early childhood education online degree illinois

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Early childhood professional education.

The Early Childhood Professional Education (ECEP) Program is designed to make higher education more accessible and to address the shortage of early childhood teachers and educators in the state. This 2.5-year degree program meets all requirements of the Illinois Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Act (ECACE).* Find more information on the  ECACE scholarship  below.

*pending program approval

Admission Requirements

• Current or previous experience in the field of early childhood education.
• An AA, AS, AAS, or AT degree in Early Childhood Education from an approved community college program.
• The Gateways Level 4 Credential.

Designed for the Working Adult

The Early Childhood Professional Education Program is uniquely designed to offer coursework online, in the evening, and in 8-week and 16-week format to meet the needs of working professionals. Field and clinical experiences will be arranged to meet the geographic and logistical constraints of program participants.

This program offers two professional tracks:

• Licensure Track - ECE bachelor's degree and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Professional Educator Licensure 0-2nd Grade and Gateways Level 5 Credential.
• Non-Licensure Track - ECE bachelor's degree and Gateways Level 5 Credential.

Who should apply

Current and prospective early childhood professionals who meet all of the following qualifications:

• Are or were a member of the incumbent workforce currently working or having worked in the early childhood field, including family child care and center-based care settings, Preschool for All school-based settings, and Head Start, that serves children from birth to age 5 and includes teachers, assistant teachers, directors, family child care providers, and assistants.
• Have completed an AA, AS, AAS, or AT degree in ECE from an approved community college program with 2.0 grade point average or higher.
• Have the Gateways Level 4 Credential and current membership in the Gateways to Opportunity ® Registry.
• Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educator Licensure for birth through second grade.
• The Gateways to Opportunity Level 5 Credential
• Are committed to continuing or returning to teaching or direct services in the early childhood care and education field in Illinois after they complete their program of study.

How to Apply

• Cr eate a  myIllini account .
• Click on 'Submit a Petition' (Applications for Spring 2023 will open in September.)
• In the explanation for the petition, write "Applying for Early Childhood Professional Education".

Illinois ECACE Scholarship Program

This program meets the eligibility requirements for the Illinois Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Scholarship. For more information, go to the  Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) website .

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Early Childhood Education at NIU Bachelor of Science

Showing care for someone tells them that they matter.

As an early childhood education major, you'll learn how to care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Working with young children can be incredibly rewarding, as they thrive on interaction and new experiences. Join us to inspire and share in their moments of discovery and delight.

Currently working with young children? You may qualify for an  Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity scholarship .  

My major is  accountancy . I chose it because it is a field that is very versatile and has job security. I also want to open my own business, and accounting is a great foundation. Ramses Garcia of  Urireo, Mexico Accountancy Major

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Learn close to home.

This program is also available at the University Center at McHenry County College .

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What can i do with an early childhood education degree from niu.

Our program prepares you to teach children from birth through second grade in Illinois public schools. You can also get approval to teach children with disabilities and an endorsement in English as a second language.

Top skills reported by alumni:

• Child development
• Curriculum development
• Lesson planning
• Special education

Top fields alumni work in:

• Health care

Other Programs to Consider

Art and design education

Human development and family sciences

Communicative disorders

Career Potential for NIU Early Childhood Education Majors

Average mid-career salary :, top employers include:.

• Action for Children
• Batavia Public School District #101
• Bright Horizons
• DeKalb School District #428
• School District U-46

Job titles include:

• Behavioral therapist 
• Elementary school teacher
• Early childhood special educator
• Paraprofessional
• Preschool teacher

Source: Steppingblocks, 2023

What to Expect as an Early Childhood Education Major at NIU

You'll gain the knowledge and skills to care for and educate kids in schools and other settings. Our fully accredited program emphasizes hands-on learning. By the time you graduate, you'll have spent hundreds of hours working with young children.

Explore early childhood education courses .

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Pursue your bachelor's degree at an exceptional value  with our affordable tuition and fees .

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With our truth-in-tuition policy, you’ll get the same fixed tuition rate for four continuous years , whether you live in Illinois or another state.

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Early Childhood Education online program opens enrollment for fall 2024 cohort

• Author By Olivia Schickel
• March 29, 2024

The Illinois State University (ISU)  College of Education Early Childhood (ECE) Online-Workforce Program  is accepting applicants for the fall 2024 cohort.

The 100% online program is designed for professionals currently working with children birth through five years of age with an associate’s degree, Gateway Level 4, and experience in the early childhood field. This two-year, online program allows working professionals to earn their bachelor’s degree and PEL (Professional Educator License) while continuing to work.

Upon completion of the program and licensure requirements, students will also receive an Early Childhood Special Education letter of approval, allowing them to teach special education in pre-kindergarten.

“We prioritize student well-being and creating a supportive environment for current educators,” said Linda Ruhe Marsh, program coordinator. “The cohort model helps to foster student relationships and support, creating a community-based educational process even with the online structure.”

The program also helps connect students with specialized support who are uniquely equipped to assist non-traditional students with both academic and professional circumstances. Faculty and staff understand the specialized needs of students as filling the roles of working professionals, parents, and caregivers all at once.

“I love that this program allows me to continue to prioritize my family, but at the same time focus on my own educational needs and career,” said graduating student Becky Pajak.

Professionals interested in the program can begin the pre-admissions process by submitting the program interest form . Prospective students can also join one of the upcoming virtual information sessions to hear from program advisors and ask questions about the program or application process.

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Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Teacher Education program at Illinois State will prepare you for a professional educator's license for teaching programs serving children birth to age 7 (grade 2). The program is recognized by the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and is a nationally recognized model of standards-based and performance-based teacher education.

Throughout the coursework, teacher candidates will gain the professional knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to become a highly effective parent-infant educator, special education preschool educator, public school pre-kindergarten, child care, or kindergarten through second grade teacher.

Why Study Early Childhood Education?

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers play a vital role in the development of children. Individuals working in education introduce children to the basics of math, languages, sciences and social studies. The educators try to instill good study habits and an appreciation for learning.

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Early Childhood Education Workforce Program—Online

This program is built for professionals working in settings with children ages birth through five to obtain a bachelor’s degree and Professional Educator License in Early Childhood (birth—grade 2).

Learn More about the Program

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Early Childhood Online Workforce Program

Program description.

This online program is built for professionals working in settings with children ages birth through five to obtain a bachelor’s degree and Professional Educator License in Early Childhood (birth-grade 2). Students may be fully funded as part of the State of Illinois’ Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity.

Supplemental Materials

• If you have any Gateways to Opportunity credentials, upload the Gateways Professional Development Record or your Gateways Credential certificate. 
• In order to review your academic performance for unofficial admission review and to identify any needed coursework to complete at your community college partner, we will need to complete an unofficial transcript review. Please submit unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended.

These materials may be submitted online below, or mailed to:

Melissa Ramirez College of Education Illinois State University Campus Box 5300, DeGarmo 506 Normal, IL 61790-5300

Course Catalog

Early childhood education, bs.

for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Early Childhood Education (on campus & online)

The Early Childhood Education, BS prepares student candidates to teach birth to grade 2.  A minimum of 120 semester hours of credit is necessary for graduation.

