Infant Toddler Level 3 Certificate - Career Certificate

Nurture, lead and play

You have the patience of a saint. And children, especially infants and toddlers, need someone like you in their lives. Their adult caregivers will certainly appreciate you. Build blocks with kids 0-3 years old while you develop their futures—and yours.

With your certificate, you can take the lead in your childcare facility. The skills you develop solidify your understanding of nuanced care. You’re empowered to:

Give age-appropriate learning and assessments.
Support language acquisition and development.
Refine motor skills through creative experiences.

What can you do with an Infant/Toddler Level 3 Certificate in Early Childhood Education?

You experience joy when you see kids playing. Mess is not stress—it’s growth. Use your perspective to encourage social skills in children. With the infant/toddler certificate, you build the skills to achieve this goal.

Begin working in any of the following roles:

infant teacher
toddler teacher
paraprofessional

Admission: More needed

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

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.
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
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

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 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 Code	Course Title	Credits
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 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 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
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	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 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 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

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

Total Credit Hours

32

*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

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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.

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. Learn about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
The infant/toddler 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. Learn to complete classroom-based assessments and manage standardized tests for young children.
Your classes include:
- Math Activities for Young Children
- Group Care of Infants and Toddlers
- Creative Activities for Infants and Toddlers
We hold most classes in person but do offer some courses fully online or blended. 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 3

Nurture, lead and play

What can you do with an Infant/Toddler Level 3 Certificate in Early Childhood Education?

Admission: More needed

Earn stackable career credentials

Highlights

Illinois Gateways to Opportunity

Stackable Credentials

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

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Recommended Pathway

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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?

How much does this program cost?

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Be debt-free at CLC

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