Early Childhood Education - Competency-Based, B.A.
The B.A. Early Childhood Education, Competency-Based program is ideal for educators in community-based early care and education settings and is aligned to multiple in-demand industry credentials, licenses and endorsements. Gateways to Opportunity ECE Credential aligned A.A.S. Degrees will transfer into NLU in its entirety. Student work experience, workforce credentials, and prior knowledge obtained through previous coursework and experience can be used for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Proof of Gateways to Opportunity Credential(s) or application is required at the time of admission, an ECE Level 2 credential or associates degree (or 60 semester hours of completed coursework) with ECE or related coursework and one year of work experience in Early Childhood Education are required for program eligibility.
Program Details
Program Details:
- Requires a total of 180 QH, including the 60 QH of General Education
- All general education, the Competency-Based ECE major, and Learning Journey (minors and concentrations) coursework require a grade of C or better but students who earn their credit through the Competency-Based ECE program must have earned a grade of B or better in order to receive credit for the course (equivalent to score of “competent” or higher for each summative assessment within a course)
- Overall, all courses used for the degree (180 QH) require a grade of C or better. Program directors may grant an exception to individual students and allow a D grade for electives needed to meet 180 QH required for the degree; this does not apply to students in the ECE Licensure Competency-Based Minor who must have all courses used for their degree completed with a grade of C or better
- Students in this major who pursue the Competency-Based ECE Licensure Learning Journey (minor) must earn an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 prior to graduation. Students who pursue other options, will need to have a 2.5 GPA prior to graduation.
- Students that are admitted into this program who have a 90 QH Associate’s Degree with an ECE Level 4 Gateways to Opportunity Credential are able to transfer in their entire degree, placing them at junior status in this program. Please note that all courses must have been passed with a grade of "C" or better in order to transfer. Courses that were completed with a grade below "C" will not be allowed to transfer into NLU and the student may be below junior status when entering the program.
- Candidates must successfully complete all of the ECE Competency-Based major coursework, that includes all courses leading to the Gateways to Opportunity ECE Level 5 Credential
- The learning journeys available in the Competency-Based ECE program are: ECE Licensure Minor, ESL/Bilingual Education Minor, Infant and Toddler Studies Minor, Early Childhood Administration Concentration, and Special Education Concentration. A minor or concentration is not required for graduation but 180 QH (additional credit can be obtained through elective credit) must be completed to earn the degree. If a student elects to not have a minor/concentration but requires additional credit for the full 180 QH degree, elective credit may be used.
- Students in this major are eligible to earn the following credentials:
- Gateways to Opportunity Level 5 ECE credential (with completion of the Competency-Based ECE major);
- Gateways to Opportunity Level 2, 3, 4 or 5 Infant/Toddler Credential (ITC) (with completion of the Infant -Toddler Studies Competency-Based Learning Journey and submission of work experience hours to Gateways to Opportunity);
- State of Illinois Early Intervention/Developmental Therapy Credential (with the completion of aligned coursework and application to Provider Connections);
- Gateways to Opportunity Level 1 or 2 Illinois Director Credential (IDC) (with completion of Early Care and Education Administration Competency-Based Learning Journey and submission of work experience hours to Gateways to Opportunity).
- Students in this major are eligible to earn the following endorsements/approvals:
- Early Childhood Education (ECE) endorsement (with the completion of the Competency-Based ECE Licensure Learning Journey, and passage of the applicable, required, Illinois State Board of Education {ISBE} assessment);
- ESL/Bilingual Education endorsement (with the completion of the ECE Licensure and ESL/Bilingual Education Competency-Based Learning Journeys, and passage of the applicable ISBE required language proficiency exam {required only for learners seeking the Bilingual Endorsement});
- Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) endorsement (with the completion of the ECE Licensure and Special Education Competency-Based Learning Journeys and passage of the applicable ISBE required assessment);
- ECE Special Education Approval (with the completion of the ECE Licensure and Special Education Competency-Based Learning Journeys).
