Ready to make a lasting impact?
Our Early Childhood Certificate Program is your pathway to a meaningful career in early education, where you鈥檒l play a vital role in guiding the next generation. This program equips you with the skills to foster young minds’ social, cognitive, and emotional growth.
If you鈥檇 like to advance your career, our Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree provides an in-depth, two-year journey. You鈥檒l learn hands-on techniques for working with young children, complete general education, and explore leadership skills鈥攁ll while building a foundation for your future in early childhood education.
And here鈥檚 the bonus: Graduates are eligible for the Gateways to Opportunity Level 4 credential, a respected industry certification that enhances your career prospects. Though the AAS degree is nontransferable, some four-year institutions may accept credits鈥攃hat with our ECE Coordinator to learn more about this option.
Program Options: Early Childhood Education Degrees
Program Options: Early Childhood Education Certificates
Special Education (see below)
Early Childhood Special Education Certificate (728)
The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) certificate is designed to prepare early childhood educators with the specialized knowledge, skills, and
competencies needed to support young children with disabilities and special needs in inclusive early childhood settings. The program provides focused
preparation in early childhood special education, assessment, family collaboration, inclusive practices, and developmentally appropriate instructional
strategies for children from birth through age five. This certificate is valuable for early childhood professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of inclusive education and strengthen their ability to support children with diverse developmental and learning needs. The certificate is also designed for individuals who hold an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with either an Early Childhood Endorsement or Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS 1) endorsement and are seeking the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved Early Childhood Special Education Letter of Approval.
The program consists of four ISBE-approved courses that meet state requirements for ECSE Approval. Upon successful completion, eligible candidates may apply
for the ECSE Letter of Approval. All certificate coursework applies toward the Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education. This certificate may be completed as a stand-alone program or as part of the Early Childhood Education AAS degree pathway.
Nature of Work and Employment
Early Childhood Special Education certificate holders work in a variety of early childhood and inclusive educational settings, including public school preschool
programs, child care centers, Head Start programs, early intervention programs, and community-based agencies serving young children and families. Professionals with ECSE preparation support young children with disabilities and developmental delays through inclusive instructional practices, assessment, family collaboration, and individualized support services.
Faculty and Advising
- Melissa Johnson, Early Childhood Education Instructor
- Vicki Schulz, Student Advisor
- Rachel Stewart, Mentor and Coach
- Rae Schupbach-Roe, Dean of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts (AA)
Scholarships
Learn more about the .
Grow Your Own Illinois
Men in Education at 91探花
91探花 is proud to participate in Grow Your Own Illinois, a statewide initiative focused on building strong, community-rooted educators.
Through this program, HCC is expanding pathways for men interested in careers in education, supporting individuals whose lived experiences and connections to their communities bring meaningful value to the classroom.
Teaching doesn鈥檛 follow just one path. Whether you are beginning your education journey, returning to school, or exploring a career change, Grow Your Own Illinois is designed to help support your path into the teaching profession.
About Grow Your Own Illinois
Grow Your Own Illinois is built on a simple belief: the strongest educators often come from the communities they serve.
The initiative works to strengthen the educator workforce by supporting individuals who are deeply connected to their communities and committed to making a difference in the lives of students.
By partnering with colleges, school districts, and community organizations, Grow Your Own Illinois helps expand access to teacher preparation programs and encourages more diverse representation in education.
What the Program Supports
Through the Grow Your Own initiative at 91探花, participants may receive support that helps them:
- Explore pathways into teaching
- Access resources and guidance throughout their education journey
- Connect with community-centered education opportunities
- 2×2 Agreements for Transfer
- Build a meaningful career in education
Why This Matters
Educators who share connections with the communities they serve help create stronger classrooms, deeper relationships with students, and lasting educational impact.
Grow Your Own Illinois helps make those pathways possible.
Learn More
For more information about the Grow Your Own Illinois program at 91探花, contact:
Vicki Schulz
815-599-3464