This online-only program is designed for current and aspiring leaders in the field of early childhood care and education. The curriculum provides students with a review and higher level understanding of child development, early childhood curriculum, discipline and guidance, family systems, assessment, social and cultural diversity and professional ethics. It also covers staff management and human relations, educational programming, legal and fiscal management, marketing and public relations, facilities management, technology and leadership and advocacy.
Students admitted into this program will have the opportunity to work toward attainment of the Illinois Director Credential (Level III Credential) while fulfilling the requirements for their graduate degree. Visit the Illinois Professional Development System for more details.
Concurrent work in an early childhood setting is strongly encouraged for all enrolled students.
Program Learning Outcomes
PLO1. Child Development and Learning: Students will understand the developmental period of early childhood from birth through age eight across developmental domains, that each child is an individual with unique variations, that children learn and develop within multiple contexts, including families, culture, language and society, and will use this knowledge to make decisions and carry out responsibilities.
PLO2. Partnerships and Community Connections: Students will understand that success in early childhood education depends on partnership with the families of the children they serve. They will know about, understand and value diversity in families, and will use community resources to support the learning and development of families.
PLO3. Personal and Professional Self-Awareness: Students will understand adult career development, personality typologies, dispositions and learning styles. They will understand the importance of ongoing reflection, for themselves and others, and recognize how their values impact their actions. They will be able to evaluate the ethical and moral dilemmas based on NAEYC’s Code of Professional Ethics.
PLO4. Educational Programming and Evaluation: Students will have knowledge of and will be able to implement research-based curriculum models, understand standards for high-quality programming, evaluate empirical research in early childhood and in adult learning, and support appropriate practices that include families.
PLO5. Leadership and Advocacy: Students will have knowledge of organizational theory and leadership styles as they relate to early childhood work and school environments. They will have skills to advocate on behalf of families and children and on behalf of the early childhood profession.
PLO6. Higher Education: Students will develop a foundational understanding of postsecondary teaching and learning in higher education landscapes, with a particular focus on working with culturally and linguistically diverse students.