- The following courses must be taken at NLU:
- ECE Competency Based Major
- ECE 405CB Evidenced Based Practices in Early Childhood Education
- Infant Toddler Learning Journey:
- ECE 400CB Wellbeing and Mental Health Birth to Age 3
- ECE Licensure Learning Journey:
- EDU 481CB Methods of Teaching Science in Early Childhood Education
- EDU 482CB Methods of Teaching Social Studies in Early Childhood Education
- EDU 477CB Methods of Teaching Literacy in Early Childhood Education
- EDU 480CB Methods of Teaching Math in Early Childhood Education
- EDU 353CB Curriculum and Assessment in Early Childhood Education
- ECE 472CB Early Childhood Education Student Teaching Field Experience
- Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) by Credential may be accepted for the Child Development Associate Preschool and Infant Toddler Credentials, Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education, Infant Toddler, and Illinois Director Credentials, and the Aim4Excellence Credential. CPL is available through Portfolio for EDU 200CB, EDU 210CB, EDU 420CB and ECE471CB. Students may submit additional credentials and assessments for review through the Credit for Prior Learning office.
Program Learning Outcomes
PLO 1. Use knowledge of self, students, curriculum content, and effective instruction to develop appropriate learning outcomes and design activities to meet diverse learner needs including students with special needs and diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds;
PLO 2. Develop a variety of assessments and explain how they will use them to anticipate varied ways students might perform, make accommodations, monitor student progress, and adjust and evaluate instruction;
PLO 3. Demonstrate respectful and responsive interactions with students that motivate, support, and advance students’ development and learning;
PLO 4. Establish a culture of appropriately high expectations for student learning and behavior and design a classroom environment that supports all students to be successful;
PLO 5. Persist in their efforts to engage all students in content learning through effective instructional discourse, use of appropriate technologies, ongoing performance monitoring, flexibility, and adaptability to support students’ behavior and advance their learning;
PLO 6. Use knowledge of human development and learning to interpret a variety of assessments to inform their instruction and provide meaningful feedback;
PLO 7. Use feedback from a variety of stakeholders to develop meaningful professional learning goals and identify appropriate professional activities to continuously improve their practice; and
PLO 8. Demonstrate the capacity to collaborate effectively and ethically with colleagues, families, and community members to promote positive and inclusive learning for all students.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the Undergraduate Admission requirements, students must satisfy the following:
- Achieved at least a Level 2 Gateways to Opportunity ECE Credential (holding a higher-level credential assumes the completion of the levels preceding it). Students who have a completed associates degree with 3 or more Early Childhood Education or related courses, but do not hold an ECE Level 2 or who have a pending application to Gateways to Opportunity ECE credential may request a faculty review of their transcripts for program eligibility.
- Proof of Gateways Credential via a Professional Development Record (PDR) OR a completed application to the Gateways to Opportunity registry is required at the time of admission. If the PDR or application is under review by Gateways to Opportunity at the time of admission, the updated PDR/application must be submitted to National Louis University in order for Gateways to Opportunity Credentials to be considered for credit for prior learning in place of coursework.
- Gateways to Opportunity credentials will be considered equivalent to the corresponding coursework for that particular credential level, allowing the students to only take coursework that leads to a higher credential.
- Students seeking the ECE Licensure Learning Journey will need to provide documentation indicating whether they have access to an ECE setting that can be approved for field experience per Illinois State board of Education and National Louis University field experience requirements. This will verify whether they can complete their field work at their place of employment. Students who cannot complete their field experience at their worksite, will submit a Competency-Based ECE Site Waiver and will be referred to an Undergraduate Field Experience Specialist to help them secure a field placement (with the support of the NLU Career Bridge).
Required Courses
General Education Requirements
Communications
| ENG 101 | Beginning English Composition | 5 |
| ENG 201 | Intermediate English | 5 |
| ENG 203 | Effective Speaking for the Undergraduate | 5 |
Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any three general education courses in the following disciplines: academic writing, oral communications, and written communications.