Students pursuing teacher licensure programs in the College of Education (COE) must meet requirements in a series of sequential gateways. Included in the gateway requirements are successful completion of specified coursework, achievement of appropriate grade point averages, requirements for clinical experiences, and appropriate tests for the licensure area. Meeting all Gateway requirements leads to degree and licensure completion. 

In order to be recommended for licensure, candidates are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (A=4.0). Candidates in teaching licensure programs must maintain a C- or better in ALL content and professional education coursework. For teacher education licensure requirements applicable to all curricula, see the Council on Teacher Education .  

Licensure requirements are subject to change without notice as a result of new mandates from the Illinois State Board of Education or the Illinois General Assembly.

This is a Gateways to Opportunity approved program

for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Early Childhood Education (on campus & online)

Degree Requirements

 The following degree requirements also meet general education course requirements and must be selected from the campus general education course list. Across these gen ed categories, students will need to take at least one course from each of the following four different rubrics: ECON, GEOG, HIST, PS to meet the ISBE Social Science requirement.

Sample Sequence This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. For more information, see the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page .

• Students will acquire deep knowledge of child development as it relates to the field of Education.
• Students will effectively plan and implement relevant, culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate instruction children from birth to grade two.
• Students will use assessment data to drive decisions and solve problems in and out of the classroom.
• Students will display the expectations of professionalism related to success in the field of education and beyond (fairness, commitment to collaboration, community, reflective practice, and attention to 21 st century skills and practices).

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• Early Childhood Education, BS Online
• Online Programs

Prepare for success as a licensed educator. Earn a CAEP Accredited and ISBE Approved degree and ability to earn dual licensure.

The online B.S. in Early Childhood Education is designed for students who have an AA or AS degree and want to teach children from birth through grade 2 in the state of Illinois. As a student, you’ll gain hands-on experience in real classrooms, participating in fieldwork with partnering school districts.

Courses in elementary education are built into the curriculum. You can add elementary education licensure to your studies and earn dual licensure in the same amount of time . Students who choose this option are licensed to teach from birth through grade 6 upon degree completion.

The early childhood education program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), distinctions that speak to both career preparation and academic excellence .

Partnerships

Greenville University has special partnerships with five institutions to allow a seamless transfer of associate degree credits into the B.S. in Elementary Education program. Partners include:

• Kaskaskia College
• Lake Land Community College
• Lewis and Clark Community College
• Lincoln Land Community College
• Southwestern Illinois College

Program Benefits

• Complete 300+ field hours
• Supportive faculty
• Transfer up to 90 credits toward your degree
• No application fee or ACT/SAT scores required
• Duration: 2-3 years
• Cost per credit: $485
• Credit hours: 120

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Greenville University’s convenient application process for online students makes it easy for you to get on track to meeting your goals. To apply for one of our career-focused degrees, complete the steps below.

• Submit the free online application .
• Work with your enrollment counselor to request official transcripts for any previously attended institutions.

Additional programmatic requirements may vary. Please visit the admissions section of your chosen degree page for details.

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The Two-Year, Online Bachelor’s Completion Program will Launch in Fall 2022

As part of an ongoing effort to address the shortage of qualified early childhood professionals in Illinois, Blackburn College is launching a streamlined pathway to earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. The fully online Current Workforce Early Childhood Degree Program is designed for working early childcare professionals who are seeking additional credentials and to complete a bachelor’s degree in just two years. 

This new degree is part of a broader effort through participation in the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) program to address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators in the state of Illinois. Created through IL Public Act 102-0174, the College will collaborate with other participating consortium members to improve pathways to degrees, credentials, and other licensure endorsements. 

As a consortium member institution, prospective Blackburn students can apply for scholarships. PELL, MAP and a specially designated ECACE scholarship from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) are available to cover the total cost of attendance, including books, fees, technology and transportation.

“Access to early childhood is an absolutely critical component in the development of children, which makes it essential for educators to have the best possible training for the field,” Dr. Cindy Rice, Blackburn Department of Teacher Education Chair, said. The program was developed to allow individuals to remain in their current paid position while completing a bachelor’s degree. “If you presently work in a daycare center, provide licensed care in your home, work with Head Start, or as a paraprofessional in a school setting working with children in pre-K to second grade — you are a perfect fit for this opportunity. The only requirement is that you plan to continue working in the industry,” she explained.

Rice added, “Blackburn has always been committed to eliminating the barriers to a life-changing higher education. For early childhood workers, that means developing a flexible, online program to accommodate busy working schedules and ensuring federal and state assistance is available to reduce the financial burden of continuing education.”

Individuals who would like to learn more about Blackburn’s Current Workforce Early Childhood Degree Program are welcome to attend one of two free Zoom information sessions held on Monday, June 20, 2022 , and Thursday, June 23, 2022 , at 7:00 pm. Learn more about the program, information sessions, admissions requirements and opportunities for financial assistance at blackburn.edu/eceonline .

About Blackburn College

Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, co-educational liberal arts college located in Carlinville, IL. One of only ten federally-recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn has the only program in the nation fully managed by students. Balancing academic rigor and experiential learning, each student at Blackburn gains tangible experience and develops critical skills by contributing to their community, all while building a resume and earning their degree. U.S. News & World Report recognized Blackburn College as one of the top Liberal Arts Colleges in the Nation for Social Mobility in their Best Colleges lists for 2020, 2021, and 2022. The Center for Education & the Workforce at Georgetown University ranked Blackburn as a top performer for Earnings-Price Return – 209% (#1 in Illinois, #10 in the U.S.) and Net Price (#1 in Illinois; #11 in the U.S.). The Washington Monthly twice ranked Blackburn as the best baccalaureate college in Illinois.

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Early Childhood Education

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Early Childhood Education focuses on preparing candidates to teach birth to grade two. Graduates of the program can qualify for a professional educator license in Early Childhood Education with Early Childhood Special Education approval. 

Who should apply

Undergraduate students who want to:

• Plan lessons that teach students subjects, such as reading and math, and skills, such as studying and communicating with others
• Assess students to evaluate their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
• Work with students individually to help them overcome specific learning challenges

Programs Offered

• On Campus Bachelor of Science (BS)

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has determined that our curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the state of Illinois. We are unable to determine if the curriculum meets the educational requirements for any of the remaining U.S. states and jurisdictions. Please go to the University's State Authorization Licensing and Complaint Information to find your state’s requirements, resources and contact information. You are encouraged to contact the appropriate licensing agency for your location or wherever you desire to be licensed or certified to seek information and additional guidance. Please be aware that there may be licensure or certification requirements in addition to an academic program’s curriculum. Note: This disclosure is being made in compliance with federal regulation 34 CFR 668.43 and the State Authorization and Reciprocity Agreements Manual.

