• Early Childhood Education, A.A

• Early Childhood Education, A.A.S.

• Gateways Early Childhood Education Level 2
• Gateways Early Childhood Education Level 3

• Early childhood educators and assistant teachers are found in several places, including childcare centers, preschools and special programs for children ages 6-weeks through 8 years old. 
• The National Career Clusters Framework created a tool to help you find a career that suits your interests and skills. Our early childhood education program is part of the Education & Training career cluster.

• Coursework is taught by experienced, caring faculty.
• Kish is a Gateway credentialed entitled college. Gateways credentials are symbols of professional achievement that show your knowledge, skills and experience in caring and educating for children. They are an individual achievement that you can be proud of. Credentials are awarded and recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Bureau of Child Care and Development. 

• Earning a Gateways credential signifies to employers that you have received quality knowledge, skills and experience in taking care of children. It is a professional achievement to take pride in. 
• Our certificate program is an excellent way to get your foot in the door in the childcare industry and try out the profession before becoming an early childhood educator or pursuing other positions in the industry.

Kishwaukee College is a member of the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE).
ECACE member institutions are recommended to award six (6) hours of college credit for holders of the Preschool or Infant-Toddler CDA Credential.

Kishwaukee College will award credit for the following courses to credential holders who meet the criteria listed below:

• ECE-112: Guiding Young Children
• ECE-231: Infant/Toddler Development

Eligibility criteria:

1. Possess a valid (non-expired) Preschool or Infant-Toddler CDA Credential
2. Possess an expired Preschool or Infant-Toddler CDA Credential, with an expiration date of no more than five years prior to the current date
3. Possess an expired Preschool or Infant-Toddler CDA Credential and are currently employed in an early childhood education setting

Documentation:
Proof of credential status must be provided to the Student Services office at onestop@kish.edu or in person in Student Services, C2100.