Undergraduate Certificate in Infant and Toddler Specialization

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

• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (birth through age 5, non-licensure)

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

Ball State tuition is calculated at a cost-per-credit-hour rate; plus, you will be responsible for indirect costs such as books and other course materials and a technology fee.

You may qualify for financial assistance. We recommend you check out these key sources:

1. Scholarships for Indiana Early Childhood Professionals
   If you live and work in Indiana, you will want to be aware of the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Indiana Scholarship Program. If you qualify, a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship can cover up to 80 percent of your Ball State tuition and book costs for the classes you need to complete your certificate. Plus, you may be eligible for a $50 per semester stipend and a $300 per year bonus when T.E.A.C.H. receives your qualifying grades. Call the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Indiana Office at 800-657-7577 to find out if you are eligible. Our infant and toddler certificate has been developed in conjunction with the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children, which helps administer Indiana’s T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program.
   
   
2. Ball State’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
   Specialists in our Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships can help you understand more about other financial aid opportunities that you might qualify for and the requirements needed to apply and receive aid.
   
   
3. Tuition Assistance from Your Employer
   Learn more about this often-overlooked benefit.
   
   
4. Military Benefits
   If you are active in the military, a veteran, or a spouse or dependent of a veteran or active service member, Ball State can help you find out if you qualify for any military-related benefits.