Early Childhood Education at Chicago State University

The Early Childhood Education program offers a degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education. The program provides the experienced teacher an opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills in teaching and thereby improve his/her effectiveness in the classroom. The option in Early Childhood Education meets the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Completion of the Master of Science in Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an option in Early Childhood Education does not lead to teacher certification by entitlement. 

The department offers two options for a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree in Early Childhood Education. Option one provides individuals with a bachelor’s degree in an area other than education the opportunity to earn a master’s degree and an initial teacher certificate. Completion of the Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Early Childhood Education qualifies students for the (Type 04) State of Illinois Initial Early Childhood Certificate; certification requires successful completion of the Illinois Certification Tests of Basic Skills, Early Childhood, and Assessment of Professional Teaching (Early Childhood, Birth to Grade 3). Option two is also available to previously certified teachers who wish to earn a subsequent certificate.