Early Childhood Level 3 Certificate - Career Certificate

Learn nuanced care for young children

With an Early Childhood Level 3 certificate, you practice observational assessment and study how it informs curriculum instruction. Your coursework prepares you to obtain the Level 3 Early Childhood Illinois Gateways to Opportunity credential.

Whether you work in a public or private childcare center, your courses prepare you for responsibilities such as:

observation and assessment of young children’s education
development of children from birth through age 8
problem solving
parent communication

What can you do with a Level 3 Certificate in Early Childhood Education?

You value using play to encourage children’s self-esteem. With Level 3 Certificate Early Childhood Education (E.C.E.) courses, you build the skills to achieve this goal. Practice taking a child-centered approach to guidance and early social development.

Start a career right away in one of the following roles:

infant teacher
toddler teacher
preschool teacher

paraprofessional
childcare lead teacher

You may need certain teaching credentials to work in many childcare education centers. Get the state-recognized Level 3 Gateways to Opportunity certificate while you take your Early Childhood Education (E.C.E.) classes.
CLC is one of a select group of schools with these stackable credentials provided at no extra cost to you when you submit your transcript after graduation. You may even earn a pay raise! See your department chair for more information.
As you serve children and families in Illinois, Gateways to Opportunity gives you guidance, support and recognition. The credentials reflect professional standards set by both the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Illinois State Board of Educators.

Highlights

Illinois Gateways to Opportunity

Coursework is aligned with state-recognized requirements.
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 Year

Full-time students finish in 1 year.

Career Outlook

You know an education is important, but the career you get after graduating is even more important. We’re working to identify the most relevant career data for this program. Until then, you can explore the latest career opportunities in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $40,057
  
  Median
  
  $59,933
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $100,830
  
  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
  
  $19.25
  
  Median
  
  $28.81
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $48.47
  
  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.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  5.51%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  68.66%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  25.83%
  
  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).
Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19,980
  
  Median
  
  $28,579
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $50,760
  
  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
  
  $9.60
  
  Median
  
  $13.74
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $24.40
  
  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
  
  52.82%
  
  Certificate
  
  5.59%
  
  Some college
  
  10.17%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  22.71%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  8.71%
  
  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).
Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $66,830
  
  Median
  
  $108,300
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $168,350
  
  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
  
  $32.12
  
  Median
  
  $52.06
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $80.93
  
  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
  
  9.13%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  6.9%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  83.84%
  
  Doctorate
  
  0.14%
  
  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).
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).
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $48,958
  
  Median
  
  $67,215
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $109,256
  
  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
  
  $23.53
  
  Median
  
  $32.31
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $52.52
  
  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
  
  0.97%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.97%
  
  Some college
  
  1.09%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  84.39%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  12.6%
  
  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).
Develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology into instruction in order to provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses. May train and coach teachers. Includes educational consultants and specialists, and instructional material directors.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $49,890
  
  Median
  
  $72,884
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $118,589
  
  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
  
  $23.98
  
  Median
  
  $35.04
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $57.01
  
  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.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  24.97%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  74.9%
  
  Doctorate
  
  0.14%
  
  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).
Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $50,769
  
  Median
  
  $68,109
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $108,637
  
  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
  
  $24.41
  
  Median
  
  $32.74
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $52.23
  
  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.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  86.2%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  13.8%
  
  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).

View more careers

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" ready to help you get started at CLC.

Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with 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 inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

