Education

Overview

Few occupations have as much direct impact on the life of young people as that of being an educator. If you want to make a difference on a daily basis, a career in teaching is a great choice. Elgin Community College offers several degree and certificate programs designed to prepare you for immediate employment or career advancement as an educator or to prepare you to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor's degree.

Elementary Education

Elgin Community College offers relevant education coursework for students who aspire to become a licensed elementary teacher in the state of Illinois. Foundational coursework includes historical origins and philosophy of education, cultural awareness, technology, and emerging issues. Education-related courses on literature, math, music, and physical education are also offered.

Students interested in pursuing this path are urged to develop an educational plan with an academic advisor to map out the selection of all courses. The courses you take at ECC with plans to transfer to a four-year college or university will differ based on the institution you choose to attend.

Get additional information, including course listings and class descriptions.

NIU 2+2 Program

Upon earning an approved associate degree at ECC, elementary education students can continue on to complete their bachelor’s degree with Northern Illinois University on the ECC campus through a 2+2 partnership. The program offers a B.S.Ed. Elementary Education with Bilingual/ESL Endorsement, and is designed to prepare educators to work with students in grades 1-6. Learn more about the program highlights and requirements. 

Education—Early Childhood

Early childhood educators (ECE) teach and nurture young children during one of the most important periods in human development—infancy to school age. Patient and empathetic, ECEs help toddlers blossom into curious, confident, and well-adjusted children. If you have an enthusiastic passion for children and want to make a difference in each child’s life, explore early childhood education at Elgin Community College.

ECC's Early Childhood Education program will prepare you for employment as a childcare worker or director. The department establishes a high standard of professionalism in the childcare field, through knowledgeable and experienced instructors. As a student, you will benefit from experiential learning through observation at the college’s Early Childhood Lab School, an on-site childcare center for ECC students and employees, with the potential to gain hands-on experience. In addition to the appropriate certificate or degree, students in the career program will also receive the appropriate Gateways to Opportunity Credential.

Get additional information, including course listings and class descriptions.

Program Highlights

Prepare for Immediate Employment

Associate of Applied Science

• Education-Early Childhood

Vocational Certificate

• Education-Early Childhood

Basic Certificate

• Education-Early Childhood

Guided Transfer Pathway Available

Learn more about a plan ECC offers to guide you toward courses relevant to your interests and based on the requirements of certain 4-year institutions. See all Guided Transfer Options.