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The Early Childhood Education program at Lewis University grants students the tools and knowledge to make a positive difference in the lives of young children and their families, regardless of ability, income level or cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Additionally, Lewis is partnered with more than 60 school districts, seven counties and 130 schools in the Chicago area, allowing students to become exposed to a variety of cultures and communities during their field experience hours.

Most importantly, since students can acquire three highly-sought endorsements with one program, they will be highly competitive in the job market upon graduation.

THREE ENDORSEMENTS THROUGH ONE PROGRAM

Lewis University’s program is one of the only early childhood degree programs in Illinois to offer all three endorsements within one major:

Early Childhood Education – Regular education classrooms, birth through 2nd grade.

Early Childhood Special Education – Special education classrooms, birth through 3rd grade.

English as a Second Language – Classrooms with students learning English as a second language, grades Pre-K through 12.

These endorsements are quickly becoming the required qualifications for teachers of preschool and primary children in the state of Illinois. Many schools and districts seek candidates with these three endorsements for teaching positions at lower grade levels.

SAMPLE COURSES:

Foundations of Early Childhood Education

Child, Family, Culture and Community

Beginning Linguistics and Development of Speech and Language in Early Childhood

Collaboration and Adaptations for Special Needs in General Education Settings

Assessment and Intervention for Classroom Teachers

Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Communities

CAREER AREAS:

Public School Teacher in Regular or Special Education – Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Grades 1-3

Child Care Center Director

Head Start Personnel

Social Services Agencies

Home Visitation/Parent Education Programs

ON CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES

Educators Rising

Best Buddies Illinois

Catholic and Lasallian Educators Program

Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education (KDP)

Black Student Union (BSU)

Latin American Student Organization (LASO)

Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)