View program in catalog

Icon Key

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
ENG 121	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.	3
CMM 121	CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech Class Description For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.	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	ENG 121
Course Title	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CMM 121
Course Title	CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech Class Description For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
ECE 220	ECE 220 Observation and Assessment Class Description This course prepares students to complete authentic, alternative, classroom-based assessments on young children, as well as mange standardized tests in an appropriate manner. The course will further provide the student with the knowledge and skills to interpret and use the information gained to plan curriculum that is responsive to and supportive of children's learning and development. Students will have the opportunity to engage in assessment processes through classroom observations, providing each student with a stronger understanding of child development skills. Students learn about and explore a variety of age, linguistically, individually, and culturally appropriate formal and informal assessments. Students will practice gathering and sharing information on each child's skills, abilities, interests and needs, birth through age 8. Includes required daytime field experience hours in diverse settings. Note: Current Illinois State Police criminal background check required.	3
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
ECE 229	ECE 229 Language Development and Early Literacy Class Description This course focuses on the development of speech, language, and emergent literacy in the young child. Students will gain an understanding of how children progress through stages of language acquisition, as well as the influence of culture and diversity on language and literacy development. Students will explore and develop strategies for facilitating language development and emergent literacy, create integrated curriculum activities, and assess children's literature for developmental and cultural appropriateness.	3
ECE 241	ECE 241 Guidance and Social Development Class Description This course introduces practical principles and techniques for providing a balanced, child-centered approach to addressing the developmental needs and abilities of children in the early childhood years. Course content includes review of general theories of child guidance and how guidance encourages autonomy and self-discipline while promoting development of positive self-concept and early social development. Emphasis is placed on encouraging self-esteem, activities to promote pro-social behaviors, the relationship between the classroom environment and behavior, and the importance of observation to understand the underlying causes of behavior.	3
ECE 242	ECE 242 Math Activities for Young Children Class Description This course incorporates theories, research, and pedagogy as it relates to the emergence and development of mathematical concepts, knowledge, and skill development in young children. Includes review of basic mathematical concepts and terminology for teacher preparation in early childhood education. Emphasis is on the exploration of principles, methods, and developmentally appropriate materials within the early childhood classroom. Students learn and demonstrate how to promote children's emerging math skills and concepts through hands-on discovery and play. Includes planning, preparation, and assessment techniques for relevant early childhood math curriculum.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ECE 220
Course Title	ECE 220 Observation and Assessment Class Description This course prepares students to complete authentic, alternative, classroom-based assessments on young children, as well as mange standardized tests in an appropriate manner. The course will further provide the student with the knowledge and skills to interpret and use the information gained to plan curriculum that is responsive to and supportive of children's learning and development. Students will have the opportunity to engage in assessment processes through classroom observations, providing each student with a stronger understanding of child development skills. Students learn about and explore a variety of age, linguistically, individually, and culturally appropriate formal and informal assessments. Students will practice gathering and sharing information on each child's skills, abilities, interests and needs, birth through age 8. Includes required daytime field experience hours in diverse settings. Note: Current Illinois State Police criminal background check required.
Credits	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	ECE 229
Course Title	ECE 229 Language Development and Early Literacy Class Description This course focuses on the development of speech, language, and emergent literacy in the young child. Students will gain an understanding of how children progress through stages of language acquisition, as well as the influence of culture and diversity on language and literacy development. Students will explore and develop strategies for facilitating language development and emergent literacy, create integrated curriculum activities, and assess children's literature for developmental and cultural appropriateness.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ECE 241
Course Title	ECE 241 Guidance and Social Development Class Description This course introduces practical principles and techniques for providing a balanced, child-centered approach to addressing the developmental needs and abilities of children in the early childhood years. Course content includes review of general theories of child guidance and how guidance encourages autonomy and self-discipline while promoting development of positive self-concept and early social development. Emphasis is placed on encouraging self-esteem, activities to promote pro-social behaviors, the relationship between the classroom environment and behavior, and the importance of observation to understand the underlying causes of behavior.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ECE 242
Course Title	ECE 242 Math Activities for Young Children Class Description This course incorporates theories, research, and pedagogy as it relates to the emergence and development of mathematical concepts, knowledge, and skill development in young children. Includes review of basic mathematical concepts and terminology for teacher preparation in early childhood education. Emphasis is on the exploration of principles, methods, and developmentally appropriate materials within the early childhood classroom. Students learn and demonstrate how to promote children's emerging math skills and concepts through hands-on discovery and play. Includes planning, preparation, and assessment techniques for relevant early childhood math curriculum.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

32

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.
- Combine your learning with structured on-the-job training and mentorship in the “Learn and Earn” 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 level 3 certificate in early childhood education is 32 credit hours and takes an average of one year to complete. Your coursework includes an observation and assessment course. Complete classroom-based assessments and manage standardized tests for young children.
Your classes include:
- Math Activities for Young Children
- Guidance and Social Development
- Health, Safety and Nutrition for Young Children
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 degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.

*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.

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Paying for college

Explore careers

Discover majors and career paths to complement and extend your intuitive interests and abilities.

Explore Career Coach

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

Send me info

Get started

Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

Start today!

Early Childhood Level 3

Learn nuanced care for young children

What can you do with a Level 3 Certificate in Early Childhood Education?

Earn stackable career credentials

Highlights

Illinois Gateways to Opportunity

Stackable Credentials

100% Online

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Childcare Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Instructional Coordinators

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

Icon Key

Semester 1 17 Credits

Semester 2 15 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?

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

Explore careers

Request info

Get started