B.S. in Early Childhood Education

Inspire the Next Generation of Learners

The Early Childhood Education program at Saint Xavier University prepares candidates to work with children from birth through grade 2 in Illinois schools. The program consists of general education and professional education courses that are designed to lead candidates through coursework arranged around the developmental stages of young children. These courses focus on the centrality of inquiry and play in children's learning. Completion of the program leads to a Bachelor of Science and prepares candidates to obtain an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education, ESL and an Early Childhood Special Education Letter of Approval. The Early Childhood Education program integrates courses and field experiences that will prepare students to teach in a variety of educational settings, including public and private schools.

Why Earn Your B.S. in Early Childhood Education?

The education profession is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling careers. Teachers serve as the cornerstone of a child's educational journey through their development as they become critical thinkers and problem solvers.

Girl with laptop in class

About the Program

The Early Childhood Education program consists of general education and professional education courses that address requirements for graduation and State of Illinois requirements for licensure. Early Childhood Education candidates will be concurrently enrolled in professional education coursework and field/practicum experiences designed to reinforce concepts and skills learned in the classroom. The field/practicum experience blocks are designed to provide opportunities for candidates to apply course concepts in authentic environments. Required activities and assignments provide candidates with the opportunity to connect theory and practice and prepare candidates for daily classroom responsibilities. Early Childhood Education teacher candidates will observe and participate in a wide range of in-classroom teaching experiences to develop the skills and confidence necessary to be effective teachers. The Early Childhood Education practicum and student teaching/clinical practice experiences have been designed as a serious apprenticeship that requires teacher candidates to spend one academic year inside schools working alongside veteran teachers. All candidates for licensure are required to successfully pass state-mandated examinations before licensure is granted. Students must attempt the content area exam before their student teaching semester (www.il.nesinc.com) and must earn a minimum grade of C in all coursework.

The Early Childhood Education program at Saint Xavier University incorporates practices designed to cultivate skilled and compassionate educators ready to make a difference in the lives of young children. Extensive fieldwork opportunities in diverse early childhood settings allow candidates to apply theoretical knowledge in the developmental stages of young children. The Early Childhood Education program fosters collaborative learning through peer projects and mentorship from experienced educators, enabling candidates to develop effective teaching strategies focused on the centrality of inquiry and play in children's learning. The integration of reflective practices equips future educators with the essential tools and insights needed to create nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating learning environments for all young learners, from birth through grade 2.

Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP)
Indoor and outdoor activity ideas matched to early learning standards.
Instructional strategies for literacy, numeracy, social sciences, science, and the arts.

At the undergraduate level, Saint Xavier University is one of the seven largest providers of teachers in Illinois. Saint Xavier University's Education Division has a long and successful history of preparing students for careers in teaching with a curriculum that guides teacher candidates to become scholars, lifelong learners, leaders, and reflective practitioners. Rooted in the values of the Sisters of Mercy, our mission emphasizes compassion, service, and social justice. As a student in our Education Division, you'll be inspired to integrate these values into your teaching practice, making a meaningful impact on your students and community. You'll learn to educate with empathy, advocate for equity, and lead with a heart committed to service.

SXU offers a variety of education endorsements designed to expand the expertise of teacher candidates and practicing educators. Among these are endorsements in Special Education and English as a Second Language (ESL), which require 18 credit hours to complete.