Start Your Path in Early Childhood Education
Are you interested in working with infants and toddlers in a childcare setting? The Child Development: Infant and Toddler Certificate at Iowa Lakes Community College is designed to give you the foundational skills needed to support young children during their most important stages of development.
This 16-credit certificate provides a focused introduction to early childhood education, combining essential coursework with practical knowledge you can apply right away. Whether you are new to the field or currently working in childcare, this program helps you build confidence and grow your skills.
Build a Strong Foundation for Working with Infants and Toddlers
The Child Development: Infant and Toddler Certificate was developed in collaboration with early childhood professionals to meet the growing need for trained childcare staff. It provides the education needed to improve the quality of care in infant and toddler environments while supporting entry-level professionals in the field.
Through this program, you will explore how children grow and develop, how to create safe and healthy environments, and how to support early learning through everyday interactions.
Explore career opportunities and salary projections through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Early Childhood Education Outlook.
Connect with an enrollment coach today and take the first step toward shaping young minds!
Find Your It!
A First Step in Your Early Childhood Education Pathway
A First Step in Your Early Childhood Education Pathway
The Child Development: Infant and Toddler Certificate is designed as an entry point into Iowa Lakes’ Early Childhood Education pathway. It also aligns with industry expectations similar to the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
After completing this certificate, you can continue your education and build toward a diploma or degree in early childhood education.
If you’re ready to begin working with young children and make an impact from day one, this certificate gives you the skills and confidence to get started.
Apply today and take the first step in your early childhood education career.
Program Details
Length
1 term
Degree
Certificate (16 credits)
Campus
Estherville
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
ECE 112 – Portfolio Development I
Guides students’ development of a professional early childhood education portfolio showcasing their knowledge, skills, and dispositions in alignment with the NAEYC Standards for Professional Preparation of Students at the Associate Degree Level.
ECE 103 – Intro to Early Childhood Ed
Gives students a historical and philosophical foundation of the field of early childhood education. Includes an overview of assessment and trends that influence best practices. Explores careers in the field. Addresses influences of families and diversity.
ECE 170 – Child Growth and Development
Reviews typical and atypical development of children from conception to adolescence in all developmental domains. Presents interactions between child, family and society within a variety of community and cultural contexts. Examines theories associated with our understanding of children.
ECE 133 – Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Focuses on current concepts in the fields of health, safety and nutrition and their relationship to the growth and development of the young child ages birth to eight. Blends current theory with practical applications and assessments. Includes the influences of families and diversity on health, safety, and nutrition in early childhood settings.
EDU 235 – Children’s Literature
Teaches the criteria for choosing the best children’s literature and applies that criteria to evaluating materials to be used in the classroom.
ECE 221 – Infant/Toddler Care and Education
Focuses on care, education, and assessment of children from birth to thirty-six months. Prepares students to utilize developmentally appropriate practices including responsive caregiving, routines as curriculum, importance of relationships with diverse families, and a focus on the whole child in inclusive settings.
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
What You’ll Learn
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Identify appropriate milestones of child develoment
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Create developmentally appropriate learning environments
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Demonstrate supportive, respectful, reciprocal relationships using knowledge of family systems, culture, and community
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Apply effective strategies and learning approaches for early education
Accreditation:
The Early Childhood Education program at Iowa Lakes follows the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Professional Preparation Standards, ensuring students receive top-quality, industry-aligned education that meets national professional benchmarks for early childhood educators.
Career Opportunities & Advancement
- Teaching Assistant – Support lead teachers in preschools, Head Start programs, and elementary classrooms
- Childcare Provider – Work in licensed childcare centers, in-home daycare, or private care settings
- Nanny – Provide personalized early education and care for families
- Early Childhood Program Director – Oversee the operation and management of childcare programs
- Transfer to a Four-Year University – Continue your education in early childhood development or elementary education
With strong job placement rates and high demand for early childhood educators, Iowa Lakes provides the practical training, industry-aligned curriculum, and professional experience needed to launch a successful career in education.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Melissa Regelstad Professor | Early Childhood Education 712-362-7910 | mregelstad@iowalakes.edu |