Infant Toddler Level 2 Certificate - Career Certificate

Building blocks to better futures

With an Infant/Toddler Level 2 certificate in Early Childhood Education (E.C.E.), you become an expert in the development of children 0 to 3 years old. Your coursework prepares you to earn the Level 2 Early Childhood Illinois Gateways to Opportunity credential.

Gateways to Opportunity logo With your certificate, you master the skills needed to improve your childcare facility. Whether you work in a daycare or private childcare center, your courses prepare you for responsibilities such as:

infant and preschool curriculum development
observation and assessment of young children’s learning
problem solving
parent communication

What can you do with an Infant/Toddler Level 2 Certificate in Early Childhood Education?

Hanging out with kids is already your superpower. With an infant/toddler level 2 certificate in E.C.E., you can earn the credential to advance in your career. Learn to encourage growth and social skills in children.

Start a career right away in one of these roles:

Infant teacher
Toddler teacher
Paraprofessional

Admission: More needed

You must hold an Early Childhood Education Level 2 credential or higher. If you do not already have the certificate, you can get one with CLC’s program: Early Childhood Level 2 - Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Credential Certificate.

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

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
  
  $43,525
  
  Median
  
  $61,905
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $104,447
  
  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
  
  $20.92
  
  Median
  
  $29.76
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $50.21
  
  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
  
  $22,139
  
  Median
  
  $30,397
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $52,350
  
  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
  
  $10.64
  
  Median
  
  $14.61
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $25.16
  
  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).
Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $22,139
  
  Median
  
  $30,397
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $52,350
  
  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
  
  $10.64
  
  Median
  
  $14.61
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $25.16
  
  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
  
  64%
  
  Certificate
  
  8%
  
  Some college
  
  16%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  8%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  4%
  
  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).
Maintain order among students on a school bus. Duties include helping students safely board and exit and communicating behavioral problems. May perform pretrip and posttrip inspections and prepare for and assist in emergency evacuations.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30,238
  
  Median
  
  $36,636
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $43,442
  
  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
  
  $14.53
  
  Median
  
  $17.61
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $20.88
  
  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
  
  90.75%
  
  Certificate
  
  3.21%
  
  Some college
  
  6.04%
  
  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 other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $35,354
  
  Median
  
  $43,991
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $59,968
  
  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
  
  $16.99
  
  Median
  
  $21.14
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $28.83
  
  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
  
  10.41%
  
  Some college
  
  16.21%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  17.99%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  40.46%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  11.16%
  
  Doctorate
  
  3.77%
  
  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
  
  $28,426
  
  Median
  
  $36,470
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $48,267
  
  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
  
  $13.66
  
  Median
  
  $17.53
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $23.20
  
  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).
Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. 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
  
  $28,426
  
  Median
  
  $36,470
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $48,267
  
  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
  
  $13.66
  
  Median
  
  $17.53
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $23.20
  
  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 117	ECE 117 Creative Activities for Infants and Toddlers Class Description This course focuses on developing appropriate creative experiences and environments for children from birth through age three. Content includes choosing quality books, planning and implementing sensory activities, music and movement experiences, language play, exposure to the natural world, developing fine and gross motor skills, exploring art media, pretend play, and social interaction. Note: Materials fee required.	3
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

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 117
Course Title	ECE 117 Creative Activities for Infants and Toddlers Class Description This course focuses on developing appropriate creative experiences and environments for children from birth through age three. Content includes choosing quality books, planning and implementing sensory activities, music and movement experiences, language play, exposure to the natural world, developing fine and gross motor skills, exploring art media, pretend play, and social interaction. Note: Materials fee required.
Credits	3

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 Code	Course Title	Credits
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
ECE 214	ECE 214 Group Care of Infants and Toddlers Class Description This course is an overview of infant and toddler early care and education programs. Emphasis is on the care and protection of very young children; developmentally appropriate curriculum; working with diverse families; the impact and interaction of the physical environment and social climate on the young child. This course includes a required field experience of 20 hours at a site determined by the Instructor.	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

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	ECE 214
Course Title	ECE 214 Group Care of Infants and Toddlers Class Description This course is an overview of infant and toddler early care and education programs. Emphasis is on the care and protection of very young children; developmentally appropriate curriculum; working with diverse families; the impact and interaction of the physical environment and social climate on the young child. This course includes a required field experience of 20 hours at a site determined by the Instructor.
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

Total Credit Hours

20

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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 2 certificate in early childhood education is 20 credit hours and takes an average of one year to complete. Your coursework includes an observation and assessment course. Learn to complete classroom-based assessments and manage standardized tests for young children.
Your classes include:
- Health, Safety and Nutrition
- Group Care of Infants and Toddlers
- Creative Activities for Infants and Toddlers
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.
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial assistance. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Infant Toddler Level 2

Building blocks to better futures

What can you do with an Infant/Toddler Level 2 Certificate in Early Childhood Education?

Admission: More needed

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

Nannies

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

School Bus Monitors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Social and Human Service Assistants

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

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

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Teaching Assistants, Special Education

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 11 Credits

Semester 2 9 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Early Childhood Education at CLC

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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?

How much does this program cost?

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