Skip to main content
Education
Prepare to shape young minds — from early childhood through secondary classrooms.
About This Pathway
Program Overview
The Education pathway at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges prepares you for a career in education — with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and the flexibility to study close to home across four IECC campuses.
With 5 programs to choose from, you can find the right fit for your goals — whether you're entering the workforce, earning a credential, or planning to transfer to a four-year university.
Availability varies by campus; speak to an advisor for locations.
Multiple award options. Programs in this pathway lead to AAS, AS, Cert credentials, giving you flexibility to match your timeline and career goals.
Career Outlook
Where This Takes You
Explore live labor market data — typical wages, current job openings, and projected growth — for each program in this pathway.
This credential is part of a larger program sequence rather than a standalone award, so it doesn’t carry its own labor market dataset. Here’s what it covers and where it fits.
What You’ll Study
A stackable Gateways credential earned alongside the Early Childhood Education program, covering child development fundamentals and classroom practice.
Where It Leads
- Assistant teacher
- Childcare aide
- Paraprofessional
Stacks toward the Level 3 credential and the ECE degree. WVC’s ECE program is accredited by Gateways and operates an on-campus lab serving children from six weeks old.
This credential is part of a larger program sequence rather than a standalone award, so it doesn’t carry its own labor market dataset. Here’s what it covers and where it fits.
What You’ll Study
The next Gateways credential in the sequence, adding curriculum planning, assessment, and the infant/toddler endorsement.
Where It Leads
- Teacher
- Assistant teacher
- Paraprofessional in public schools
- Childcare program staff
Stacks toward the ECE degree and the program director track. IECC reports that ECE graduates are frequently hired before graduation.
The occupations and wage information presented here are representative of career opportunities that may be available to graduates of this program. Some occupations may require additional education, training, certifications, licensure, or work experience.
What You'll Learn
Program Learning Outcomes
By the time you finish a program in this pathway, you'll have the knowledge and hands-on skills employers are looking for. Tap any outcome to see what it looks like in practice.