Administration & Leadership in Early Childhood Education Certificate

Advanced skills for teaching youngsters

Level up your career with an administrative and leadership certificate in early childhood education (E.C.E.). The expertise you develop can help you meet requirements for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (N.A.E.Y.C.) program accreditation and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (I.D.C.F.S.) Director role.

Help your childcare facility run smoothly by strengthening your leadership skills. Whether you work in a public or private childcare center, your courses prepare you for responsibilities such as:

organizing and delegating tasks
educating parents
creating budgets
thinking critically and solving problems

What can you do with an Administration & Leadership Certificate in Early Childhood Education?

You witness the importance of play in the development of children on a regular basis. With a certificate in administration and leadership, you can do this as a director.

Learn the business and management skills needed to work in schools, children’s learning centers and more. Some students have even started their own childcare centers or become directors of existing childcare facilities.

Start a career right away in one of these roles:

childcare assistant director
childcare director
childcare owner

Admission: More needed

You must hold an Early Childhood Education Level 3 credential or higher to qualify for this program. If you do not already have the credential, you can get one with CLC’s program: Early Childhood Level 3 - Illinois Gateways to Opportunity certificate.

Highlights

Stackable Credentials

Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
100% Online

Can be completed 100% online.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1.5 Years

Full-time students can complete in 1.5 years.

Career Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $35,754
  
  Median
  
  $47,047
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $76,630
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $17.19
  
  Median
  
  $22.61
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $36.84
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  25.65%
  
  Certificate
  
  6.18%
  
  Some college
  
  19.7%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  31.95%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  16.3%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  0.22%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $29,788
  
  Median
  
  $37,335
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $57,707
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $14.32
  
  Median
  
  $17.94
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $27.74
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  28.75%
  
  Certificate
  
  10.34%
  
  Some college
  
  12.17%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  11.55%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  25.14%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  12.04%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $25,984
  
  Median
  
  $32,195
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $49,615
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $12.49
  
  Median
  
  $15.47
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $23.85
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  22.08%
  