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Early Childhood Education in Chicago, Illinois

Written by Rebecca Truce

M.S. in Child Development, Early Childhood Emphasis | SDSU University

As we all know that early childhood education plays a very important roe in someone’s life. We welcome everyone here in the world of learning, growth and development. From preschool programs to daycare centers, Chicago is dedicated to providing a strong foundation for kids’ learning, growth, and development. Now we’ll explore the importance of early childhood education, different institutions offering associate, bachelor, master. And Ph.D. programs. We’ll also take look in the different typrs of these programs. This guide can help you make informed decisions about selecting a well reputable institute for early chidhood education. So, let’s jump in and discover the world of early childhood education in the heart of Illinois. 

Onground Associate Degree Program in Early Childhood

Here are the on-ground degree programs in early childhood education:  

City College of Chicago – Associate in Applied Science in Child Development 

In this associate in applied science program you’ll be able to get degree in child development. First you must have to get education in pre-school that can lead you to child development. You’ll also learn how to understand and treat with young kids. This associate program is specifically designed for the people who to start working in preschools right away after their degree, either as a teacher or as a assistant. You’ll also be able to work both in public and private schools, as well as childcare centers and nursery schools. 

Harold Washington College – Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education 

This program is specifically designed for the people who want to work with little kids, especially in preschools after completing their associate degree. This program is accredited by a group called the National Association for the Education of Young Children. If you want to start a career in education, this associate program is a great place to begin. This program also offer two options: an A.A.S. degree and an Advanced Certificate. Both of these programs teach you a lot about how to create the right learning activities for young children. And if you’re really interested in working with babies and toddlers (kids aged zero to three), they have a special certificate just for that.

Olive Harvey (City) College – Associate in Arts in Early Childhood Education 

Are you curious about how kids learn and grow? Do you want to be a sought-after childcare expert? If so, you might like the Child Development Early Childhood pathway at City Colleges. As a student in this program, you’ll discover how children develop socially, emotionally, and physically. Plus, you’ll learn the practical skills and theories needed to teach kids from birth to age 8. It’s an exciting way to prepare for a career in childcare!

Malcolm X College – Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education  

An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is like a special certificate that helps you learn about taking care of kids and teaching them when they’re very young, like in preschool or daycare. If you get this degree, it means you’ve learned about how children grow and learn, and you know how to help them. After you finish this degree, you can start working as a teacher or helper in a preschool or daycare, whether it’s in a public school or a private one. Basically, it’s a degree that helps you get a job where you can take care of and teach young children. 

Wilbur Wright College – Associate in Arts in Early Childhood Education 

Are you someone who loves the idea of understanding how kids learn and grow? Do you want to become a sought-after childcare expert? If yes, then the Child Development Early Childhood pathway is perfect for you. As a Child Development student at Wilbur Wright College, you’ll get to discover how children develop in their feelings, thoughts, and bodies. You’ll also learn the theories and practical skills needed to teach kids from when they’re born up to 8 years old. It’s all about helping little ones thrive and be happy. 

Onground Bachelor Degree Program in Early Childhood

Depaul university – bachelor of science in early childhood education .

This program, the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, is all about getting you ready to teach young kids from birth up to second grade. You’ll learn how to teach in different kinds of places, like big cities and quieter neighborhoods, and in schools that are either public or private. You’ll also be ready to work in childcare centers. In this program, you’ll get to know theories about education and learn how to be a great teacher. You won’t just sit in classrooms; you’ll also spend time in real schools, watching and even helping with teaching. 

Loyola University Chicago – Bachelor of Science Education in Early Childhood Special Education

In this program, you’ll learn how to teach all kinds of young kids, from babies to second graders. You’ll become a teacher who can help children with and without special needs learn and grow together. When you graduate with a degree in early childhood special education from Loyola, you’ll have a license to teach kids from birth to second grade. You can work in regular classrooms, inclusive classrooms, or special education programs. This program will also help you to learn the important skills you need to make learning fun and effective for all kids. 

National Louis University – Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education 

This Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education program gets you ready to teach kids from when they’re babies up to second grade. In this program, you’ll take classes that follow the new teaching standards in Illinois. When you finish all your required classes successfully, you’ll get a teaching license that says you’re a pro at teaching young children from birth to second grade.

Chicago State University – Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure) won’t give you the license you need to become a teacher in Illinois. Even though our program follows the rules set by the Illinois State Board of Education and meets their teaching standards in certain areas, it doesn’t automatically make you eligible for a teaching license in the state. So, if you want to be a licensed teacher in Illinois, you’ll need to do some extra steps beyond completing this degree.

Columbia College Chicago – Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education 

The Bachelor of Arts program will get you ready to work with young kids in schools (from pre-K to 3rd grade), childcare centers, or early intervention programs. They focus mostly on kids aged 3 to 8, but you’ll also learn about younger kids in some of your classes and hands-on experiences. This program is recognized and approved by important organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the South Carolina State Board of Education. 

Northeastern Illinois University – Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education 

Northeastern University has a special agreement that allows its students to earn important teaching credentials while they’re studying for their Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s degree. This agreement lasts until 2023. So, when students take certain courses or finish their Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Northeastern, they can also earn official teaching credentials from the state of Illinois. Plus, Northeastern’s Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s program is accredited by a respected organization called the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Governors State University – Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education 

The College of Education has a program where you can study to become a teacher for young children, from babies to eight years old. This program offers two different ways to study. In the first option, when you finish the program, you get a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and you also get a license to teach. So, you can become a certified teacher for young kids. In the second option, you also get a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, but you don’t get a teaching license. 

Onground Master Degree Program in Early Childhood

Loyola university chicago – master of education in elementary education .

This program is designed to help you reach your career goals by focusing on supporting students from various backgrounds in grades 1 to 6. During this master’s program, you’ll learn all about teaching in elementary schools, including how to create effective lesson plans, assess student progress, manage your classroom, and much more. Plus, you’ll even earn your Professional Educator License (PEL) with endorsements in elementary and ESL, which means you’ll be fully qualified to teach in elementary classrooms. 

University of Ilinois Chicago – Master of Education in Early Childhood Education 

When it comes to getting into this program, They look at each person individually. They do have some basic requirements that their criteria suggest you meet, but they’re open to considering your unique circumstances. These requirements are just the starting point. They will make decisions based on your academic and professional abilities, and of course, whether they have room for you in the program. 

Columbia University – Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education 

The Early Childhood Education M.A. Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, helps students become experts in teaching young children. They learn how to deal with important issues in early education from different angles, like how to teach, how it relates to politics, how kids think, and how society plays a role. You can choose to go to school full-time or part-time, but there’s a rule in New York that says everyone has to do one semester of full-time student teaching. 

National Louis University – Master of Education in Early Childhood Administration 

If you have a bachelor’s degree and a dream of running early childhood programs, NLU’s M.Ed. in Early Childhood Administration might be perfect for you. In this program, you’ll discover how to lead teacher teams and get really good at handling the money and legal stuff in childcare management. Plus, you’ll understand how families, communities, and schools all work together. After finishing this program, you’ll have what it takes to lead and make early childhood programs even better.

