Designed especially for working professionals, Ball State’s undergraduate infant and toddler certificate provides a specialized credential for those working with children from birth through age 3.
We offer one of the few all-online certificates for infant and toddler education in the nation. It is especially meaningful for those currently employed in Early Head Start or other early childcare settings. The program is also relevant to administrators, developmental therapists, and home visitors.
Academic Advisor
Contact the program advisor to start developing your personal plan of study.
Ms. Robin Box, M.A.
Program Coordinator
Our infant/toddler certificate will meet the current educational requirements that Early Head Start teachers earn 18 credits of training in infant/toddler development. Typically, quality childcare organizations across the nation have followed the leadership of the federally funded Early Head Start program. Many of these organizations have already added specific infant and toddler requirements for their staffs.
The certificate’s courses have been coordinated with the Indiana Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning and are aligned with the Indiana Core Knowledge and Competencies as defined by the Indiana Professional Development Network for educators working with children from birth through age 3.
In addition, our infant/toddler certificate coursework is aligned with the competencies you need to earn the Infant Mental Health Endorsement (IMH-E)®, Infant Family Associate (Category I) or Infant Family Specialist (Category II). Earning the endorsement involves preparation of an online portfolio that documents you have received training and that you demonstrate professional skills in working with infants and toddlers in areas of social emotional development. It is useful for both classroom teachers and developmental therapists.
Please note that the Category II endorsement requires a bachelor’s degree and 24 hours of reflective supervision. You may visit infancyonward.org for more information about the endorsement.
- Finish in one year. Classes are offered each semester, so earning this credential may be closer than you think.
- A strategic advantage to your career. Current research continues to strengthen our understanding that experiences and events in the first three years of a child’s life have a lasting impact on future social and academic success. So, professionals who are especially trained in the techniques of helping infants and toddlers learn and thrive are better positioned professionally for advancement within the field.
- Competitive tuition and incredible scholarship opportunities. Ball State offers one of higher education’s best values with quality online programs recognized by many in combination with competitively priced tuition. Plus, if you are actively working in an Indiana-based child care program, you may qualify for a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship that can cover 80 percent of your tuition and textbooks.
- A credential with weight. Our course work is rigorous and our students are highly desired because of the solid foundation they bring to the workplace.
- Pairs well with other related majors. While this certificate can be a stand-alone credential, it also can enrich a number of other degree programs.
While the infant and toddler certificate is designed to be a stand-alone credential, you may also opt to pair it with any of the following related bachelor’s degrees to expand your flexibility and leadership as an early childhood professional.
Online-Only Degree
This program is part of the completer program where you may transfer in at least 70 credits from an associate degree.
Main-Campus Degree Programs
If you are a student on Ball State’s main campus, you may want to add the infant and toddler specialization with any of the following bachelor’s degree programs:
- Early Childhood Education (birth through third grade)
-
Early Childhood Special Education
- Dual Major in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education
- Social Work
- Psychology
Course Requirements
Courses in the infant and toddler certificate are designed to give you the specialized knowledge and experience to provide ideal learning experiences to infants and toddlers.
Courses have been coordinated with the Indiana Core Knowledge and Competencies for Early Childhood, School-Age and Youth Professionals to be a qualified teacher for children from birth through age 3.
The certificate consists of 18 credits.
Required Courses (12 credits)
- ECYF 202 Child and Family Wellness (3 credits)
- ECYF 210 Promoting Prosocial Development in Young Children: Guidance and Cultural Factors (3 credits)
- ECYF 315 Infant Toddler Curriculum and Environment (3 credits)
- ECYF 493 Internship in Child Development (3 credits)
Electives (6 credits)
Choose two courses.
- ECYF 252 Creative Experiences for Young Children (3 credits)
- ECYF 320 Leadership and Management in Child Development Programs (3 credits)
- ECYF 380 Parenting (3 credits)
All courses are online and are offered in a regular rotation so that it is possible to finish the certificate within one year. For more information on required courses, see the course catalog.
View Catalog
Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all required courses to earn the certificate.
More about Online Learning
Federal Employees Pay In-State Tuition
Ball State has joined the Federal Academic Alliance and is offering reduced tuition rates for all eligible, non-Indiana resident Federal Government Employees (civil servants), spouses, dependents, and retirees who enroll in online undergraduate-level programs and courses through Ball State’s Teachers College. Learn more.
Ready to Apply?
You can enroll in this 18-credits program if you have a high school diploma or equivalent, or if you hold or are working toward a two- or four-year degree. You will need to meet Ball State’s admissions requirements.
Whether you are transferring credits in from another university or have never taken college courses before now, we invite you to learn about Ball State's admission requirements and how to apply to this program.
At minimum you will need a high school degree or have earned a high school equivalency diploma (TASC or GED).
Application Deadlines
This program has rolling admissions—which means you can apply any time. Your advisor will help you determine which semester you can start registering for courses.
Please plan for at least 3-4 weeks for staff from your previous schools to send official transcripts to Ball State. We will review your application as soon as we receive all your materials.
Application
Admission to Ball State is selective, and we carefully evaluate all application on an individual basis. Applying for admission is easy. Use our convenient, comprehensive, and secure online application.
Get Started
Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.
Want to Learn More?
Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We’re here to help! You may request more information using our online form, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.
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