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Early Childhood Education

Prepare to teach and support children from birth through second grade. EIU combines child development, early learning methods and extensive classroom experience on the path to Illinois teacher licensure.

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Early Childhood Education

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Science in Education
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
125 Total, 73 in Major
Careers
Postsecondary, Teachers

Why Study Early Childhood Education at EIU?

  • Learn through hands-on, project-based coursework
  • Work closely with faculty in small class settings
  • Prepare for a wide range of careers across almost every industry
"I didn't expect to get real experience this early, but by my sophomore year I was already working on projects that felt like actual marketing work. It made me feel confident that I'm ready for what comes next."
Alex Wilcoxon
Marketing | Junior
Alex Wilcoxon, Marketing at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Project-based coursework
  • Collaborative learning experiences
  • Opportunities for internships and applied work
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Early Childhood Education students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Early Childhood Education prepares students to teach and support young children from birth through second grade. Coursework explores child development, early literacy, curriculum, assessment, family partnerships and inclusive teaching practices. Students connect their studies with classroom and field experiences, culminating in supervised student teaching and preparation for Illinois teacher licensure.

View in Catalog
$43,190
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Education Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Preschool Teachers
  • Kindergarten Teachers

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook
Preparation Needed Extensive (5/5)
Personality Fit Social

Connect With Us

Julie Viertel
Senior Academic Advisor (TLF)
jviertel@eiu.edu
2170 Buzzard Hall
217-581-7893
Julie Viertel Message Julie

Message Julie

or email jviertel@eiu.edu directly
Dr. Kiran Padmaraju
Professor, Assistant Chair (TLF)
kpadmaraju@eiu.edu
2174 Buzzard Hall
Dr. Kiran Padmaraju Message Dr. Padmaraju

Message Dr. Padmaraju

or email kpadmaraju@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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