  Certificate
  
  30.84%
  
  Some college
  
  23.39%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  18.65%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5.05%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
ECE 121	ECE 121 Introduction to Early Childhood Education Class Description This survey course provides an overview of early childhood care and education including historical and cultural perspectives, organization, structure, programming, and evidence-based practices. Professional and evidence-based practices of highly-qualified early childhood educators are outlined with an emphasis on their ability to enhance development and learning of each and every child between the ages of birth and eight. Considerations for diversity of culture, language, race, socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, and ability will be included. Note: Students are required to complete ten hours of field observations in diverse early childhood settings. Current Illinois State Police criminal background check may be required.	3
ECE 124	ECE 124 Child Development for Educators Class Description This course provides an overview of the theory and principles of human growth and development from conception through adolescence. Content includes an in-depth study of the inter-relatedness of physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects of development. Development is studied in the context of family, gender, culture, language, ability, socioeconomics, diversity, and society. Special emphasis will be on the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Gardner with implications for applied classroom practice. ECE 124 and EDU 124 are cross-listed.	3
ECE 141	ECE 141 Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children Class Description This course provides an overview of the health, safety and nutritional needs of young children and early childhood practices to ensure the health and well-being of each child in a group setting. Content includes roles and responsibilities of adults in meeting children's diverse needs, the promotion of healthy lifestyle practices, understanding common childhood illnesses and injuries, meeting health, nutrition and safety standards, and planning nutritious meals that are appropriate for each child.	3
HCM 113	HCM 113 ServSafe: Food Service Sanitation Class Description This course introduces students to the principles and procedures of sanitation in food preparation and service. Topics include causes and prevention of food borne illnesses, health regulations and inspection procedures. The State of Illinois Sanitation Licensing Examination is given as part of this course. This course meets the requirements for the sanitation course for American Culinary Federation (ACF) initial certification and/or re-certification. NOTE: BRING SERVSAFE BOOK TO FIRST CLASS - AVAILABLE AT CLC BOOKSTORE.	1
BUS 121	BUS 121 Introduction to Business Class Description This course provides a broad overview of the principles, functions and careers in business. Topics included are: economics, global business, ethics, business structures, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, finance and operations management.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	ECE 121
Course Title	ECE 121 Introduction to Early Childhood Education Class Description This survey course provides an overview of early childhood care and education including historical and cultural perspectives, organization, structure, programming, and evidence-based practices. Professional and evidence-based practices of highly-qualified early childhood educators are outlined with an emphasis on their ability to enhance development and learning of each and every child between the ages of birth and eight. Considerations for diversity of culture, language, race, socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, and ability will be included. Note: Students are required to complete ten hours of field observations in diverse early childhood settings. Current Illinois State Police criminal background check may be required.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ECE 124
Course Title	ECE 124 Child Development for Educators Class Description This course provides an overview of the theory and principles of human growth and development from conception through adolescence. Content includes an in-depth study of the inter-relatedness of physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects of development. Development is studied in the context of family, gender, culture, language, ability, socioeconomics, diversity, and society. Special emphasis will be on the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Gardner with implications for applied classroom practice. ECE 124 and EDU 124 are cross-listed.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ECE 141
Course Title	ECE 141 Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children Class Description This course provides an overview of the health, safety and nutritional needs of young children and early childhood practices to ensure the health and well-being of each child in a group setting. Content includes roles and responsibilities of adults in meeting children's diverse needs, the promotion of healthy lifestyle practices, understanding common childhood illnesses and injuries, meeting health, nutrition and safety standards, and planning nutritious meals that are appropriate for each child.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HCM 113
Course Title	HCM 113 ServSafe: Food Service Sanitation Class Description This course introduces students to the principles and procedures of sanitation in food preparation and service. Topics include causes and prevention of food borne illnesses, health regulations and inspection procedures. The State of Illinois Sanitation Licensing Examination is given as part of this course. This course meets the requirements for the sanitation course for American Culinary Federation (ACF) initial certification and/or re-certification. NOTE: BRING SERVSAFE BOOK TO FIRST CLASS - AVAILABLE AT CLC BOOKSTORE.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 121
Course Title	BUS 121 Introduction to Business Class Description This course provides a broad overview of the principles, functions and careers in business. Topics included are: economics, global business, ethics, business structures, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, finance and operations management.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
ECE 223	ECE 223 Child, Family, and Community Class Description This course focuses on the diverse needs of the child within the context of family, school and community. The course will examine the interplay of diverse cultures, lifestyles, abilities, language and communication with the role of the early childhood environment and other community institutions. Students will gain an understanding of their professional role in supporting evidence-based practices that strengthen respectful, collaborative family/child partnerships through effective use of community and family resources.	3
EDU 223	EDU 223 Technology in the Classroom Class Description This course focuses on the uses of basic technology for management and instruction in PreK-12 classrooms. Students will develop the knowledge and skills they need to appropriately and responsibly use technology tools, resources, processes, and systems; to access, retrieve and evaluate information from various media; and to successfully integrate computers into the curriculum. Note: Basic computer skills recommended.	3
CMM 127	CMM 127 Intercultural Communication Class Description This course will examine the complex relationships between communication and culture by using social, psychological, interpretive and critical perspectives. Additionally, this course will allow one to consider the role that communication has in creating, maintaining, or challenging cultural assumptions, norms, rules and power structures and will also encourage one to consider the importance of social, historical, and cultural contexts in intercultural interactions. Students of CMM127 will explore how diverse underlying cultural orientations and patterns influence communication within and between cultures and will learn to evaluate their own and other's communicative behaviors from a culturally sensitive perspective. Throughout the semester, students will build communication skills with a particular emphasis on bridging cultural barriers through in class and out of class activities. Theoretical and practical aspects of intercultural communication will be addressed with a focus on building culturally competent communication skills.	3
BUS 115	BUS 115 Elements of Supervision Class Description This course introduces the role of the supervisor and how it fits in the overall management of an organization. Emphasis is on how the supervisor can impact a department's productivity. Topics will include: supervisory planning, time management, organizing and delegating tasks, training and coaching employees, Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines, labor relations, managing conflict and stress in the work environment, creating a safe and healthy work environment, and productivity improvement.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ECE 223
Course Title	ECE 223 Child, Family, and Community Class Description This course focuses on the diverse needs of the child within the context of family, school and community. The course will examine the interplay of diverse cultures, lifestyles, abilities, language and communication with the role of the early childhood environment and other community institutions. Students will gain an understanding of their professional role in supporting evidence-based practices that strengthen respectful, collaborative family/child partnerships through effective use of community and family resources.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	EDU 223
Course Title	EDU 223 Technology in the Classroom Class Description This course focuses on the uses of basic technology for management and instruction in PreK-12 classrooms. Students will develop the knowledge and skills they need to appropriately and responsibly use technology tools, resources, processes, and systems; to access, retrieve and evaluate information from various media; and to successfully integrate computers into the curriculum. Note: Basic computer skills recommended.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CMM 127
Course Title	CMM 127 Intercultural Communication Class Description This course will examine the complex relationships between communication and culture by using social, psychological, interpretive and critical perspectives. Additionally, this course will allow one to consider the role that communication has in creating, maintaining, or challenging cultural assumptions, norms, rules and power structures and will also encourage one to consider the importance of social, historical, and cultural contexts in intercultural interactions. Students of CMM127 will explore how diverse underlying cultural orientations and patterns influence communication within and between cultures and will learn to evaluate their own and other's communicative behaviors from a culturally sensitive perspective. Throughout the semester, students will build communication skills with a particular emphasis on bridging cultural barriers through in class and out of class activities. Theoretical and practical aspects of intercultural communication will be addressed with a focus on building culturally competent communication skills.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 115
Course Title	BUS 115 Elements of Supervision Class Description This course introduces the role of the supervisor and how it fits in the overall management of an organization. Emphasis is on how the supervisor can impact a department's productivity. Topics will include: supervisory planning, time management, organizing and delegating tasks, training and coaching employees, Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines, labor relations, managing conflict and stress in the work environment, creating a safe and healthy work environment, and productivity improvement.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
ECE 254	ECE 254 Early Childhood Education Practicum - Administrative Class Description This course is a practicum designed for those individuals who are interested in serving as administrators or directors of early childhood programs. The focus of this practicum experience is the application of early childhood leadership strategies, administrative skills and knowledge. Students are supervised by a college instructor, while working closely with an assigned early childhood program administrator or director. Course assignments are focused on program assessment and improvement, staff training, parent education, and fiscal and business management. The student will be supervised by a qualified director for 300 documented hours as mandated by the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Director Credential - Level I. Other requirements for this Illinois Director Credential also apply. See Department Chair for further information.	4
ECE 270	ECE 270 Organization and Administration of Early Childhood Programs Class Description This course is intended for students who are interested in becoming or who are currently serving as leaders of early childhood programs (directors, assistant directors, program coordinators). The course will acquaint students with the organization, regulation, management, and evaluation of programs serving young children. Course content includes staff management including staff selection, mentoring, supervision, and evaluation; parent and community relationships; children’s educational programming; safety, design, and arrangement of the physical environment; use of technology; advocacy. Issues of culture and diversity are explored, as well as strategies for respectful communication, problem-solving, and collaboration with families and the community.	3
CMM 128	CMM 128 Interviewing Practices Class Description Techniques and skills to improve fluency, accuracy, and persuasiveness in one-to-one communication. Covers all types of interviewing and process of dyadic communication.	3
ECE 299	ECE 299 Special Topics in Early Childhood Education Class Description These special topic courses will focus on a specific current issue in the area of early childhood care and education. A maximum of 6 credit hours of ECE 299 or EDU 299 may be used as elective toward an AAS or AA degree in early childhood education.	1-5

