在伊利诺伊州和全国各地，随着研究表明早年的教育机会对塑造未来的学习成果具有至关重要的影响，对幼儿教育的重视程度继续提高。教育学院致力于培养幼儿教育的领导者和特殊的教育专家，为在芝加哥社区及其他地区的学习提供机会。MEd早期儿童教育计划的重点是教育专业人员，他们致力于在各种环境中与幼儿及其家庭一起工作。该计划为学生提供了获得伊利诺伊州专业教育工作者执照（PEL）的机会，并获得了儿童早期教育和儿童早期特殊教育的认可，伊利诺伊州网关5级儿童早期教育证书和/或伊利诺伊州早期干预证书。
In Illinois and across the nation, emphasis on early childhood education continues to grow as studies indicate the crucial impact educational opportunities in the early years have on shaping future learning outcomes. The College of Education is committed to preparing early childhood education leaders and special education experts creating opportunities for learning in Chicago communities and beyond. The MEd Early Childhood Education program focuses on educating professionals dedicated to working with young children and their families across a range of settings. The program provides opportunities for students to earn an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with endorsements in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education, Illinois Gateways Level 5 Early Childhood Education credential, and/or an Illinois Early Intervention credential.