Child and Family Studies

Certificate in Infant/Toddler Care and Education

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18 Credit Hours

to Graduate
Cost per Hour

$434

Per Credit Hour
EKU Online > Bachelor of Science in Child & Family Studies – Child Development > Certificate in Infant/Toddler Care and Education

Leave a Lasting Impression on the Lives of Children

EKU’s online infant/toddler certificate focuses on strategies and practices for the development of young children from birth to age three. The program prepares early childhood professionals to provide a strong foundation to young children and meets preparation standards for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Earn this credential while completing your bachelor’s degree and enhance your learning experience and career opportunities. 

Career Outlook

 The demand for professionals with backgrounds in childhood development and early childhood education has grown steadily in recent years, and is expected to continue to increase through 2031.

— U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Common Job Titles for Child and Family Studies Graduates

Early childhood development and early childhood education are challenging and rewarding fields.

> Learn More About Career Opportunities

Job Titles Include:

  • Head Start/Preschool Teacher
  • Early Childhood Educator
  • Curriculum Specialist
  • Afterschool Teacher
  • Assessment Specialist

 

Where Have EKU Child and Family Studies Graduates Worked?

EKU child and family studies graduates are prepared to teach or administer in private early childhood programs.

> Learn More About Career Opportunities

Employers Include:

  • KinderCare Learning Center
  • Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
  • University of Kentucky Hospitals
  • Wild Health
  • Cumberland River Behavioral Health

EKU Online Career Services

The EKU Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all of your career and professional development needs.

Services include:

  • Creating/Updating Your Resume and Cover Letter
  • Interviewing Tips and Coaching
  • Career Documents Review
  • Job Search

> Learn More About Career Services

 

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By submitting, you consent to EKU contacting you regarding our educational programs and services using email, telephone or text using the information you provided. 

Benefits
Requirements
Benefits of EKU Online

Rooted in the latest research and child development best practices, EKU’s online child and family studies programs prepare students for a variety of rewarding career options as well as graduate and professional school programs.

  • Accelerated 8-week terms
  • Personalized graduation plan
  • No application fee
  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members
  • Credit hours that count toward the Child Development Associate (CDA) and can be applied toward your state’s credentials**
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance
  • Coursework including child development and family studies that incorporates National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) professional preparation standards
  • Two practicum experiences to help you discover your calling
  • Quality courses from respected faculty who teach the same classes online and on campus
  • Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best universities offering online degrees

**Review your state’s requirements and speak to your advisor about how your coursework may transfer

Requirements

These instructions are for students enrolling in the online child and family studies program. For information related to the on-campus program, visit the departmental website.

Child and family studies courses require interaction with children and/or the elderly. Therefore, a criminal background check and negative TB skin test results are required prior to registering for some classes. Speak with an advisor for details. If you have a record of criminal behavior or positive TB results, you may be required to drop the course(s) and select another major. In addition, some courses will require Professional Liability Insurance (PLI).

Curriculum

EKU is dedicated to preparing the highest quality early childhood professionals for Kentucky and beyond. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as child development, organization and administration of early childhood programs, and creative activities and materials for young children.

Degree Requirements

A total of 18 credits are required to graduate.

View the infant/toddler care and education certificate requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Sample Courses

For a full list of course descriptions please see section 7 of the University graduate catalog.

CDF 236 – Interaction and Guidance (3)
Overview of guidance strategies in fostering children’s social competency within group or individually. Adults’ role in various interactions (e.g. parent-child, teacher-child) and resources for working with families/parents (e.g. parent education workshop) will be explored.

CDF 310 Observation and Assessment in ECE (3)
Authentic assessment approaches through observation of children in natural environments. Intentional planning and implementation of Developmentally Appropriate Practice in EC settings. Special emphasis on linking assessment to the EC curriculum.

CDF 327S Family Involvement with Young Children (3)

Study of effective relationships with families. Methods and materials useful in fostering family life education, including adult learning principles. Experiences include implementing family service plans, planning discussion groups, conducting home visits, and parent-teacher conferences. Includes 15 service-learning hours.

CDF 405 Program Planning for Infants and Toddlers (3)
Planning, implementation, and evaluation of developmentally and culturally appropriate environments for infants and toddlers. Emphasis is placed on the caregiver-infant relationship, intentional teaching and curriculum/program assessment, laboratory and field experiences, and environmental adaptations for special needs.

Enrollment

Emily Calvert

Emily Calvert

Enrollment Advisor

Call or email Enrollment Advisor Emily Calvert for information about the EKU Online Child and Family Studies Child Development Bachelor Degree program.

Contact Info:
859-622-2772
Emily.Calvert@eku.edu

Application Deadlines

 

Term Application Deadline Classes Begin
Fall A July 5 August
Fall B August 31 October
Spring A November 30 January
Spring B January 31 March
Summer A April 5 May
Summer B  May 31 June

 

Additional Contact Information

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Success

My favorite part was the flexibility of the program offered and the people I met in my program! I am still friends with some of them 4 years later.

Olivia GillisChild & Family Studies

Online Military Students

EKU Online offers veterans and active duty military students an unparalleled online learning experience that provides accessibility, convenience and flexibility.

Special Tuition for Active Duty* Military
Eastern Kentucky University offers reduced tuition expenses to $258 per credit hour for undergraduate and $335 per credit hour for graduate courses to all service members currently serving on active duty.

*Active duty is defined as on federal orders for 180 days or more.

“I’d like to thank the EKU College of Justice & Safety for the opportunity to complete my degree online. It’s very user-friendly, and everyone has bent over backwards to make this happen.”

– 1LT Heath Bergmann, EKU Online Graduate

Heath Bergmann
  • “I can confidently say that — as someone who doesn’t even live in the United States — EKU’s online program has been extremely accommodating and flexible. I can discuss advising appointments over email, and I can have my textbooks shipped to my address overseas.” – Sydney Garner Lewis
  • “After the birth of our first child, I knew I needed to go back and finish what I started,” said McKenzie. “I was happy that I could pick up where I left off at EKU even though I lived in a different state.” – EKU Online student and mom
  • “I chose EKU because I am a unique student with unique needs, and EKU provides an avenue for students like me to succeed.” – EKU Online Psychology student Jason Tate
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