WHY SHOULD I UPGRADE MY ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE TO A
Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with a concentration in Child Care? You might be getting along fine with your current degree, but consider these facts:
All DCFS licensed programs anticipate increases in training requirements for childcare education providers. Programs such as the Illinois Department of Human Services tiered reimbursement rate system provide rewards for educational milestones. A higher degree provides potential for increased income. A higher degree increases your level of professionalism and marketability. The Head Start program has set a 2011 goal for 50 percent of all its teachers to hold bachelor’s degrees. Illinois Early Learning Standards recently adopted a goal to “ensure an adequate and stable supply of highly qualified and diverse early childhood professionals to provide high quality early care and education.”
www.illinoisearlylearning.org/standards
UPGRADE YOUR DEGREE WITH EIU’s
Alternative Bachelor’s for Childcare Education If you currently hold an Associate of Art or an Associate of Science degree, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies degree with weekend and online study at Eastern Illinois University. Qualifying students can complete this 60-hour program in five semesters (including summer semesters). The program utilizes a combination of technology-delivered (online) and weekend- or evening-format classes. Admission to EIU is necessary, and additional coursework may be required to meet general education requirements.
www.eiu.edu/~abcpgm/
This degree program is for: Childcare Professionals – Head Start programs – Early childhood educators – Family childcare providers – Childcare center staff Those who want a bachelor’s degree, but don’t have time to take traditional weekday classes
School of
Continuing Education www.eiu.edu/~adulted
B.A. in General Studies,
Option in Child Care Education
Alternative Bachelors for Childcare
Education Program Eastern Illinois Un at iversity
Financial Assistance Options
The ABC Program
is a five-semester Associate’s- to-Bachelor’s degree program. We are offering either weekend or online courses. Earn 12 semester hours of credit per semester to complete the 60 semesterhour program. Successful graduates of the program will receive a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with a concentration in Child Care. The curriculum for the ABC Program was developed based on the seven core content areas of Early Childhood Core Knowledge and Skills as identified by the Professional Development Advisory Council:
Child growth and development Health, safety and nutrition Observation and assessment Curriculum development Teaching/learning interactions and environments Family and community relationships Professional development
Additional Certification Successful program completion entitles you to apply for several additional voluntary certifications and credentials: Illinois Director Credential Level II Early Childhood Professional Level IV Infant/Toddler Credential Level V Illinois School Age/Youth Credential
www.ilgateways.com
PROGRAM OUTLINE SEMESTER 1
11 Sem. Hours
FCS 3810 FCS 4240 FCS 4246 FCS 4680 FCS 4885
Child Care Issues Child Advocacy Curriculum for Homes and Centers Family Systems and Their Impact on Child Care Developing Cultural Awareness in Young Children
SEMESTER 2
11 Sem. Hours
FCS 1121 FCS 3812 FCS 4244 FCS 4845 FCS 4860
Food Sanitation Nutrition and the Young Child Working With Families of Exceptional Children The Family in Crisis Additctions and the Family
SEMESTER 3 FCS 3300 FCS 4242 FCS 4250
10 Sem. Hours Consumer Education Computer Use for Child Care Administration Designing and Managing Learning Environments in EC Programs Activity Planning to Facilitate Brain Development and Concept Formation
UPGRADE YOUR DEGREE WITH EIU’s
FCS 4686 SEMESTER 4
11 Sem. Hours
FCS 3800 FCS 4262 FCS 4854 FCS 4859
Family Life and Sex Education Discipline and Guidance of Young Children Parent/Child Study Administration of Child Care Programs
SEMESTER 5
12 Sem. Hours
FCS 4256 FCS 4264
Working With School-Age Care Programs Child Care Programs: - Development and Grant Writing Internship
FCS 4275
OTHER REQUIREMENTS BGS 2985 BGS 4001 EIU 4XXX *Other
Adults in Transition Self-Directed Leadership Senior Seminar *Other courses needed to satisfy the core requirements of the BA in General Studies not met by the associate’s degree.
Gateways Scholarship Program can pay up to 80 percent of the cost of college tuition and books for early childhood practitioners interested in receiving a higher level of education. Practitioners may pursue coursework leading to an Illinois Director Credential, associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the field of early care and education.
Great START Wage Supplement program supports the professional preparation and stability of the early childhood workforce through wage supplements awarded every six months. Wage supplements are paid to early childhood care and education professionals who have education above the minimum DCFS licensing standards. Wage supplements increase with education level. www.inccrra.org
For More Information, contact: Donna J. Coonce,
MS, CFLE ABC Program Coordinator School of Family and Consumer Sciences Eastern Illinois University 2050 Klehm Hall Phone: 217-581-6352 Fax: 217-581-6090 e-mail: djcoonce@eiu.edu