Why Major in Early Childhood Studies?
Daycare and preschool have increasingly become a way of life as parents are working full-time, thus creating a need for quality and qualified child care professionals.
Personal attention is a hallmark of the North Park experience where students work closely with both professors and advisors to develop personal teaching goals. This program is ideal for teachers who want to work at the preschool level with the opportunity to complete their clinicals and take the Illinois state exams after graduation.
Faculty Spotlight:
Dr. Ida Maduram
As North Park鈥檚 Golden Apple Scholarship liaison, Dr. Ida Maduram works with students who commit to serving in high-need schools, allowing them to 鈥渓earn from the extended classroom of Chicago,鈥� she says.
Instructional Skills
- Provide learning experiences tailored for young children
- Foster the cognitive and affective development of children
- Build positive classroom communities
- Support the diverse needs of children and their families
Why Major in Early Childhood Studies?
In early years, children develop language, social, and motor skills. Early childhood educators focus on the tools needed to foster young minds. In these critical stages, there鈥檚 the opportunity to spark young imaginations, develop curiosity, and provide a solid foundation.
ESL Endorsement
As an early childhood education major, you鈥檒l complete an 18-semester hour endorsement in English as a Second Language (ESL) to prepare you to work in increasingly diverse learning communities. This endorsement also meets a requirement in more and more districts across the nation that recognize the importance of ESL skills in classrooms. You鈥檒l gain practical experience in an ESL school setting as well as complete specific courses in teaching and assessment of ESL students.
Career Paths
Students who complete the program will be able to start as an early childhood educator in settings such as:
- Preschool program
- Day care centers
- Private schools
- Montessori schools
- Park district
- After school programs
Opportunities for International Students
International students who plan to teach in their home country will be able to earn an Early Childhood Studies degree from North Park without needing to complete the Illinois State Licensure requirements. International students will benefit from North Park鈥檚 educator preparation program which incorporate best practices in education.