Northeastern Illinois University – Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education 

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Early Childhood Education is for folks who want to become teachers for young kids from birth to 2nd grade. You can get a graduate degree along with the teaching license, or just the license through the Teacher Licensure Program. This program will teach you lots of important stuff and give you practical experiences to be a great teacher. You’ll learn how to work with all kinds of kids, whether they’re developing typically or not, and in all sorts of different classrooms. 

Onground Ph.D. Degree Program in Early Childhood

Loyola university chicago — doctorate of education in curriculum with specialization in early childhood education.

Loyola University Chicago offers an EdD program called Curriculum that’s perfect for teachers, nonprofit leaders, and anyone passionate about improving education and communities. This program teaches you valuable research, teaching, and leadership skills to make a positive impact. You can choose to study full-time or part-time, and classes are held in the evenings at Loyola’s Water Tower Campus in Chicago, making it convenient for working professionals.

DePaul University – Doctorate of Education in Early Childhood Education 

DePaul University’s EdD program has a special focus on Early Childhood Education because there’s a shortage of well-trained teachers for young kids all across the country. This program helps you understand both the theories and how to actually teach young children. Plus, it teaches you about the rules and decisions that affect early childhood education. So, you’ll be well-prepared to make a positive impact in this important field.

National Louis University – Ph.D. in Community Psychology with a Focus on Early Childhood Development 

National Louis University’s Ph.D. in Community Psychology is all about helping you make a big impact on communities and people’s lives. In this program, you’ll learn important skills in psychology, research, and working together with others to tackle social issues like poverty, housing, education, child abuse, and more. After this program, you could work as a teacher, professor, program leader, policy maker, advisor, or researcher in universities, government, or community groups, and many other areas. It’s all about making a positive difference in the world.

Concordia University Chicago – Ph.D. in Leadership With Emphasis on Early Childhood Education 

This Ph.D. program is a chance for both current leaders and those who want to lead in the future to dig deep into the world of early childhood education. You’ll get to learn more about this field through classes, hands-on experiences, and research. It’s all about growing your knowledge and understanding of what’s happening now and what’s coming up in the world of early childhood education. To join this program, you should already have some experience in the field. 

Online Associate Degree Program in Early Childhood

Here are the online degree programs in early childhood education:  

City Colleges of Chicago – Associate in Arts in Early Childhood Education 

At City Colleges, as a Child Development student, you’ll dive into understanding how children develop socially, emotionally, and physically. You’ll also learn about the theories and practical skills needed to teach kids from birth to 8 years old. There are various education paths to explore, but we recommend starting with an Associate in Arts degree, which includes a Basic Certificate in Child Development for preschool education. This sets you up for a smooth transition to a four-year college.

Online Bachelor Degree Program in Early Childhood

The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Elementary Education (ECL) is a degree for folks who want to teach kids from birth to 6th grade. When you finish this program, you’ll get a license to be a professional educator with qualifications in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. You can also add on extra qualifications in ESL/Bilingual and Special Education if you want. This program comes in two flavors: one where you can do everything online, and another where you mix online learning with some in-person stuff.

Concordia University Chicago – Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education 

At Concordia University Chicago, their hybrid bachelor of science program is all about getting you ready to work with, lead, and guide little kids as they grow up. If you choose this major, you’ll learn how to teach children from when they’re tiny babies all the way up to second graders. What’s really cool about this program is that they actually believe in hands-on learning. You’ll actually spend time in real classrooms, watching, helping, and even doing some teaching yourself.

Online Master’s Degree Program in Early Childhood

In the master’s in elementary education program, you’ll learn all about teaching young kids in elementary school. You’ll study things like how to plan lessons, make a good curriculum, test students, and handle the classroom. You’ll also get a special teaching license that lets you teach in elementary schools. The program takes two years to finish, and classes are in the afternoons and evenings on some days or online.

DePaul University – Master of Education in Early Childhood Education 

If you want to get your Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education online, you’ll discover fun and clever ways to create safe and exciting play spaces for little kids to learn and develop. This program will teach in city and suburban preschools, both public and private elementary schools, child development centers, daycares, and Head Start programs. You can even work towards getting a special teaching license for little ones from birth to second grade.  It’s a great way to help young children grow and learn while having a rewarding career!

National Louis University – Master of Education in Early Childhood Education 

National Louis University offers a Master of Education program focused on Early Childhood Faculty Preparation. This program is specifically for the experienced professionals in the Early Childhood field who want to become educators in higher education. This amazing program all about training the next generation. The good news is that this program is funded by the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity. This means that for up to 25 qualified students, the program will cover full tuition, books, and materials and everything.

Concordia University Chicago – Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education 

In this program, you’ll learn about kids, how they grow and earn little things, how they start feeing and their behaviour as well. You’ll aso be able to get knowledge about families and communitiers and their importance in everyone life. You’ll get hands-on experience about how to check if kids are doing something good or bad. This program helps it students to learn latest methods of teaching for kids from birth to age 8. You can use what you learn in lots of different places, like schools, community centers, and even non-profit groups. It’s all about helping kids have the best start in life. The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education is a program that’s gotten a big thumbs-up from the National Association. 

Governors State University – Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education 

In this MA program, you’ll get real life experiences while learning. It’s called “job-embedded field experiences,” which means you can keep working at your childcare center while you do some of your coursework. So, if the field experience matches the grade levels you’re interested in, you can do it right where you work. Now, here’s the thing: If you’re doing student teaching, it can also be job-embedded, but there’s a catch. It has to be in a preschool setting, which means kids who are 4-5 years old.

Online Ph.D. Degree Program in Early Childhood

Loyola university chicago – doctorate of education in curriculum .

Loyola University Chicago offers an EdD program called Curriculum for educators, nonprofit leaders, and change-makers. This program helps you become a culturally responsive leader in education. Whether you prefer full-time or part-time study, you can attend classes in the evenings at Loyola’s Water Tower Campus in Chicago or online. It’s a most amazing and accessible way to gain research, teaching, and leadership skills that will enable all Ph.D students to have a positive impact on communities in the field of education.

DePaul University – Ph.D. in Educational Leadership in Early Childhood Education 

This is an online program for the people who want to get education in leadership. One thing that is amazing and unique about this program is that it stringy emphasis on fairness and critical thinking.  In this program, all their students dive into studying how policies of getting and delivering education, teaching methods, and educational practices are influenced by global trends. The ultimate goal is to conduct their own in-depth research project, called a dissertation, on a topic they’re passionate about. It’s a challenging but rewarding journey that allows educators to make a significant impact in the world of education.

Conclusion 

To sum it up, If you want a degree in early childhood education in Chicago, then these programs are a great way to help you grow and learn. You’ll learn how to give young children the best start in their education. After getting an education in these programs you’ll be provided opportunities to work in public schools, private daycares, or other places where kids learn. Such jobs are very important because they help you get experience and learn about children’s habits. With a variety of reputable institutions offering these programs, aspiring educators can gain the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality learning experiences. 

