Early Childhood Education

ECE Programs

Teachers and classroom aides are some of the most important people in the lives of children. That’s why it’s important to us to prepare you for a rewarding career in early childhood education.

Note: The current ECACE grant is ending June 30, 2024. At this time, the current scholarship dollars will cover summer 2024 and not Fall 2024. We do not know if there will be scholarships for Fall 2024 at this time.

ECE Programs


ECE programs

Black Hawk College offers three programs designed to prepare you for immediate employment or career advancement as a classroom educator or assistant, or to prepare you to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor's degree.

General education courses can be taken on campus or online; program courses are online so you have flexibility with your schedule. All programs include hands-on experience in day care centers or classrooms. We'll help you get started on your best path for success.

Assistant Teacher Certificate
Early Childhood Educator Certificate
Early Childhood Education (AAS Degree)


Transferring from BHC to continue your education

Several Illinois universities guarantee transfer for BHC students who have completed ECE programs.

ECACE Programs at Illinois Universities

Eastern Illinois University
Human Services B.S. with a minor in Early Childhood Program Administration (PDF)
Non-licensure

EIU is introducing an ECACE licensure option through the College of Education, tentatively available spring 2023. Contact EIU for updates at admissions@eiu.edu or phone 217-581-2223.

Illinois State University
Early Childhood Education B.A. (PDF)
Licensure

National Louis University
Early Childhood Education B.A. (PDF)
Licensure

Early Childhood Education B.A. – Competency Based (PDF)
Licensure and non-licensure options

Infant Toddler Studies B.A. (PDF)
Non-licensure
Contact Stephanie Alban Kako | salbankako@nl.edu | 312-261-3733

Northern Illinois University
B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences – child development emphasis (PDF)
Non-licensure

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Early Childhood B.S. (PDF)
Licensure and non-licensure options

Western Illinois University
Early Childhood Education B.S. (PDF)
Licensure and non-licensure options
Contact Lindsay Meeker | lc-dennison@wiu.edu

Next Steps

Next steps

If you are a current or prospective BHC student, please contact Early Childhood Education Support Specialist Audrie Aden or submit the form. We’ll help you learn more about the Early Childhood Education programs.