Early Childhood Education (BS)

Students studying early childhood education at SIUE put learning into practice by applying learned theory to hands-on learning experiences in schools. Class numbers are intentionally kept small so our faculty can provide students with personal attention.The program leads to: Initial teacher licensure in Illinois to work with children birth through second grade; Non-licensure option to work in infant, toddler and preschool settings that do not require teacher licensure. The program addresses national standards set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the National Association for the Education of Young Children, as well as state standards set by the Illinois State Board of Education. We are a Gateways entitled institution, offering the ECE Level 5 Gateways to Opportunity Credential to successful program graduates. Opportunities for experiential learning take many forms: In-class activities, Simulations, including virtual simulations through the Virtual Professional Practice Lab, Case studies, School-based projects, Undergraduate research, Service learning projects.

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree from SIUE who have never attended a college or university, and those who may have taken some coursework at a college or university outside the U.S. but do not currently hold a bachelor’s degree must submit official records showing grades for all years of secondary/high school AND official exam results or certificate/diploma. Applicants who have attempted at least 30 semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) of college-level transfer credit (either from the U.S. or abroad) are not required to provide secondary school records.