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And as an up-and-coming state in the sphere of private education, one that has emerged as a leader in the Midwest, the Land of Lincoln has become a popular destination for teachers who want to be on the frontlines of educational innovation.  This is especially true for those who want to teach underserved communities and second-language learners.  These groups comprise a rising percentage of the state’s K-12 student population. With no less than 12 colleges and universities offering at least one online degree in education across the state, Illinois houses some of the greatest online learning opportunities for educators in the United States. And due to the ever-increasing size of the education infrastructure in almost every state, earning a degree from a top-tier Illinois university goes a long way toward establishing one’s credentials as a leader in the industry.

Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Illinois

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) issues professional educator licenses contingent upon meeting six requirements.

• Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree: Earn at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Complete an Educator Preparation Program: As part of a degree program at a regionally accredited institution of higher education, complete 32 semester hours, or a major in early childhood education.
• Gain Student Teaching Experience: Teach for an approved educator preparation program. All accredited Illinois schools that offer degrees in early childhood education offer some form of educator preparation or student teaching experience .
• Pass Licensure Tests: Take and pass teacher licensure tests in Basic Skills, the early childhood education (ECE) Content Area, and professional teaching assessment, or edTPA. These three tests are organized according to content area and grade level and require approval before testing .
• Submit a State Application: Apply to be licensed after earning degree, completing educator preparation, and passing all tests for licensure in early childhood education. Verify eligibility for certification with preparation program prior to submitting application .
• Register License: Follow the license registration procedures on the Illinois State Board of Education website to be valid for employment.

Online Education Program Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for online degree programs depend on the degree sought. Students applying for an online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or 60 transferable credit hours from an accredited community college, preferably with an emphasis in education, in order qualify for admission to an undergraduate program. Students applying for an online master’s degree in early childhood education must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with a major in education or a related field in order to qualify for admission. Illinois’s doctoral programs generally have the same requirements for admission as those for master’s degrees, albeit with the added requirement of a master’s degree to qualify. Most graduate programs in early childhood education require the GRE, although some may not.

Average Salaries for Common Educator Roles in Illinois

• Preschool Teacher: $37,480
• Elementary School Teacher: $67,840
• Middle School Teacher: $67,520
• School Principal: $106,230
• Special Education Teacher: $59,920
• High School Teacher: $72,480
• School Psychologist: $76,170

Scholarships for Future Educators in the State of Illinois

Golden apple scholarship.

A scholarship program worth up to $23,000 of tuition to identify and help fund high school seniors and first or second-year colleges students who have what it takes to become excellent teachers at high-need schools and underserved communities.

The 5 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Illinois

Illinois has a total of 12 education degree-granting institutions that provide online education degrees. These range from community colleges offering an associate in early childhood development or human services, to nationally ranked universities that offer a wide spread of masters level and education endorsement-level programming. While future students may want to go to the “best” online institution in their state for education degrees, they should take some to double check what exact degrees are offered by their institution of choice at the directory of all online education degrees at the bottom of the page. To select the following top five universities, we’ve looked at two factors: the number of fully online education degrees offered by an institution, and an “academic prestige” score. The academic prestige score takes into account metrics such as average amount of financial need received, average class sizes, admissions standards, and the percentage of faculty holding terminal degrees in their field. Also note that the tuition numbers below are just indicators of relatively how expensive or affordable a college is. The tuition numbers below, specifically, are the in-state (where applicable) undergraduate yearlong tuition rates for education degrees. Many universities, however, have similar tuition rates at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Consider the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) if you’re passionate about advancing your career in early childhood education. Established in 1867, UIUC is a public research university located in Champaign and Urbana, making it the flagship institution of the state. What sets UIUC apart is its prestigious College of Education, one of the oldest and top-ranking in the nation.

UIUC has been consistently making waves with its academic programs, many of which rank among the Top 50 programs in the country. As a pioneer in online education, UIUC offers an excellent opportunity for early childhood educators. They offer nine fully online graduate degrees waiting for you to explore and elevate your expertise.

Now, let’s talk specifics. UIUC’s Master of Education (MEd) in Learning Design & Leadership is perfect for those aiming for a progressive career in early childhood education. If you’re looking to make a significant impact in underserved communities, the MEd in Diversity and Equity in Education is your golden ticket to higher-level employment as a second-language educator in demand across Illinois.

The bottom line? UIUC’s graduate programs in education are not just degrees; they are pathways to leadership in your profession. They not only enhance job prospects but also increase earning potential. It’s time to take the next step in your journey and choose UIUC for a brighter future in early childhood education.

Roosevelt was established in 1945 and has a long history of academic excellence. As a private coeducational institution with campuses in Chicago and Schaumburg, Illinois, Roosevelt is not just a university; it’s your gateway to a brighter future. Recognized as one of the larger private institutions in the state, Roosevelt takes pride in hosting one of the best colleges of performing arts in the United States.

If you’re considering a degree in early childhood education, Roosevelt University has got your back. Their three online degrees are not just good; they are among the best in Illinois. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) covers everything, from Second Language Special Education to Training and Development. But wait, there’s more! The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Child and Family Studies is your ticket to making a real impact on the lives of children and families.

These online programs are designed for people like you—busy, working students who want to add another line to their educational résumés. Whether you want to teach or work full- or part-time, Roosevelt University offers the flexibility you need. It’s time to invest in yourself, and Roosevelt is the perfect fit to make it happen. Choose excellence, choose Roosevelt University for your educational journey.

Discover the possibilities at University of St. Francis (USF), a private Catholic university with a legacy since 1920. USF stands out as a leading online Catholic university in Illinois, serving a vast student community of over 1,900 graduate students and 250 adult undergraduates who choose to learn off-campus. Distinguished for its commitment to diversity, USF boasts a gender-inclusive student body, with nearly two-thirds being women for the 2022-23 academic year.  USF understands the demands of busy lives, and that’s why an increasing number of students are opting for online classes and earning degrees remotely.

USF offers an incredible 20 online degrees, making it a powerhouse for the best graduate programs in education in Illinois. If you’re eyeing teaching and leadership roles in early childhood education, the Master of Education with Teaching Licensure (MEd) at USF is your golden ticket. But wait, there’s more! USF’s programs cover a range of areas including:

• differentiated instruction
• instructional coaching
• best practices

Whether you’re a busy working individual looking to enhance your educational résumé, USF’s options and their flexible structures are tailored just for you. It’s time to take that next step toward your educational goals with the University of St. Francis. Your future in education starts here.

Immerse yourself in the legacy of Eastern Illinois University (EIU), a public state university that traces its roots back to 1895 as a teacher’s college. Nestled in Charleston, Illinois, EIU stands out with its expansive and forward-thinking College of Education which features:

• a selective admissions process
• a roster of distinguished alumni
• captivating historical architecture

EIU holds a prestigious spot among the Top 100 Best Universities in the midwestern region of the United States, a testament to its enduring commitment to academic excellence. Notably, a growing number of EIU students are seizing the opportunity to attend online classes and earn degrees remotely.

EIU is your gateway to success with eight online degrees in education, spanning areas such as:

• music education
• college student affairs
• curriculum and instruction

If you’re envisioning a teaching career with the youngest learners, the online MSE in curriculum and instruction is tailored just for you.

