Administration & Leadership in Early Childhood Education Certificate

Career Certificate
Cost
$6,650* (estimated)

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 college credits and learn as you go with stackable credentials.

  • 100% Online

    This degree can be completed 100% online. It’s up to you!

  • Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

    Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).

  • Career Certificate

    Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in less than 1 year.

  • Program Length: 1.5 Years

    Finish in 1.5 years as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

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Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

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 comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

Icon Key

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

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    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
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    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
    • Online/Virtual options available
    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
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    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
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    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
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
    • 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 Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    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
    • Online/Virtual options available
    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
    • Online/Virtual options available
    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
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    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
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available
    • 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 Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    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
    • Online/Virtual options available
    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
    • Online/Virtual options available
    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
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available

Total Credit Hours

38


Female student taking notes in class

Early Childhood Education at CLC

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

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