Available Credentials

These credentials are available to candidates who are taking Early Childhood courses.

Gateways to Opportunity Credentials
Gateways to Opportunity has recognized LCU as an entitled institution that may award the following credentials upon completion of the AA in Early Childhood or the AAS in Early Childhood (online through the School of Adult & Graduate Studies):

• Early Childhood Education Credential (ECE) Level 4
• Infant & Toddlers Credential (ITC) Level 4
• Illinois Director Credential (IDC) Level 1 (with additional courses)

The candidate is responsible for completing the paperwork associated with receiving financial aid and credentials from Gateways to Opportunity. All paperwork and official transcripts must be sent to: Gateways to Opportunity, Attn: Mary Leonard, 1226 Towanda Plaza, Bloomington, IL 61701. There is an application fee of $30 for current students and those who have graduated in the last 2 years. All transfer credits must be approved by the Program Director. Visit www.ilgateways.com or contact Dr. Karen Estep for more information.

Child Development Associates Credential (CDA) from the Council for Professional Recognition
The CDA credential can be earned by qualified child care professionals who document their ability to meet national standards of care and education for young children and their families. The credential may be earned for use in the Family Child Care, Preschool, Infant/Toddler, or Home Visitor setting. You can learn more about the process of and requirements for receiving a CDA at http://www.cdacouncil.org/the-cda-credential/about-the-cda. For information on course work that can be applied toward this credential contact the program director, Dr. Karen Estep.

Courses for this credential are offered through both the School of Undergraduate Studies and online through the Hargrove School of Adult and Graduate Studies. These courses prepare the candidate by fulfilling the required 120 clock hours of training in eight subject areas needed to apply for the CDA credential:

EC 134 Introduction to Early Childhood Education	3 (20 FE)
EC 147 Health, Safety, and Nutrition	3
EC 238 Child Growth and Development	3 (10 FE)
EC 243 Care of Infants & Toddlers	3 (10 FE)
EC 246 Organization and Administration for Early Childhood Directors	2 (10 FE)

Candidates must also have completed 480 hours of professional experience in the last 5 years. This experience must be in a group setting with children of the age he or she is seeking the credential. Upon completion of the appropriate course work, candidates may apply for this credential, through the Council for Professional Recognition. Visit www.cdacouncil.org for more information. Candidates who have successfully completed, these courses may use this course work towards an AA or the AAS in Early Childhood.