The Current Workforce Early Childhood Degree Program is designed for people employed in the early childhood field to receive academic training, financial resources, a supportive learning community, and a connection with advisors to boost their careers and become licensed, highly-qualified educators.
Fully online program to accommodate your busy schedule and allow you to complete a bachelor’s degree in just two years. Course offerings will include courses aligned with both the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards and Gateways Competencies. Students may be fully funded as part of the State of Illinois’ Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE).
- Two-Year Program
- Cohort Design
- Fully online
- Affordable
- Financial assistance
Information Sessions
Blackburn will host two online information sessions where you can learn how to boost your early childhood career with Blackburn. Speak with Dr. Cindy Rice, Blackburn’s Teacher Education Department Chair, and learn more about the program and the financial aid available. The sessions will be Monday, June 20 and Thursday, June 23 at 7:00 pm.
Program Design & Purpose
To attain a Bachelor of Arts degree from Blackburn College a student must meet all degree requirements including courses often referred to as “general education courses.” As a liberal arts college, Blackburn believes a well-informed professional has had opportunities to experience coursework across a wide field of knowledge. Opportunities to complete those general education requirements are built into the program design. As members of the consortium, Blackburn agrees to accept credit for these courses from other educational institutions, therefore a student may be enrolled in a general education course offered online by another college or university. The program course of study allows time for that to happen in more than one semester.
Who Is Eligible
Individuals currently or previously employed in the early childhood professionals who have completed an associate degree in early childhood education and are registered with the Gateways system.
- Must have an Associate of Arts or Science (AA/AS) or Bachelor’s degree
- Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.0 or better
- A Gateways to Opportunity Level 4 Credential
- Working full- or part-time in a setting that serves ages birth-second grade
Financial Support
In addition to PELL and MAP grants, Illinois residents in this program may be eligible for the new Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) which covers all costs – including books, fees, technology, and transportation.
The first step to financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and use Blackburn’s code 001639.
Academic Support
Personalized attention has always been a major part of the Blackburn College experience – even in an online environment! The Current Workforce Early Childhood Education program will offer:
- Study groups to prepare for content test
- Cohort design model
- Technology support
- Mentoring support for academic advising, registration, and financial aid
Admission to Program
Complete the application and attach a copy of all college transcripts and Gateway credentials. Your transcripts and credentials will be reviewed by our representatives who will then be in contact regarding your admission status.