Prospective students should take note of the time-tested education pedigree and flexibility that EIU offers. If you’re a busy working individual aiming to enhance your educational résumé, EIU is your ideal match. It’s time to elevate your career, and Eastern Illinois University is here to make it happen.

DePaul University is a private Catholic institution with a rich history since 1879, situated in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Notably, DePaul stands as the largest Catholic university in the United States.  It’s a beacon for first-generation college students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

DePaul’s commitment to specialized education programs tailored for teaching in multicultural urban environments sets it apart. What’s more, the Continuing and Professional Education program has expanded to offer a diverse range of courses and certificates in 20 different areas, ensuring you get the skills you need for success.

If you’re considering online education, DePaul has got you covered with 12 online degrees in education. Programs in areas like organizational leadership and curriculum studies are just a click away. Early childhood educators, this is for you too! DePaul offers both an MA and MEd in early childhood education. Online students enjoy personalized attention from professors and valuable connections to the professional education community.

Sure, tuition might be a bit higher, but let’s talk value. If you’re seeking a quality education from a leading Catholic university, DePaul is the place for you. It’s not just a university; it’s your pathway to a brighter future in education.

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B.S.Ed in Early Childhood Education

The B.S.Ed in Early Childhood Education leads to teacher licensure with an Early Childhood (birth through grade 2) endorsement. Graduates are employed as teachers in pre-primary and primary classrooms as well as private preschool centers.

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Early Childhood Education Degrees in Illinois

Access to early childhood education is one of the most reliable indicators of a child’s future success in academics, in the workforce, and in other measures of quality of life. In Illinois, students may get started in preschools, day care centers, and early elementary grades.

If you are interested in a career that would allow you to teach preschool through third grade, an early childhood education degree could be the right step for your career.

Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher in Illinois

A career in education can completely change your life and the lives of the students you teach.

Learn how to become an early childhood teacher by contacting Illinois schools below.

As you move through your education, you may get a feel for what the long-term goals of this industry are. The Illinois Early Learning Project was created to minimize gaps in early education access, including those caused by poverty, location, and other socioeconomic factors.

Are you ready to make a difference in early childhood education? Illinois schools are ready to talk to you.

Compare degree programs below and contact options that interest you.

Getting your early childhood education degree in illinois.

Illinois is home to many accredited colleges and universities that have early education programs. In addition to institutions in large cities like Chicago, many suburban parts of Illinois have renowned educational institutions.

To get a license that permits you to teach preschool through third grade, you need a Bachelor’s degree that leads to teacher certification. Most Illinois schools require between 120 and 135 credits. Typically, this includes about 60 credits of general education and 60 credits of teaching courses.

Courses Offered at Illinois Schools

• Understanding Young Children
• Language Development
• Children’s Literature
• Young Children as Learners
• Methods of Teaching Science in Primary Grades
• Methods of Teaching Social Studies in Primary Grades
• Literacy Instruction in Early Grades
• Learning Environment in Kindergarten Through Primary Grades
• Literacy Development
• Assistive Technology for Children with Special Needs

As you work through your curriculum, you should make progress on the learning goals and outcomes of your program. These learning outcomes detail exactly what competencies you must have to be able to work as an early education teacher.

For example, you may need to understand Illinois teaching standards, effectively utilize a variety of communication strategies to connect with students of varying ages and needs, and know how to collaborate with other education professionals as part of a teaching team.

The courses should delve into childhood development, how and what children learn at each age, and which teaching strategies are most effective in different types of classrooms.

Classroom experience is an extremely important part of your teaching degree. By the time you graduate, you should have completed rotations at multiple area schools and spent several hundred hours working with students. Many of your hours come from student teaching, an end-of-program teaching experience that puts you into the classroom for about 40 hours per week.

With this experience, you can find out if there are still skills you need to work on, how you can improve, and how you can combine everything you’ve learned into your daily work.

You may be able to take advantage of scholarship programs after getting accepted to a teaching program. The Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship Program awards grants to early childhood education students every year.

Now that you know what it takes to earn a teaching degree, it’s time to make your move. Scroll down to the list of Illinois schools below and request information from programs in your area.

Working as an Early Childhood Educator in Illinois

You have your teaching degree, so what’s the next step? You have to get your teaching license. The Illinois State Board of Education processes all paperwork and fees. You must pass the mandatory Assessment of Professional Teaching test prior to getting your license.

With the wide variety of work settings that employ early education specialists, you may have some important decisions to make. Of course, elementary schools are an option, since your license allows you to teach up to third grade. You may also look into preschools, child care centers, and private schools.

Preschool is an important part of early education. Demand for preschool teachers may increase 14% by the year 2024 ( O*Net , 2016). The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that preschool teachers earn an average salary of $32,210 per year (2016).

Between 2014 and 2024, the field of elementary education may add an average of 1,580 jobs per year ( O*Net , 2016). Elementary school teachers currently earn an average of $59,680 per year ( BLS , 2016).

There is no doubt that you can make a difference in your community when you develop your career in early education.

 Reach out to Illinois early childhood education schools below and find a program that can help you become a great teacher.

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What can I do with a degree in early childhood education?

Accreditation/faculty, diversity statement/professional credential disclosure, hands-on learning, early childhood on-site (echos).

Students studying early childhood education at SIUE put learning into practice by applying learned theory to hands-on learning experiences in schools. Class numbers are intentionally kept small so our faculty can provide students with personal attention.   

The program leads to:   

• Initial teacher licensure in Illinois to work with children birth through second grade  
• Non-licensure option to work in infant, toddler and preschool settings that do not require teacher licensure   

Teacher education programs at SIUE prepare students for teaching careers in:

• Early childhood education
• Elementary education
• Middle level education
• Special education 
• Secondary education

Our graduates also pursue careers as: 

• Parent educators
• Child development specialists
• Child service agency workers
• Child and family advocates
• Juvenile justice officers
• Hospital play group directors

Accreditation The program addresses national standards set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the National Association for the Education of Young Children, as well as state standards set by the Illinois State Board of Education. We are a Gateways entitled institution, offering the ECE Level 5 Gateways to Opportunity Credential to successful program graduates.

Faculty Early childhood education classes are taught by faculty in the Department of Teaching and Learning

Diversity Statement SIUE’s teacher education programs foster teacher candidates’ ability to understand and meet professional responsibilities by modeling respect and value for diversity. Candidates create and engage their students in practices that develop awareness, understanding, respect and a valuing of the forms of diversity that exist in society and their importance in learning and teaching. The School of Education, Health and Human Behavior teacher education programs are dedicated to supporting all teacher education candidates, regardless of their economic or social status, and advocates for the rights of students free from discrimination based on race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, ability or age.

Professional Credential Disclosure This program is intended to prepare students for licensure/certification meeting educational requirements established by regulatory boards in the state of Illinois. Licensure/certification requirements can vary by state. If you intend to practice or teach inside or outside the state of Illinois, please visit our professional licensure webpage .

