COD One of First Colleges in Illinois to Offer Ear

GLEN ELLYN, Ill., Feb. 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The new Early Childhood Administration degree at College of DuPage will provide students with a direct route to the Gateways Illinois Director Credential Level 1.

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“We are one of the first schools in the state to develop an Early Childhood Administration degree,” said Jean Zaar, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Early Childhood Education and Care. “It will prepare new students for direct entry into the field and give them the desired Gateways Illinois Director Credential Level 1 that will set them apart from other job applicants.”

Because of recent and upcoming changes in requirements for child care directors mandated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the organization that licenses child care centers, COD has created the new degree to help students gain the Gateways credential once they complete their coursework, said Cindy Rice, Assistant Professor of the Early Childhood Education and Care program. Students who complete the program and have the credential are ready to work as child care center directors, assistant directors, and preschool and child care program administrators.

In addition, the Gateways Illinois Director Credential Level 1 is recognized by ExceleRate, a quality rating and improvement system.

“DCFS is looking for an associate’s degree with a certain number of courses offered in early childhood administration and early childhood education, so we responded with this new program,” Rice said. “College of DuPage is an entitled institution through Gateways. This allows us to help our graduates earn both an A.A.S. degree and the Illinois Director Credential Level 1, which makes them more marketable.”

A new course, Early Childhood Administration Practicum, is a capstone class created specifically for the 64-credit degree, which was recently approved by the Illinois Community College Board. Students gain practical experience working with a child care center director, staff, young children and families in a professional setting as they complete the 300 documented hours required for the Gateways Illinois Director Credential Level 1.

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