Our Programs
At UIC, there are several programs in the College of Education focusing on preparing students to work with young children and their families. These programs are designed to be responsive to the multiple needs across Illinois early childhood programs.
Our Programs Heading link
BAUE-ECE
UIC offers a bachelor’s of arts degree in Urban Education (BAUE) where students obtain an Elementary level license to teach. Students simultaneously take coursework for the Early Childhood Endorsement. The Collaborative has worked to embed the early childhood content into the BAUE program, so students who graduate from the BAUE also graduate with an endorsement in early childhood education.
BA-HDL
UIC offers a BA degree in Human Development and Learning (HDL). This program includes multiple options for students to earn Illinois Gateways Early Childhood Education, Infant-Toddler, and Illinois Director and Family Specialist.
MEd in ECE
UIC offers a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education that includes an option for students to earn an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with endorsements in early childhood, early childhood special education, and ESL.
PhD HDL
In the Human Development and Learning graduate program, students can specialize in Early Childhood and work directly with researchers and practitioners in the other ECE programs at UIC, as coaches and mentors.
ALP
The UIC Alternative Licensure Program is a partnership program with the Chicago Early Learning Workforce scholarship. This program is designed to provide a pathway for early childhood teachers with BA degrees to earn an Illinois PEL through a residency program.
Illinois Gateway Director’s credential (IDC)
The IDC program is offered both within UIC degree programs and through UIC extended campus. The program offers the 3-course sequence leading to an Illinois Gateways Director credential for those interested in administrative positions in Illinois child care and after school programs in community based organizations. For more information, contact Natalie Vesga at nvesga2@uic.edu.
Early Intervention
The Early Intervention Developmental Therapist credential is a credential qualifying individual to work with young children with disabilities and their families. This four-course sequence is offered both within our M.Ed degree program in ECE and through UIC extended campus. For information, contact Alex Cantero at acante2@uic.edu.
EC ESL/Bilingual Approval
The Early Childhood ESL/bilingual Approval is a three-course sequence focusing on preparing teachers to work with multi-lingual learners ages birth to age 5. The Approval can be added to an Illinois PEL in ECE with an approval and/or endorsement in early childhood special education. If interested, contact Natalie Vesga at nvesga2@uic.edu.
EC SPED Approval
The Early Childhood Special Education Approval is a four-course sequence focusing on preparing teachers to work with young children with disabilities ages birth to age 5. The Approval can be added to an Illinois PEL in ECE or an LBS1. This Approval is offered with our M.Ed degree programs in ECE and Special Education and through UIC extended campus. For information, contact Alex Cantero at acante2@uic.edu.