Early Childhood Course

Baby TALK collaborates with Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois to offer a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, culminating in a type 04 Illinois teaching certificate, which is a license to teach children birth through third grade.  This program, begun in school year 2004-05, is being offered in two formats:  a day program for traditional college students, and an accelerated evening program called PACE (Professional Adult Comprehensive Education).   PACE is for students 24 years or older with some work experience and at least 45 college credits.  PACE meets one evening per week (unless a student needs to make up some pre-requisites, which may meet additional nights) and results in a degree in two years' time.  PACE tuition is half that of traditional program tuition, and PACE students qualify for financial aid.

Students in Millikin's Early Childhood Education program will spend time serving practicum experiences in Baby TALK's programs as well as Decatur School District #61 early childhood programs, and student teaching in grades K-3 in area elementary schools.  Millikin and Baby TALK are proud of the high quality of this degree program and its emphasis on the inclusion of families, children with special needs, and serving a culturally diverse population of young children.

Prospective students interested in more information about this degree program should contact Dr. Darlene Hoffman, Education Chair, Millikin University, 1184 West Main, Decatur, IL 62522 or call 217.424.6244.