Humanities and Fine Arts
| HIS 103 | History Across the Globe | 5 |
| ART 105 | Race, Identity and Experience in American Art | 5 |
Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any two general education courses in the following disciplines:
- Humanities: foreign language, history, literature, philosophy, religious studies, interdisciplinary humanities and fine arts, interdisciplinary humanities and social sciences
- Fine Arts: visual arts (including art history, art appreciation, and studio arts, such as drawing, painting, digital art, or film), film and cinema studies, and performing arts (including music appreciation, music theory, and music performance, theatre appreciation and performance, and dance)
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
| MTH 101 | Introduction to Mathematical Concepts | 5 |
| SCI 101 | Physical Science | 5 |
| SCI 105 | Environmental Biology with Lab | 5 |
Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use courses in the following three general education disciplines:
- Mathematics: college-level and not developmental in nature
- Natural Sciences: coursework which covers any of these three areas of science; Life, Physical (Chemistry or Physics), and Earth and Space
- Mathematics or Natural Sciences
Social and Behavioral Sciences
| HIS 102 | Civics and American Government | 5 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 5 |
Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any two general education courses in the area of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Additional General Education Requirements
Note: Students may choose any two courses form the four General Education Fields of Knowledge listed above. Coursework in any general education category or other courses consistent with integrated general education competencies can be used to satisfy the additional general education requirements.
Early Childhood Education Competency-Based Major- 50 QH
Add ECE 405CB Evidenced Based Practices in Early Childhood Education- replacing 327CB
Add EDU 310CB Supporting the Development of Young Children- replacing EDU 299
The following course must be taken at NLU:
- ECE 405CB Evidenced Based Practices in Early Childhood Education
| EAL 400CB | CB Educational Foundations for Learning English as an Additional Language | 5 |
| EDU 200CB | CB Applied Educational Psychology | 5 |
| EDU 210CB | CB Educational Philosophy- A Historical Account | 5 |
| EDU 290CB | CB Professionalism and Ethical Engagement with Children, Families and the Community | 5 |
| EDU 305CB | CB Equity in Education | 5 |
| EDU 352CB | CB Teacher Preparation Curriculum and Assessment (B-5) | 5 |
| EDU 420CB | CB Practicum: Professional Practices and Classroom Contexts | 5 |
| SPE 401CB | CB Introduction to Special Education and Methods of Teaching Students with Disabilities | 5 |
Note: ECE 405CB (5QH) must be completed at NLU. The remaining ECE major course requirements may be completed through equivalent transfer credit or, depending on the student's Gateway to Opportunity Level credential attained, met per demonstrated proficiency (see below for details). Credit hours for courses waived based on the student proficiency will be satisfied with the program electives from any education discipline to meet the number of hours required for the major.
EDU 200CB and EDU 210CB requirement can be met with the Gateways Level 2 ECE Credential
EDU 290CB and EDU 305CB requirement can be met with the Gateways Level 3 ECE Credential
EDU 310CB and EDU 352CB requirement can be met with the Gateways Level 4 ECE Credential
Program Education Electives
| ECE 495CB | CB Special Topics in Early Childhood Education | 1 TO 5 |
Note: ECE 495CB or additional education courses may be needed to meet the minimum total credits required for the program major.
ECE Competency-Based Minors
ECE Licensure Learning Journey Minor - 35 QH
Add ECE 471CB Early Childhood Education Student Teaching Seminar- 5qh (updated from 10qh, awaiting Provost approval)
The following courses must be taken at NLU:
- EDU 481CB Methods of Teaching Science in Early Childhood Education
- EDU 482CB Methods of Teaching Social Studies in Early Childhood Education
- EDU 477CB Methods of Teaching Literacy in Early Childhood Education
- EDU 480CB Methods of Teaching Math in Early Childhood Education
- EDU 353CB Curriculum and Assessment in Early Childhood Education
- ECE 472CB Early Childhood Education Student Teaching Field Experience
| EDU 353CB | CB Teacher Preparation Curriculum and Assessment (K-2) | 5 |
| EDU 477CB | CB Literacy Teaching Methods | 5 |
| EDU 480CB | CB Methods of Teaching Mathematics | 5 |
| EDU 481CB | CB Methods of Teaching Science | 5 |
| EDU 482CB | CB Methods of Teaching Social Studies | 5 |
| ECE 472CB | Early Childhood Education Student Teaching Field Experience | 5 |
Note: These courses contain the competencies required for an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an ECE endorsement. ECE 471CB may be accepted through the CPL Portfolio. The remaining courses must be completed at NLU.
