Early Childhood Education
Major (BA)
Early Childhood Education at North Park
This program leads to an Illinois Professional Educator License upon completion.
Effective teachers are necessary as children begin to develop language, motor, and social skills. Whether you work in a public or private school, an early-childhood specific program, or are an education specialist in a church or daycare, your training as an early childhood educator will give you the tools you need to foster young minds. During these critical years and stages of development, you’ll spark their imaginations, help them develop curiosity, and give them a solid foundation for their life ahead.
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Student teaching
North Park’s teachers-in-training follow an extensive clinical experience program that culminates in student teaching. For 10–16 weeks, you’ll assume full responsibility for a classroom: teaching, attending meetings, keeping records, grading, and meeting with parents. You’ll work with a cooperating teacher, and a North Park faculty member will observe you throughout the process, offering constructive feedback and advice.
Featured course
EDUC 2120 – Introduction to Teaching: Professional Responsibilities
This course is an introduction to the teaching profession. Topics covered include historical, philosophical, contemporary, and ethical perspectives on education and social and cultural expectations in teaching. Students learn the appropriate role of technology; state and national standards; policies governing education at the national, state, and local levels; and careers and organizations related to teaching and education. It also introduces students to state licensure requirements.
Teacher education program admission requirements
North Park’s School of Education offers teacher licensure programs approved by the Illinois State Teacher Licensure Board and the Illinois State Board of Education.
Learn moreEnglish as a second language endorsement requirement
Candidates seeking an early childhood education license must complete the 18-credit-hour English as a second language (ESL) endorsement, which many schools now require. It prepares teachers to work in diverse learning environments and includes hands-on experience in ESL settings and coursework focused on teaching and assessing ESL students.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Ida Maduram
As North Park’s Golden Apple Scholarship liaison, Maduram works with students who commit to serving in high-need schools, allowing them to “learn from the extended classroom of Chicago.”
Contact
School of Education
Carlson Tower
5148 N. Kedzie Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 244-5730
admissions@northpark.edu