Academics: School of Education

“I received my associate’s degree in early childhood education in 1990. I always wanted to get my B.A. degree. But the closest university is a two-hour drive away, and I had my own preschooler at the time. When I learned about the Kendall College program from my Head Start coordinator, I knew I could finally meet my goal of completing my degree! And with every course, I’m deepening my knowledge of early childhood education.” Sheryl Eckleberry Head Start Family Health Assistant

The School of Education offers separate within its Early Childhood Education program:

• Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education with Illinois Type 04 Certification preparation
• Post-baccalaureate Illinois Type 04 Certification preparation

To obtain more information and to speak with an Enrollment Advisor about the Early Childhood Education program options, click here or call 800-569-8179.

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education

The Kendall College Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education is designed for students who wish to work with children from birth through age 8 in many different areas of early childhood education.

Kendall’s innovative learning model promotes professional growth from the very first course. Teacher candidates learn core concepts and explore ideas that help integrate learning into their work with young children and families.

Concentration options

Students in the B.A. in Early Childhood Education program will choose an area of concentration in either Special Education or Infant/Toddlers and complete applicable coursework.

Special Education
Four courses in Special Education prepare teacher candidates to work with special needs children to age 6. For teacher candidates working toward Type 04 Certification, these courses meet the requirements for Special Education Approval on the Type 04 Certificate.

Infants and Toddlers
The four courses in the Infant/Toddlers concentration prepare teacher candidates to work with infants, toddlers, and their families. Each course meets the Illinois State Board of Education Birth to Three Program Standards and prepares professionals to work effectively in the field.

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education with Illinois Type 04 Certification Preparation

If you have the desire to become a certified teacher, our B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education with Illinois Type 04 Certification Preparation track is the right choice for you. The Early Childhood Education bachelor’s degree program leading to certification includes field experiences and student teaching components at both the pre-primary and primary levels. Once you obtain Illinois Type 04 Certification, you will be entitled to work with children from birth through age 8 and to teach in public schools, pre-K through grade 3.

Teacher candidates applying for the Illinois Type 04 Early Childhood Education certification will need to pass the required Illinois certification tests: Basic Skills, Assessment of Professional Teaching (Birth-Grade 3) , and Content Area (Early Childhood Education). To learn more about Illinois’ testing system, please visit http://www.icts.nesinc.com/.

Kendall's School of Education is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education for its certification preparation program that leads to Illinois Type 04 Teacher Certification.

Post-Baccalaureate Certification Preparation

If you have already earned your bachelor’s degree and seek Illinois Type 04 Certification only, successfully completing Kendall’s certification-only track will qualify you to apply for the Illinois Type 04 Certification. You can also choose to have a concentration in Special Education, which will allow you to apply for an Early Childhood Special Education approval on your certification.

Teacher candidates applying for the Illinois Type 04 Early Childhood Education certification will need to pass the required Illinois certification tests: Basic Skills, Assessment of Professional Teaching (Birth-Grade 3) , and Content Area (Early Childhood Education).

Kendall's School of Education is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education for its certification preparation program that leads to Illinois Type 04 Teacher Certification. 

Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) 

Kendall College has partnered with the ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI), a leading licensed provider of self-study, distance learning courses, to offer an online Child Development Associate Certificate program.

Early childhood staff members interested in earning a Child Development Associate credential can enroll in the program at any time. Upon successful completion of the CDA credential, coursework can be matriculated into Kendall’s Early Childhood Education degree program.

For more information, call 888-418-5358 and ask about earning your CDA credential with Kendall College, or visit www.cceionline.com/kendall for more information.