Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Leadership in Infant Toddler Learning (LITL)
This synchronous online program provides students the opportunity to take graduate level coursework that provides the training necessary to seek employment in leadership positions within early care and education settings including early intervention, Smart Start, resource and referral, and community college instruction. The program is jointly administered with the Department of Human Development and Family Studies.
This certificate program is open to students who have a bachelor’s degree, and the 18 credit hours of required may be applied to a master’s or doctoral degree in Specialized Education Services or Human Development and Family Studies, though students may also enroll if they do not wish to pursue a degree.
Successful completion of this program culminates in a certificate, not a degree.
Example Careers:
Community College Instructor of Early Childhood Education, Administrator, Quality Assurance Specialist
Designed For
This program is designed for students wishing to assume leadership roles within educational and/or community agencies that work to support children, ages birth through five years, and their families.
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of this program, career opportunities include: curriculum specialist, director, early childhood consultant, supervisor/administrator, program coordinator, resource & referral specialist, service coordinator, early intervention program supervisory, and early intervention quality assurance specialist.
Research Interests
Faculty who teach in the certificate program engage in research on topics such as: preparation of early childhood educators for family-centered practice, measurement of child care quality, inclusive practices, assessment, early childhood policy, and collaboration in early childhood programs and services.
Program of Study
Sample Plan of Study:
- Fall 1—SES 601, HDF/SES 607
- Spring 1—SES 602, SES 603
- Fall 2—HDF 636, HDF/SES 606
Total hours: 18 credit hours
Core courses:
- HDF 650 Theory and Research in Early Childhood Development
- HDF 636 Leadership and Mentoring in Educating Young Children
- SES 601 Introduction to Inclusive Birth—Kindergarten Services
- SES 602 Inclusive Family-Centered Practices in Early Childhood
- SES 603 Screening/Assessment in Inclusive Early Childhood Services
- HDF/SES 607 Infant/Toddler Learning in Inclusive Settings
Minimum Program Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in early childhood or related field
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
Additional Information
- If GPA is below a 3.0, students have the option to take a graduate level course as a visiting student. If students earn a “B” or higher in this course, they will be considered eligible for admission. Admission is not guaranteed, and students must submit a full application for review for admission.
- Most students work full time while completing this program. Synchronous online class meetings take place in the evenings (5:00-6:50).
- The program is typically completed in 3 regular semesters.
- If undergraduate degree is in field other than early childhood, the student may be required to complete two (2) prerequisite courses.
- Students may work toward completion of the BK:ISED M.Ed. in conjunction with the LITL certificate. Students interested in doing this must apply through the UNCG Graduate School; this is an additional application and acceptance process (i.e. students must be accepted to both programs through the Graduate School).
- Interested applicants can go to http://grs.uncg.edu/apply-online/ to apply for admission. Applications must include: academic transcripts, current resume, professional statement describing interest and rationale for completing the program and career goals, and three (3) letters of recommendation, at least one of which should be an academic reference.
- Applications for Fall semester are due the preceding February. (e.g., to have applied for Fall 2021 semester, applications would have been due by February 1, 2021)
Our goal is for every student in the School of Education (SOE) to be able to focus on their studies and not on student debt. A variety of financial aid is available to our students, including scholarships based on academic merit and financial need. We invite you to explore the many scholarship opportunities offered in the School of Education.