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Early Childhood Level III - Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Credential (Plan 25EJ)

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Business and Social Sciences Division

Award Type

Certificate

Catalog Description

Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Credentials Levels 2–4 are for child care professionals working with children birth to age 8 who have specific levels of training, education and experience. An Entitled Institution is a college or university who has aligned their coursework with credential requirements. The College of Lake County's Early Childhood Education Department has Entitled Institution status to award Levels II through IV credentials to students who have completed the required courses for each type and level of credential. The following courses are required to obtain and be awarded the Level III Early Childhood Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Credential. All courses required for a Gateways Credential must be earned with a grade of C or Better.

Once the program has been completed, students should be able to:

Graduates will demonstrate a foundation of: o general knowledge and strong academic skills, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, skills required of an intentional teacher in planning for children’s experiences and environments, professional attitudes and emotional-intelligence, understanding of the importance of ethical behavior in all aspects of the career, abilities required to be a strong role model for others, and demonstrate and implement best practices in the early childhood field as a teacher or program administrator.

Graduates will articulate relevant child development theory across the early years and demonstrate the ability to apply child development theory to practice.

Graduates will design appropriate learning environments for young children and integrate sound safety, health, and nutrition practices within the early childhood classroom and program according to local, state, and national standards for quality care and early education.

Graduates will utilize and employ criteria, procedures, and methods of observation, documentation, and assessment that demonstrate understanding of typical and atypical development and learning.

Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to utilize individual and group guidance and problem-solving techniques that develop positive, supportive, and collaborative environments, interactions, and relationships with both children and adults.

Total Hours for Completion

32

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