Course Highlights
Course Code	ECE 254
Course Title	ECE 254 Early Childhood Education Practicum - Administrative Class Description This course is a practicum designed for those individuals who are interested in serving as administrators or directors of early childhood programs. The focus of this practicum experience is the application of early childhood leadership strategies, administrative skills and knowledge. Students are supervised by a college instructor, while working closely with an assigned early childhood program administrator or director. Course assignments are focused on program assessment and improvement, staff training, parent education, and fiscal and business management. The student will be supervised by a qualified director for 300 documented hours as mandated by the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Director Credential - Level I. Other requirements for this Illinois Director Credential also apply. See Department Chair for further information.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	ECE 270
Course Title	ECE 270 Organization and Administration of Early Childhood Programs Class Description This course is intended for students who are interested in becoming or who are currently serving as leaders of early childhood programs (directors, assistant directors, program coordinators). The course will acquaint students with the organization, regulation, management, and evaluation of programs serving young children. Course content includes staff management including staff selection, mentoring, supervision, and evaluation; parent and community relationships; children’s educational programming; safety, design, and arrangement of the physical environment; use of technology; advocacy. Issues of culture and diversity are explored, as well as strategies for respectful communication, problem-solving, and collaboration with families and the community.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CMM 128
Course Title	CMM 128 Interviewing Practices Class Description Techniques and skills to improve fluency, accuracy, and persuasiveness in one-to-one communication. Covers all types of interviewing and process of dyadic communication.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ECE 299
Course Title	ECE 299 Special Topics in Early Childhood Education Class Description These special topic courses will focus on a specific current issue in the area of early childhood care and education. A maximum of 6 credit hours of ECE 299 or EDU 299 may be used as elective toward an AAS or AA degree in early childhood education.
Credits	1-5

