Early Childhood Education
A Choice of Two Programs
For students interested in working with young children, Prairie State College offers two different academic programs, and students need to be careful to choose the one that matches their long term career goals—whether it is teaching in the public schools or working in a child care center.
A.A.S. Degree in Child and Family Studies
The A.A.S. degree in Child and Family Studies prepares students for jobs in child care centers, preschools, and family child care homes.
A.A. Transfer Degree in Education
The A.A. transfer degree in education prepares students to teach preschool or kindergarten through third grade in the public schools. These students complete the first two years of a teacher education program at PSC and then transfer to a four-year college or university to complete their bachelor’s degree and receive a public school teaching certificate. Students who believe they will eventually want a bachelor’s degree should think about pursuing the A.A. degree.