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.
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 |