Early Childhood Education

In the end, it's the beginning that counts

“Each child belongs to all of us and they will bring us a tomorrow in direct relationship to the new responsibility we have shown to them” – Maya Angelou

When we think about the education process, we should look at it like a building. Without a strong foundation, a building begins to weaken and crack, and eventually collapses. Effective early learning experiences provide that necessary foundation for all future learning.

Quincy University is a Gateways to Opportunity Entitled Institution!

Early childhood professionals who are seeking a Level 2, 3, 4, or 5 ECE Credential, specifically for those working with children from birth through age 8, are encouraged to complete their coursework at QU.

Gateways to Opportunity, the Illinois Professional Development System, supports those working in the field of early care and education through this credentialing system. Gateways Credentials are symbols of professional achievement that demonstrate knowledge, skills, and experience in caring for and educating young children. Credentials are awarded and recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Bureau of Child Care and Development.

                                                     

QU accepts the Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship, available to those who have worked in a year-round program for at least a year, providing up to 100% tuition coverage.

For more information and to submit your scholarship application go to www.ilgateways.com/financial-opportunities/scholarship.

Your Courses:

Extensive field and clinical experiences provide hands-on, authentic learning opportunities.

If you enjoy working with children from birth through second grade, then Quincy University’s Early Childhood Education degree program is the pathway for you! All courses in the Teacher Education Program are taught by subject-area specialists who worked in their specific fields of education for many years. Small class sizes allow for a collaborative approach between students and faculty. Our program offers a unique approach to preparing teacher candidates for the education profession by integrating instructional theory with field experiences through our Professional Development School (PDS) model. With the PDS model, observations and field experiences begin with the first education classes you will take. Throughout your coursework and clinical experiences, you will be placed in a variety of diverse settings such as infant/toddler programs, public and parochial schools, and family-oriented programs such as Head Start and Parents as Teachers. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to engage with children of varying ages and in multiple grade levels. If this sounds like the right fit for you, we look forward to supporting you on your journey toward becoming an Early Childhood professional.

Angela Sloan - Education

Learning Opportunities

Attending QU's Education program was insightful and well worth it. Not only did the program envelope today's school systems, it also gave me the tools for teaching in an ever-changing environment.
Angela Sloan '15, B.S. Education

Your Career Options:

  • Infant/Toddler/Preschool Teacher
  • Elementary School Teacher (Pre-K – 2nd)
  • Head Start/Early Head Start Teacher
  • Child Care Administrator/Director/Owner
  • Family Services Worker
  • Parent Educator
  • Early Intervention Specialist
  • Developmental Therapist

Program Features:

  • Education courses taught by QU faculty in local schools/programs
  • Practical, hands-on experiences with practicing educators
  • Candidates build a strong, lasting partnership with area schools
  • Multiple field and clinical experiences
  • Weekly Student Teaching Seminar with targeted support for all aspects of the experience
  • Superior performance by QU graduates on state licensure tests
Fun Fact: John F. Kennedy received an honorary Ph.D from Quincy University in 1960

Contact Us

For more information about the School of Education and Early Childhood Education please fill out the form below.