Total Credit Hours

38

Early Childhood Education at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This certificate is just one possible way to study early childhood education. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Early Childhood Education program overview

Frequently asked questions

Enjoy the hands-on application of your coursework in real-world settings. Grasp the expectations employers will have—taught by supportive professors—before you begin working.
You also have the opportunity to:
- conduct and present topical field research
- work on projects linked to real career applications of the core concepts for each course
- get support from the Future Educators Club throughout the program
As long as you understand the importance of play in the development of young children, you belong here. All ECE programs include diversity, equity and inclusion. You also have an option to take all your ECE classes in Spanish.
College of Lake County is committed to ALL students. For more information, read our diversity and inclusion values and policies.
The administration and leadership certificate in early childhood education is 38 credit hours and takes an average of three semesters to complete. Your coursework includes intercultural communication and interviewing practices, which allow you to relate to diverse families, kids and teachers.
Your classes include:
- Administration of ECE Programs
- ECE Administrative Practicum
- Introduction to Business
Yes, every course in this program is offered in an online format. Attend class in the way that works best for your goals.
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your certificate on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.
Our student profile is varied. Over half of our students are older than the average CLC student. Most of our students enter the program with an associate degree. Your empathy and listening skills are your most important characteristics.

*Cost includes tuition and other fees, including books and materials before financial aid is applied, such as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Administration & Leadership in Early Childhood Education

Advanced skills for teaching youngsters

What can you do with an Administration & Leadership Certificate in Early Childhood Education?

Admission: More needed

Highlights

Stackable Credentials

100% Online

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1.5 Years

Career Outlook

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 15 Credits

Semester 2 12 Credits

Semester 3 11 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Early Childhood Education at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of a certificate in Early Childhood Education at CLC?

Will I belong at CLC?

How long is the program?

Can I take my classes online?

I’m older. Is this program for me?

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

Explore careers

Request info

Get started