two years may have an opportunity to earn dual college credit depending on where they reside. 

Kankakee Community College: 

¨ Course  CDEV2223 - Art/Music Activities for Young Children - 3 Credits

   Course CDEV2253 - Motor Development/Physical Activities - 3 Credits

Prairie State College

¨ Course ECED105: Creative Activities for Children 3 Credits
 

 
Industry-Standard Certifications

•  Gateways ECE Credential Level 1: This credential is for individuals interested in entering the field of early care and education and school-age care.  The Gateways ECE Credential Level 1 provides an opportunity to gain knowledge about the daily practices of high-quality child care practitioners. The Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Level 1 credential issued by the State of Illinois.
• American Heart Association C.P.R. Certification: KACC C.N.A. Instructors are Certified CPR Instructors with the American Red Cross.  Students will learn life-saving techniques necessary for both adults and children. 

 Required Tools and Supplies

• Full Set of Scrubs: Available for purchase at several local stores.  Students may be creative in color and patterns for preschool.

 Additional Costs:

¨ First-year course fee $45 covers workbook

¨ Second-year course fee $25 CPR Certification

 

 Career Opportunities

Child Care Instructor	Preschool Teacher	Child Care Director/Administrator
Child Care Aide	Child Care Consultant	Infant & Toddler Care Teacher
Child Development Researcher	Child Life Specialist	Child Care-Private Home (Nanny)
Curriculum Development	Resource & Equipment Sales	Family or Center Child Care Owner
Resource & Referral Network	Children's Advocate	Training Other Child Care Workers

Helpful High School Courses

Foods & Nutrition	Family Living	Child Care Orientation
Child Development	Introduction to Business	Sociology
Basic Math	English	Speech

Personal Qualities

Patience and Emotional Stability	Ability to Handle Medium Physical Activity
Ability to Communicate/Get Along With Others	Ability to Plan and Organize
Warm Personality	Good Health
Enjoyment and ability to work with children	Skills to care for young children