Opportunities for experiential learning take many forms:

• In-class activities
• Simulations, including virtual simulations through the Virtual Professional Practice Lab
• Case studies
• School-based projects
• Undergraduate research
• Service learning projects

Our program also make s extensive use of field-based partnerships through field trips, practi ca and student teaching. S tudents are placed in a variety of diverse field experiences that allow them to interact with children and learn through real-world application.    

The EChOS program is an alternative path to initial licensure in early childhood education allowing candidates who are currently working in the field of early childhood education to complete a program leading to a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education.

Students have the option of completing Illinois teacher licensure requirements or completing a non-licensure route. Courses are offered at times and locations to meet the needs of working adults . The professional sequence of courses can be completed in a maximum of three years prior to student teaching by taking two courses each fall, spring and summer term. Program participants are required to have completed an associate degree or credit equivalent prior to enrolling in EChOS .

Financial Assistance: Members of the early childhood education workforce who are seeking credentials and/or a degree in early childhood education may be eligible for the new Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) scholarship program. Program information, eligibility details and an online application are available through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission .

In addition to the ECACE scholarship application, applicants will be required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the same academic year in which they are applying for the scholarship. 

For more information, please contact Dr. Stacie M. Kirk, director, early childhood program at 618-650-3683 or [email protected] .

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Early Childhood Education Teacher - Tri-Cities Early Head Start Program (8 hrs. daily, 224 work days) PR25-0481 at Baldwin Park Unified School District

Application Deadline

12/31/2024 4:00 PM Pacific

Date Posted

Number of openings, length of work year, employment type, about the employer.

MISSION Ensure High Achievement for ALL Learners. VISION In a culture of high expectations and academic rigor and an environment of support, understanding, and emotional safety, all Baldwin Park Unified School District students will graduate with a valued and highly respected diploma, prepared with the relevant skills, knowledge, and personal attributes necessary for success in a university or other institution of higher education and/or any post-secondary options of their choice. CORE VALUES -- Learning FIRST Family: Collaboration, Community, Culture, Diversity Integrity: Honesty, Respect, Transparency, Trustworthiness Rigor: Achievement, Action, Risk-Taking, Solution-Driven Service: Accountability, Advocacy, Dedication, Support Thrive: Creativity, Passion, Positivity, Vision

Located in the cities of Bell, Maywood, Cudahy and Los Angeles, the Baldwin Park Unified School District is seeking a highly qualified Early Childhood Education (ECE) Teacher for the Tri-Cities Early Head Start Program. Under the supervision of the Director of Early Childhood Education, the ECE teacher provides supervision and instruction of infants, toddlers and their caregivers within the Early Head Start Program, and assists in other program activities assigned. 

Requirements / Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS • Bachelor degree or higher, in Early Childhood Education or related field, which must include six (6) semester units of Early Childhood Administration and two (2) semester units of Adult Supervision. • Child Development Teacher Permit or higher. • Must have a minimum of (3) semester units of infant toddler development; must complete (3) additional units within one year of employment (6 units total). • Must possess a valid California Driver’s license and carry current car insurance. • Must possess current CPR and First Aid cards and verification of completion for the Health and Safety course prior to employment. • Must submit verification of a current physical exam to Human Resources prior to employment. • May require Bilingual/Bi-literate skills for certain programs. PREFERENCES • Early Childhood Education Experience • Bilingual/ Biliterate (Spanish)

Complete application and attached the following documents to your online application. Your application will NOT be processed without the following documentation. -Statement of Education Philosophy -Resume -Copies of college transcripts (B.A./B.S. MUST BE POSTED, ECE Classes Posted with grades) -3 Letters of recent professional references, within a year (MUST HAVE SIGNATURES) -A current physical exam report must be available at the time of employment.

• Child Development Permit - Teacher (or higher)

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Americans are becoming less religious. None more than this group

As a Nicaraguan-born girl growing up in Miami, Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez remembers going to church five times a week. Her father was a pastor, and their fundamentalist evangelical faith taught that a woman’s role was to serve her husband.

At the same time, Mojica Rodríguez saw how essential women were in keeping the pews filled and the church running. Ultimately, dismayed by the subservient role of women and the church's harsh restrictions on girls, she would leave her faith – and her husband – in her late 20s.

"Women are less inclined to be involved with churches that don’t want us speaking up, that don’t want us to be smart," said Mojica Rodríguez, who went on to earn a master’s degree in divinity. "We’re like the mules of the church – that’s what it feels like."

Though the Nashville-based author and activist is now 39, her experience reflects a growing and, for churches, a potentially worrisome trend of young women eschewing religion. Their pace of departure has overtaken men, recent studies show , reversing patterns of previous generations.

Americans have been disaffiliating from organized religion over the past few decades. About 63% of Americans are Christian, according to the Pew Research Center, down from 90% in the early 1990s.

Meanwhile, the share of those who describe themselves as agnostic, atheist, or “nothing in particular” has risen to 28% . But it had been males, especially young men, leading these shifts – until now.

"For as long as we’ve been conducting surveys on religion, men have exhibited consistently lower levels of religious commitment than women – across cultures, class divisions, any way you cut it," said Daniel A. Cox, director of the Survey Center on American Life, whose data helped spotlight the trend. "That’s what made this so notable."

A forthcoming study from Barna Group and Impact 360 Institute reaffirms the pattern, Barna CEO David Kinnaman said. According to the report, Generation Z women, especially those aged 18 to 24, are less likely than young men to identify with a faith or to believe in a higher power.

According to the Pew Center, the shift is occurring primarily among Protestants, 60% of whom identify as evangelical. Experts say multiple factors are driving the trend.

As with Mojica Rodríguez, some fume over gender hierarchies, the inability of women to serve in influential positions, or expectations of chastity placed upon girls. Others, they say, struggle with their church’s positions on reproductive and/or LGBTQ rights .

"Young women are moving farther left politically," said Ryan Burge, an associate professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, who has examined the trend.

As partisanship becomes the prime lens through which many Americans see the world, Burge said, it has infiltrated the church environment, leaving many young women disillusioned and caught between their politics and church expectations.

Should the trend continue, it could have major repercussions for faith communities: Women are often the backbone of their congregations, fueling volunteer efforts and instrumental in engaging their families in the faith.

"Women do the majority of the work that keeps the church going," said former evangelical Sheila Wray Gregoire, who’s studied Christian marriage in the U.S. and Canada for 17 years. "They’re the ones responsible for getting children out of bed and going to church. They’re the ones staffing the Sunday school, making sure potlucks happen or that people are supported when they have an illness or are having a baby. The church is not going to survive without women."

'An emerging area of concern'

Burge, of Eastern Illinois, pored through biennial data compiled by the Cooperative Election Study, a national online survey of more than 50,000 people. The numbers showed that since 2012, the share of young women who identify as agnostic, atheist or “nothing in particular” has edged closer to and eventually overtaken that of young men.

He said the trend can’t be written off as an anomaly.

“It’s an emerging area of concern,” Burge said. “Right now the ‘check engine’ light is coming on – not every time you start the car, but sometimes. And you don’t know whether it will fix itself or get worse.”

