Become a Licensed Early Childhood Teacher in Illinois: M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education

Turn your bachelor's degree in any field into an Illinois PEL for birth through Grade 2, plus a master's degree, in as little as 12 months online with NLU's CAEP-accredited National College of Education.

  • CAEP-Accredited National College of Education
  • Preparing Illinois Teachers Since 1886
  • Illinois PEL: Birth to Grade 2 Endorsement
  • Accelerated Track in As Few As 12 Months

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Why Choose NLU for Early Childhood Education?

12 to 24 Months
Accelerated track: one academic year. Traditional: 18 to 24 months.

Choose the pathway that fits where you are starting from: career changer, or a Gateways-credentialed educator already in the classroom.

43 SH
Credits to the master's and Illinois PEL (35 SH Accelerated)

One program delivers both the teaching license and the master's degree that moves you up your district's salary schedule.

$61,430
Median salary, kindergarten teachers (BLS, May 2024)

The Illinois PEL moves you from the childcare pay scale to the public-school pay scale, often a significant salary increase.

90%
Of brain development occurs in the early childhood years

The birth through Grade 2 endorsement puts you at the most consequential stage of a child's development.

4 Tracks
Traditional, Accelerated, Alternative Licensure, Teacher Resident

Every pathway leads to the same CAEP-accredited degree and Illinois PEL. Pick the one that fits your life.

Get Started Today

Program at a Glance

How long?
12 to 24 Months
Accelerated in 1 year; Traditional in 18 to 24 months
How many?
43 SH
Master's and Illinois PEL (35 SH Accelerated track)
What salary?
$61,430
Median salary, kindergarten teachers (BLS, May 2024)
What impact?
90%
Of brain development occurs in early childhood years

What You'll Learn

  • Analyze child development from birth through Grade 2
  • Design developmentally appropriate learning environments
  • Apply emergent literacy and early math methods
  • Engage families and communities in children's learning
  • Prepare and support students with disabilities in inclusive settings
  • Lead professional development within early childhood settings

Full Course List

Foundations
Developmental theory from birth through primary grades, covering physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language development in diverse children.
Historical perspectives, philosophical frameworks, and policy context shaping early childhood practice and advocacy in the U.S.
Literacy & Numeracy
Theories of early reading and writing development; assessment strategies and instructional approaches that build emergent literacy from birth.
Evidence-based methods for teaching reading comprehension, phonics, writing, and oral language to diverse learners in PreK through Grade 3.
Strategies for building positive math identities and conceptual understanding in young learners, grounded in current research in early mathematics.
STEM & Environment
Inquiry-based science, technology, and engineering integration for birth to Grade 2 settings, including play-based and outdoor STEM learning.
Clinical Practice
Supervised field experience in infant-toddler, preschool, and pre-K settings prior to student teaching.
Culminating 5-SH supervised student teaching in an Illinois early childhood classroom, birth to Grade 2, with full lesson-plan and assessment responsibilities.

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

Admissions Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in any field
  • Online application at nl.edu
  • Accelerated track: Gateways Level 4 + 3 years full-time teaching experience
  • Accelerated track: Admissions interview required
  • Background check and TB test required before clinical placements
Request Info

I knew I wanted a career that would take me places, push me beyond my limits, and make a difference. I found that with teaching, and I found that at NLU in the National College of Education.

Luis Bonilla M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education, '15
License + Master's in One

You don't need an education background. NLU's M.A.T. takes career changers with a bachelor's in any field and prepares them for the Illinois PEL for birth through Grade 2, while earning a master's degree at the same time. Four tracks mean there's a pathway that fits where you are starting from.

Finish in 12 Months

If you've taught full-time for 3+ years and hold the Gateways Level 4 credential, the Accelerated track gets you to licensure in one academic year, while you remain the teacher of record in your own classroom. No leaving your job. No lost income.

Since 1886 of Teacher Prep

NLU's National College of Education has prepared Illinois teachers for since 1886. CAEP-accredited curriculum pairs research-based methods with dual internship placements in preprimary and primary settings before student teaching. 70,000+ NLU alumni.

Where Will Your M.A.T. Take You?

$61,430
Median salary, kindergarten teachers, except special education (BLS, May 2024)
Kindergarten Teacher
Early Childhood Special Educator
Preschool and Pre-K Lead Teacher
Infant-Toddler Program Director
Instructional Coach (Early Grades)
Curriculum Specialist, Birth to Grade 2

The birth through Grade 2 endorsement is the broadest early-years license Illinois offers: one credential covering infant-toddler programs, preschool, pre-K, kindergarten, and Grades 1 and 2. Public-school kindergarten positions carry a median salary of $61,430, and preschool teaching is one of the few categories still projected to grow (+4% through 2034, 65,500 annual openings).

For early childhood professionals already in the field, the PEL is the credential that moves you from the childcare pay scale to the public-school pay scale. The M.A.T. adds the master’s degree that districts’ salary schedules reward.

Get Started Now

How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps

  1. Request Information

    Submit the form above. An NLU enrollment specialist will reach out to answer your questions and help identify the fastest track to your license.

  2. Connect With an Advisor

    Your advisor confirms which track fits you: Traditional for most candidates, Accelerated if you have 3+ years of full-time early childhood teaching and a Gateways Level 4 credential. They will also walk you through financial aid options.

  3. Apply and Start Classes

    Submit your application at nl.edu (bachelor's in any field accepted). Next start: September 21, 2026. Spots in the Accelerated track fill quickly.

Get Started

Take the First Step

No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to answer your questions and guide your next move.

Take the First Step
  • CAEP-Accredited National College of Education
  • Preparing Illinois Teachers Since 1886
  • Illinois PEL: Birth to Grade 2 Endorsement
  • Accelerated Track in As Few As 12 Months

*Salary data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2012), May 2024.

**Preschool teacher employment outlook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Preschool Teachers, 2024 to 2034 projections.

***90% brain development statistic: National Louis University, M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education program page (nl.edu, 2026).

****Credit hours: SmartCatalog, National Louis University, Early Childhood Education M.A.T. Traditional Track (nl.smartcatalogiq.com, current catalog).