Ready to make a lasting impact?
Our Early Childhood Certificate Program is your pathway to a meaningful career in early education, where you’ll play a vital role in guiding the next generation. This program equips you with the skills to foster young minds’ social, cognitive, and emotional growth.
If you’d like to advance your career, our Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree provides an in-depth, two-year journey. You’ll learn hands-on techniques for working with young children, complete general education, and explore leadership skills—all while building a foundation for your future in early childhood education.
And here’s the bonus: Graduates are eligible for the Gateways to Opportunity Level 4 credential, a respected industry certification that enhances your career prospects. Though the AAS degree is nontransferable, some four-year institutions may accept credits—chat with our ECE Coordinator to learn more about this option.
Program Options: Early Childhood Education Degrees
Program Options: Early Childhood Education Certificates
Faculty and Advising
- Melissa Johnson, Early Childhood Education Instructor
- Vicki Schulz, Student Advisor
- Rachel Stewart, Mentor and Coach
- Rae Schupbach-Roe, Dean of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts (AA)
Scholarships
If you’ve held any qualifying position in childcare or early learning, you’re eligible for full coverage of expenses remaining after financial aid, including your tuition, fees and textbook costs!
Additional perks:
- A gifted Kindle Pro and new loaner laptop
- A toolkit and borrowed classroom supplies
- A full-time mentor and coach to guide you
Learn more about the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECAC) Scholarship.
Grow Your Own Illinois
Men in Education at Highland Community College
Highland Community College is proud to participate in Grow Your Own Illinois, a statewide initiative focused on building strong, community-rooted educators.
Through this program, HCC is expanding pathways for men interested in careers in education, supporting individuals whose lived experiences and connections to their communities bring meaningful value to the classroom.
Teaching doesn’t follow just one path. Whether you are beginning your education journey, returning to school, or exploring a career change, Grow Your Own Illinois is designed to help support your path into the teaching profession.
About Grow Your Own Illinois
Grow Your Own Illinois is built on a simple belief: the strongest educators often come from the communities they serve.
The initiative works to strengthen the educator workforce by supporting individuals who are deeply connected to their communities and committed to making a difference in the lives of students.
By partnering with colleges, school districts, and community organizations, Grow Your Own Illinois helps expand access to teacher preparation programs and encourages more diverse representation in education.
What the Program Supports
Through the Grow Your Own initiative at Highland Community College, participants may receive support that helps them:
- Explore pathways into teaching
- Access resources and guidance throughout their education journey
- Connect with community-centered education opportunities
- 2×2 Agreements for Transfer
- Build a meaningful career in education
Why This Matters
Educators who share connections with the communities they serve help create stronger classrooms, deeper relationships with students, and lasting educational impact.
Grow Your Own Illinois helps make those pathways possible.
Learn More
For more information about the Grow Your Own Illinois program at Highland Community College, contact:
Vicki Schulz
815-599-3464