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How do you pursue a degree toward your dream career if you’re already working full-time? It’s a question many individuals are stuck trying to answer. A program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is opening doors for those people: enhancing their education, and in turn, positively affecting the lives of area children.

The Early Childhood On-Site (EChOS) program at SIUE offers a part-time degree program in Early Childhood Education, focusing on the advancement of already working individuals. Whether they currently work in the childcare field, or in a completely unrelated profession, participants are provided higher education on a convenient, flexible schedule.

“This is opening the door for more people aspiring to work in Early Childhood Education to achieve their goals and provide a quality education for children,” said Martha Latorre, program director of Early Childhood Education at SIUE. “A lot of our students have been looking for an option like this for a long time. They’re appreciative they finally have an opportunity to complete their education.”

After working in the retail and fast food industries for years, Karen Luna decided to enroll in the EChOS program and go after her dreams.

“Early Childhood Education appealed to me because I could have a direct influence on children, helping them develop their social skills and better prepare them for their future in education,” said Luna.

Luna said she was able to juggle her academic studies, family life and other employment thanks to the support she received from everyone involved. That support combined with her personal dedication carried her successfully through the program.

“I had commitment from my family, and the willingness of my professors to help me balance my schedule,” explained Luna. “As long as they see the effort from the individual, the instructors go above and beyond to help us achieve our goals.”

Luna now works for the East St. Louis School District #189 in a Pre-K classroom.

“Karen is an example of someone who did not have any previous background in Early Childhood Education,” explained Latorre. “She is proof that this is a program that proves successful for those without previous experience, and those already immersed in an early childhood setting. It’s individualized so it works for everyone.”

Program participants are required to have completed an associate’s degree, or credit equivalent, prior to enrolling in EChOS. Classes are held in the evening, two per semester, at an off-campus location that is central to all students. It is a three-year program that includes eight semesters of coursework.

Students in the EChOS program complete field experience, in addition to student teaching. For those currently working in the early childhood field, many of those hours can be completed at their current place of employment.

“In some instances, our students are already a lead teacher in a program that doesn’t require certification,” said Latorre. “This program provides them with the education to be the best teacher they can be. Many times the completion of this degree helps an individual move into a better paying position.”

SIUE’s EChOS program offers both licensure and non-licensure options. Dependent upon which option students pursue, graduates of the program may work in private or public school settings in pre-kindergarten through third grade, early intervention and as parent educators.

“It’s the children that these teachers will be serving that matter most,” said Latorre. “I want the teachers to provide the best possible education to those little ones they’re working with. That’s what leads to quality, is having better educated staff working with children.”

A new cohort begins each fall semester. To apply for the EChOS program, click here.

Photos: Dr. Martha Latorre, Early Childhood Education Program Director, associate professor of Curriculum and Instruction