Early Childhood Education, AAS

There continues to be demand for early childhood teachers. New childcare centers are opening within McHenry County and there are available positions. MCC's Early Childhood Education AAS program helps prepare you for work in a variety of roles and settings: preschool, center-based care, family home child care, professional nanny, day camp, and before/after school care. Typical duties might include:

  • Planning and implementing developmentally appropriate lessons and activities
  • Providing a safe, nurturing environment for young children
  • Acting as a resource for parents and families

The state requires each preschool/childcare teacher to complete 15 clock hours of workshops or in-service per year. MCC courses and workshops can be used to meet this requirement.

An Early Childhood Education AAS helps you meet the teacher recommendations of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Contact (815) 455-8690 with specific questions about this program.

(in-district) Total Amount: $10,540.5

Credit Hours to Complete: 62

Weeks to Complete: 80


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Sample Semester 1 16 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: ENG-151#3 hrs,ECE-115#3 hrs,ECE-120#3 hrs,CDM-110#3 hrs,Select a General Education Course#3 hrs,MCC-101#1 hr

Sample Semester 2 16 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: SPE-151#3 hrs,Select a Psychology or Sociology course#3 hrs,ECE-125#3 hrs,ECE-155#3 hrs,ECE-229#4 hrs

Sample Semester 3 15 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: Select a Math or Physical or Life Science course#3 hrs,ECE-131#3 hrs,ECE-150#3 hrs,ECE-204#3 hrs,ECE-219#3 hrs

Sample Semester 4 16 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: ECE-250#4 hrs,EDU-253#3 hrs,Select a Program Elective#3 hrs,Select a Program Elective#3 hrs,Select a Program Elective#3 hrs

Career Outlook

Related Programs

What you need to know about getting your Early Childhood Education, AAS (CIP 19.0709)

Total Early Childhood Education, AAS Costs
Cost in-district out-of-district out-of-state international
Tuition $7,533 $24,377.78 $31,884.12 $31,884.12
Additional Costs $3,007.5 $3,007.5 $3,007.5 $3,007.5
Program Total $10,540.5 $27,385.28 $34,891.62 $34,891.62

What makes MCC's Early Childhood Education, AAS program better than or distinct from similar programs at other institutions?

  • The early childhood program at MCC offers hands-on activities and experiences in all of the courses. You'll observe and participate in classrooms staffed by experienced early childhood teachers.
  • 90% of ECE students are hired within three months of graduation

How will MCC's Early Childhood Education, AAS program prepare me for my career or connect me to opportunities?

  • Students who obtain an AAS degree in early childhood education are teacher- and director-qualified. Those who complete this degree could be hired to work as preschool/child care teachers or center assistant directors/directors.
  • The following childcare centers in McHenry County actively recruit early childhood students from our program
    • McHenry County Head Start
    • Friendship House
    • Bright Horizons

What have graduates gone on to do?

  • Graduates with this degree have gone on to become preschool/childcare teachers or center assistant directors/directors

Outside of the Classroom

  • Ask about internship opportunities!
  • Volunteer opportunities in early childhood programs throughout McHenry County provide great hands-on experience
  • Mission

    The mission of McHenry County College’s Early Childhood Education Program is to develop students who are skilled in up to date practices that reflect the standards of best practice as set forth by professional organizations and the greater early childhood community. MCC students shall be distinguishable by their critical thinking, effective communication, professionalism, and technical competency. Students will use current and contemporary practices to demonstrate mastery in the Program Learning Outcomes.

  • Program Learning Objectives
    1. Identify typical and atypical development of infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children.
    2. Develop secure relationships with children in order to support positive developmental and behavioral outcomes.
    3. Create and maintain a safe and healthy environment for young children.
    4. Use observational assessment strategies and developmentally appropriate practices to create lesson plans and activities for infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children.
    5. Create engaging environments that meet the diverse needs of each child.
    6. Demonstrate professional practices when working with children, families, and co-workers.

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Semesters to complete assumes students are taking a full-time credit load of 12 credits per semester (the minimum required for federal financial aid).

Proportion of students completing in normal time is the percentage of completers who earned the credential within the specified time of their first enrollment at the College.

Students attending part-time or changing their program of study are two common reasons why they may not complete in "normal" time.

Tuition and fees are set by the Board of Trustees. Prices for books and supplies are subject to change.

See additional information about international student costs.