Likewise, the Survey Center on American Life’s 2023 survey of 5,400-plus adults found men represented 54% to 57% of Baby Boomer, Generation X and Millennial individuals who had left their childhood faith.

Among Generation Z, however, the pattern has flipped: 54% of those who’d left the church are female, Meanwhile, nearly four in 10 Gen Z women identify as religiously unaffiliated, compared to a third of Gen Z males.

One statistic showed the vast difference between young women and their elders: While the share of religiously unaffiliated men was 11 points greater among Gen Z than Baby Boomers (34% to 23%), young women were nearly three times as likely than Baby Boomer women to identify as such (39% to 14%).

The issues that drive young women away from the church

Researchers say there’s usually not just one reason women leave the church. Higher levels of education, career goals and deprioritizing of marriage and parenthood can play a role; alternately, so too can the economic pressures of parenthood as the cost of living rises.

Matters of principle may provide the final push. According to the Survey Center on American Life, Generation Z women are far more concerned than previous generations with inequality and scornful of institutions adhering to patriarchal hierarchies – including more conservative churches, where women are not allowed to preach or hold leadership positions.

“There’s a cultural dissonance with young women being told you can do anything and then being told, well, generally, yes, but when it comes to our place of worship there’s restrictions,” Cox said. “That’s another challenge that these places are wrestling with.”

While many denominations now allow ordination of women, how such policies play out in practice can differ at the local level, where pastors may follow the lead of congregants resistant to such change.

“Why would you want to be at a place where your voice doesn’t matter?” said Gregoire, the former evangelical. “It’s hard when you grow up with a deep, personal faith and then the church you’re in treats you as less than. It’s like having the rug pulled out from under you.”

As incidents of sexual assaults or indiscretions involving church elders have increasingly come to light, the rise of the #MeToo movement and its religious equivalent, #ChurchToo, has “empowered young women to say, I don’t need to put up with this anymore,” Burge said.

Tim Whitaker, director and founder of The New Evangelicals, a digital nonprofit for former evangelicals rethinking their faith, said notions of “ purity culture ” and “modesty culture” – requiring girls to be chaste and dress modestly – are deeply embedded in some evangelical churches.

“I’ve been told that girls as young as 10 are told, ‘Your dress is too short,’” he said.

Purity culture, Gregoire said, teaches that women are responsible for men’s lustful thoughts. That’s one reason she launched Bare Marriage, a podcast and research effort examining the marital and sexual satisfaction of evangelical women in the U.S. and Canada.

“The way a woman dresses can cause a man to stumble – that’s the phrasing they use,” Gregoire said. “Because of that language, and because churches aren’t good at teaching about consent, if girls are sexually assaulted they can feel like it’s their fault, because ‘he’s just a man.’”

Such ideas, she said, are pushed in books targeted at teens, young men and parents and distributed by pastors during premarital counseling sessions or presented by peers at bridal showers.

“It isn’t from the pulpit all the time,” said Rebecca Lindenbach, Gregoire’s daughter and partner at Bare Marriage. “But they have curricula with recommended readings. That’s how these things get propagated.”

In general, Gregoire said, church attendance benefits women, contributing to higher marital satisfaction and fewer mental health issues. But it becomes harmful when women internalize what she calls “toxic teachings,” such as that a woman should have frequent sex with her husband to keep him from watching pornography.

Such teachings, she said, persist on the conservative fringes of Southern Baptist and independent fundamentalist Baptist circles.

“Not all churches are like this,” Gregoire said. “But the way many churches handle gender, it’s a choice they’re deliberately making, and it’s turning women off in huge numbers.”

Making the break with purity culture

Mojica Rodríguez, the Nashville author, recalled not being permitted to have male friends or to get phone calls from anyone who wasn’t Christian. Meanwhile, while her parents allowed her brother to stay out late, she couldn’t even leave the house.

She recalled attending a youth conference where boys and girls were divided into two groups; the boys split off to discuss leadership while the girls were made to list the attributes they wanted in a good husband.

At age 20, her date with a male friend was chaperoned, and her pastor father policed such interactions with vigilance.

“He would say, ‘If people can see that I can’t contain you, how will they listen to me?’” she said. “I carried the weight of purity culture.”

When Mojica Rodríguez got married, it was to a man she had met seven months earlier.

“The teaching is that you have get married fast, because lust is a powerful thing,” she said. “They sort of thrust you into marriage with strangers to keep you from the sin of fornication. As far as my mom knows, she witnessed our first kiss at the wedding.”

Mojica Rodríguez gradually realized her marriage also was about escape. Leaving home gave her the freedom to pursue graduate school studies at Vanderbilt University, where she was able to put the teachings of her upbringing into context. Her father had no interest in her theological views, she said, because of her gender.

She was still in the program in 2013 when she decided both to divorce herself from her husband – and her church. When she called her mother for emotional support, she said, her mother instructed her to return to her husband, with no questions about why she had left.

Soon afterward, she discovered she was pregnant, suddenly faced with another difficult choice. She ultimately decided to get an abortion.

“Those two things back to back went against everything I had ever been taught,” she said. “It was like, am I going to feel shame for the rest of my life, or am I going to be OK? It was hard, but it was even more heartbreaking to be so deeply misunderstood by my family and have them vilify my choices through their church lens.”

How will churches respond to the crisis?

Whitaker, of The New Evangelicals, said while many of these issues affect women broadly, young women have fewer ties to the church than their older peers who are more established with families and community bonds.

He partly credits the exodus of young evangelical women to the rise of social media spaces that facilitate sharing and affirmation of discontent. His organization, which launched in 2022, built an audience on Instagram and now has about 116,000 followers, about 70% of them women.

“These platforms have given them a place to express their thoughts and be heard,” he said. “Seeing other people’s stories, and seeing them make the change, has given them permission to take seriously their own concerns.”

Whitaker hears mostly from those who have left white evangelical churches, but doubts many institutions will adapt to stem the tide.

“A lot of them think God has given them clear commands around sexuality, gender and hierarchy, so when people leave for those reasons they see them as defecting from the church completely,” he said. “I don’t think the evangelical church is going to change its tune anytime soon.”

The Rev. David Gushee, author of “After Evangelicalism: The Path to a New Christianity” and a professor of Christian ethics at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, said that while some evangelical leaders are trying to respond constructively, “others are tripling down on toxic masculinity. It’s very sad, really.”

Tod Bolsinger, an ordained Presbyterian pastor who runs a consulting firm working with churches trying to navigate a changing world, said most are struggling to determine their identity moving forward.

“The challenge is that you’ve got to get really clear on what is so deeply important that it will never change and be prepared to change everything else,” he said.

Bolsinger, an associate professor of leadership formation at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California, said cultural shifts mean church leaders can no longer rely on old ways of thinking.

“For generations, people would say young adults will leave, but when they get married and get their babies baptized, they’ll come back,” he said. “No longer. You have to have something to offer people … If we are losing the people who have historically been the most loyal, that’s a four-alarm fire.”