Earning an Associate of Arts (AA) in Early Childhood Education provides a strong foundation for students interested in working with young children and preparing to transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. A bachelor’s degree in this field equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to work with children from birth through second grade, opening doors to meaningful careers such as early childhood educator, parent education coordinator, social service coordinator, and program administrator.

Students who plan to transfer after completing their AA degree should carefully follow the recommended course sequence and consult regularly with a SWIC academic advisor to ensure courses meet both associate and transfer requirements. Those seeking immediate employment after a two-year degree should instead follow the Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science (AAS) program outlined in the blue pages of the catalog. It is also important to stay informed of current Illinois licensure requirements and grade-level designations by visiting the Illinois State Board of Education Educator Licensure website.

For students who have not yet selected a transfer institution, the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) Early Childhood Education Major Panel provides guidance on recommended general education courses to support a smooth transfer and continued success in the field of early childhood education.