Lead in Infant and Toddler Care: B.A. in Infant-Toddler Studies

Become a leader in infant and toddler care and education, without a teaching license, earning Illinois Gateways credentials from the university that has produced more Golden Apple Award winners than any school in Illinois.

  • No Teaching License Required
  • Gateways Level 5 Credentials Included
  • Specialized in Birth to Age 5
  • On-Campus or Online

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Why Choose NLU for Infant-Toddler Studies?

100,000 Slots
New Illinois infant-toddler care slots targeted by the state

Illinois' childcare expansion needs credentialed professionals to lead those programs.

Up to 4 Credentials
Gateways Level 5 ECE, Infant/Toddler, Director II, EI/DT

Among the broadest credential portfolios in the early childhood field.

Birth to Age 5
Specialized in the first years of life

Deep expertise in the brain-development window general programs only touch on.

No License Needed
Built for care and leadership roles, not classroom teaching

Work in childcare, family support, and early intervention settings.

$12,195/yr
First-time freshman tuition (2025-2026)

An affordable path to specialized infant-toddler credentials.

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Program at a Glance

How long?
4 Years
On-campus or online; accelerated for transfers
How much?
$12,195/yr
First-time freshman tuition (2025-2026 rate)
How many?
180 QH
Bachelor of Arts
What credentials?
Up to 4
Gateways Level 5, IT, Director II, EI/DT

What You'll Learn

  • Specialize in infant and toddler development, birth to age 5
  • Apply trauma-informed and responsive caregiving practices
  • Design safe, developmentally rich learning environments
  • Observe and assess young children to guide care
  • Partner with families and communities
  • Qualify for up to four Illinois Gateways credentials

Full Course List

Infant-Toddler Core
How children develop in the first three years, the most critical window for brain development.
Designing care and curriculum responsive to the needs of infants and toddlers.
Environments
Creating safe, nurturing, developmentally rich environments for the youngest learners.
Health & Safety
Keeping infants and toddlers healthy, safe, and well-nourished.
Assessment
Observing and assessing young children to inform responsive caregiving.
Family Engagement
Partnering with families and communities to support children's development.
Foundations
Developmental science and equity-informed practice across early childhood.
Clinical Practice
Field hours and an internship in real infant-toddler care settings.

Next start: September 21, 2026 — seats filling fast.

Admissions Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent (no application fee)
  • Online application at nl.edu with official transcripts
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA before advanced coursework
  • Grade of C or better in general education, major, and core courses
  • No teaching license required
Request Info
Specialized in the First Three Years

Dedicated coursework in infant-toddler development, care, and learning environments, the brain-development window general early childhood programs only touch on.

Up to Four Gateways Credentials

Gateways Level 5 ECE and Infant/Toddler, plus optional Director Level II and Early Intervention credentials, one of the broadest credential portfolios in the field.

A Field That's Growing Fast

Illinois is targeting 100,000 new infant-toddler care slots, and credentialed leaders are in demand to run them.

Where Will Your Degree Take You?

65,500
Annual openings for preschool teachers (BLS)
Infant-Toddler Lead Teacher
Childcare Center Director
Early Intervention Specialist
Family Support Specialist
Preschool Teacher
Child Development Specialist

NLU’s Infant-Toddler Studies graduates enter a specialized and growing sector of Illinois’ early childhood ecosystem, where credentialed professionals are in high demand and short supply. The degree develops deep expertise in the first three years of life, the period neuroscience identifies as the most critical for brain development.

Preschool teaching, one common pathway, is projected to grow 4 percent through 2034 with about 65,500 openings a year (BLS, May 2024). Graduates are eligible for up to four Illinois Gateways credentials, and four concentration options shape the path toward program leadership, early intervention, or community social services.

Get Started Now

How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps

  1. Request Information

    Submit the form above. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day.

  2. Connect With an Advisor

    Your advisor walks you through the non-licensure pathway, concentration options, and how the Gateways credentials map to your career goals.

  3. Apply and Start Classes

    Submit your application at nl.edu with no application fee. Next start: September 21, 2026. Your advisor guides you through every step.

Get Started

Take the First Step

No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to map your path to a career in infant and toddler care.

Take the First Step
  • No Teaching License Required
  • Gateways Level 5 Credentials Included
  • Specialized in Birth to Age 5
  • On-Campus or Online

*Salary and job outlook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Preschool Teachers, May 2024 and 2024 to 2034 projections.

**Illinois infant-toddler care expansion: State of Illinois childcare initiative (Smart Start Illinois).

***Credentials and curriculum: SmartCatalog, National Louis University, Infant-Toddler Studies B.A. (nl.smartcatalogiq.com, current catalog).