ESL/Bilingual Education Learning Journey Minor - 25 QH
No min residency is required for this option.
| EAL 405CB | Methods and Materials for Teaching English as a Second Language | 5 |
| EAL 406CB | Methods and Materials for Teaching Bilingual Education | 5 |
| EAL 410CB | Assessing Students Learning English as an Additional Language | 5 |
| EAL 412CB | Linguistic Considerations for Learning to Read in a New Language | 5 |
| EAL 431CB | Cross Cultural Studies for Working with English Language Learners | 5 |
Note: These courses contain the competencies required for the ESL and/or Bilingual Endorsements in the state of Illinois (NOTE: Students must attain the Professional Educator License in order to receive these Endorsements). These may be transferred from a recognized accredited institution.
Infant Toddler Studies Learning Journey Minor - 30 QH
The following courses must be taken at NLU:
- ECE 400CB Wellbeing and Mental Health Birth to Age 3
| ECE 301CB | CB Understanding Infants and Toddlers | 5 |
| ECE 302CB | CB Health, Safety and Wellness in Infant/Toddler Environments | 5 |
| ECE 321CB | CB Curriculum and Assessment in Infant/Toddler Settings | 5 |
| ECE 341CB | CB Early Intervention and Screening for Infants & Toddlers | 5 |
| ECE 342CB | CB Culturally Responsive Infant/Toddler Settings | 5 |
| ECE 400CB | CB Infant/Toddler Mental Health and Trauma Informed Practice | 5 |
Note: These courses contain the competencies required for the Gateways to Opportunity Levels 2 – 5 Infant/Toddler Credential. The following courses in this minor may be accepted in transfer or depending on the student's Gateway to Opportunity Level credential.
ECE301CB and ECE302 requirement can be met with the Gateways Level 2 ITC Credential
ECE 321CB and ECE341CB requirement can be met with the Gateways Level 3 ITC Credential
ECE 342CB requirement can be met with the Gateways Level 4 ITC Credential
Please note, students who have their requirements waived based on Gateways credentials may fulfill the hours required for the minor with transfer and CPL credit in any education discipline.
ECE Competency-Based Concentrations
Special Education Learning Journey Concentration 20 QH
| SPE 437CB | CB Methods for Teaching Students with High Incidence Disabilities | 5 |
| SPE 438CB | CB Methods for Teaching Students with Low Incidence Disabilities | 5 |
| SPE 439CB | CB Assessment Practices in Special Education | 5 |
| SPE 440CB | CB Equity, Advocacy, and Collaboration in Special Education | 5 |
Note: These courses contain the competencies required for the Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) Endorsement and the ECE Special Education Approval in the state of Illinois. (NOTE: Students must attain the Professional Educator License in order to receive these Endorsements/Approvals).These courses may be transferred from a recognized accredited institution.
ECE Administration Learning Journey Concentration - 20 QH
Add ECE 455CB Early Childhood Administration: Legal, Fiscal, and Advisory Considerations - replacing ECE 303CB
Add ECE 450CB Early Childhood Administration Curriculum, Assessment, & Continuous Improvement - replacing ECE 313CB
| ECE 311CB | CB Administration I: Leadership Strategies and Staff Development | 5 |
| ECE 312CB | CB Administration II: Managing Center Operations and Finance | 5 |
Note: The remaining ECE Administration Learning Journey course requirements may be completed through equivalent transfer credit or, depending on the student's Gateway to Opportunity Level credential attained. Credit hours for courses waived based on the student proficiency will be satisfied with the program electives from any education discipline to meet the number of hours required for the concentration.
ECE311B and ECE312CB requirement can be met with the Gateways Level 1 IDC Credential
ECE450CB and ECE455CB requirement can be met with the Gateways Level 2 IDC Credential
ECE311CB, ECE312CB, ECE450CB, and ECE455CB requirement can be met with the Aim4Excellence Credential