Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
- Duration 2–4.5 years
- Cost per Credit $470
- Credit Hours 120*
Earn Dual Teaching Credentials in 4.5 Years or Less**
The online B.S. in Early Childhood Education is designed for students who have an AA or AS degree and want to teach children from birth through grade 2 in the state of Illinois. As a student, you’ll gain hands-on experience in real classrooms, participating in fieldwork with partnering school districts.
Because courses in elementary education are built into the curriculum, you can add elementary education licensure to your studies and earn dual licensure in the same amount of time. Students who choose this option are licensed to teach from birth through grade 6 upon degree completion.
The early childhood education program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), distinctions that speak to both career preparation and academic excellence.
Partnerships
Students must have an AA or AS degree from one of Greenville’s five Illinois community college partner institutions for admission to this program:
- Kaskaskia College
- Lake Land Community College
- Lewis and Clark Community College
- Lincoln Land Community College
- Southwestern Illinois College
Qualify for In-Demand, Rewarding Teaching Roles
As a graduate of this program, you’ll be prepared to make a positive impact on students’ lives as an expert educator with specialized knowledge of child development, teaching methods, and more. The skills you’ll gain are in high demand due to factors like rising enrollments and teacher shortages.1
Explore Career OutlookCurriculum
Transfer Your AA or AS Degree and Finish Faster
20 total major courses
120 total credits*
The B.S. in Early Childhood Education combines a specialized early childhood core with experiential learning opportunities. It is based on a 2 + 2 model, where students begin their studies by earning an AA or AS degree, then transfer to GU to complete their bachelor’s degree.
Our ISBE-approved curriculum includes 15 weeks of student teaching and 300+ field hours to ensure you’re ready to lead your own classroom as an Illinois licensed teacher.
Course highlights include:
- Early Childhood Development
- Constructive Play in the Early Childhood Classroom
- Child, Family, and Community Relationships
- Emergent Language and Literacy
- Early Childhood Methods
Admissions Details
Start Your Application Today
Transfer up to 90 credits
Free to apply
We’ve designed our admissions process to be quick and easy. Our dedicated enrollment team is available to offer help and answer any questions you might have along the way.
Application requirements for the online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education program include:
- A completed online application
- An AA or AS degree from a designated partner institutions
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- A 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Financial Aid
Earn Two Credentials at an Affordable Price
$470 per credit
Scholarships available
Your education is an investment in your future. With our competitive tuition and transfer credit options, you can make your degree affordable. Learn more about federal aid, military benefits, and scholarships to fund your studies.
Learn MoreWhat You’ll Learn
In the online B.S. in Early Childhood Education program, you’ll build essential skills for working with young students by studying educational theory and applying your knowledge in the classroom. You’ll graduate ready to succeed teaching students in Illinois from birth through grade 2, or grade 1 through grade 6 with the elementary dual credential option.
Program Outcomes
When you complete this program, you will become licensed in Illinois to:
- Teach children from birth through grade 2
- Create developmentally appropriate, child-centered, and play-based experiences for young children
- Educate the whole child and serve families in the process by helping them engage in the education of their children
- Build meaningful classroom experiences for students from diverse backgrounds
- Expand your career options through dual credentialing and become licensed to teach through 6th grade
Faculty Spotlight
Laura Schaub, Program Director of Early Childhood and Assistant Professor of Education
Areas of Responsibility
- Supervising and Mentoring Teacher Candidates
- Early Childhood Program Design
- Teaching Education Courses
Professional Affiliations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
- Southern Illinois Early Childhood Action Team
Laura has always enjoyed working with young children and seeing their excitement as they meet various developmental milestones. Before coming to Greenville University, Laura spent 25 years working in a variety of early learning environments. Laura received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Millikin University and later received her Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University and her Doctorate from Maryville University. She discovered her passion for working with young adults inspiring them to become leaders in education. She is thrilled to continue her passion in the Greenville community.
Learn From Education Experts
Greenville University’s distinguished and caring faculty bring years of relevant teaching experience to the online classroom to prepare you for your career as an educator. They are here to offer one-on-one encouragement and guidance as you complete your online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
- Personal attention to ensure your success
- Mentorship throughout the program
- Academic and professional support
Why Online?
Study in a format that fits your life with our flexible and convenient online programs. Online learners receive personal support from application to graduation and experience the same academic rigor as on-campus students.
Discover OnlineFrequently Asked Questions
Our dedicated admissions team is here to help. If you have additional questions that aren’t covered here, contact us or call (855) 582-1233.
This program is designed to be completed in 2 years when you transfer in the maximum number of associate degree credits. Visit our courses page to review the curriculum.
Tuition is $470 per credit hour. You can review all costs on the programmatic tuition page.
Greenville University is an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved education provider, and the B.S. in Early Childhood Education is accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Admission requirements for this program include a completed free online application, an associate degree in education, a 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. You can learn more about our admission requirements on the program page.
The online B.S. in Early Childhood Education degree requires 120 total credit hours to meet graduation requirements. We currently only accept students with their AA or AS degree from one of GU’s five Illinois community college partner institutions. You can review courses now.
Graduates of this program are qualified early childhood educators licensed by the ISBE to teach in Illinois public schools, from birth through age 8. If you add the elementary education certification to your program, you will also be qualified to teach grades 1–6.
Source and Disclaimers
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm.
*Total credits vary based on transfer credits and other factors. Contact us for more information.
**Completion time is dependent on transfer credits and the dual licensure component of the program.