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Why Add a Concentration?
Why Add a Concentration?
A concentration allows you to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals. It adds depth in a specific area, helps you build specialized skills, and can make you more competitive in the job market.
See below for the concentrations available to Infant/Toddler Studies students
Social Services
Social Services
The Social Services concentration introduces students to the human services component of criminal justice and related fields. This concentration will prepare students to work in an advocacy role, helping people in the criminal justice system or impacted by others in the system.
This concentration is conveniently offered in fully online or blended formats.
Concentration Details:
Requires 15 QH for completion
Requires a minimum grade of "C" for each course in the concentration
A minimum of 5 QH must be taken at NLU
Credit for Prior Learning is accepted for CSJ 215
PreSchool Teaching
PreSchool Teaching
and Learning
and Learning
Concentration Details:
Requires 15 QH for completion
Requires a minimum grade of “C” for each course in the concentration
Allows transfer of all courses in the concentration
Early Care and Administration
Early Care and Administration
Students interested in obtaining the AIM4Excellence National Director Credential will need to take the below-listed courses specifically, either through the ECE program or the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership at NLU.
Concentration Details:
Requires 15 QH for completion
Requires a minimum grade of “C” for each course in the concentration
Students in this concentration are eligible to earn the Gateways to Opportunity Level 1 ECE credential
Allows transfer of all courses in the concentration
Students interested in obtaining the AIM4Excellence National Director Credential will need to take the below-listed courses specifically, either through the ECE program or the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership at NLU.
Psychology
Psychology
This concentration is conveniently offered in fully online or blended formats.
Concentration Details:
Requires 15 QH for completion
Requires a minimum grade of "C" for each course in the concentration
Allows transfer of all courses in the concentration
Developmental Therapist Credential
Developmental Therapist Credential
What is an Early Interventionist/Development Therapist?
A developmental therapist (DT) in early intervention supports the whole child and family by addressing overall development and its impact on daily life. With training in child development, family collaboration, intervention strategies, and assessment, the DT helps families build on strengths, address concerns, and find practical solutions—such as adapting environments or using household items to meet goals. Working closely with the family, service coordinator, and other team members, the DT participates in assessments, develops the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), models play interactions, supports parent–child relationships, and guides families in understanding their rights, interpreting their child’s behavior, and accessing resources. Services typically take place in the home or familiar settings, with each session reviewing progress, addressing concerns, and planning next steps.
Earned by completing a degree in Infant Toddler Studies
Apply through Provider Connection
Additional Requirements Met within the program
Typical and Atypical Child Development (at least 1 semester hour or 15 contact hours in each area)
Working with Families of Young Children with Special Needs
Intervention Strategies for Young Children with Special Needs
Assessment of Young Children with Special Needs
Child Welfare Employee Licensure (CWEL)
Child Welfare Employee Licensure (CWEL)
The Child Welfare concentration provides an overview of fundamental skills and knowledge in child welfare and related fields. It prepares you with practical understanding of worker roles, child protection policies, and the training needed to pursue industry-recognized credentials for employment in the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) and community-based organizations serving children and families.
Upon completion, students are eligible for:
Expedited Child Welfare Employee Licensure (CWEL) upon hire by an Illinois child welfare agency in a case-carrying role with the Placement/Permanency Specialty.
Certification in Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP) and Placement Specialty
Exams Required
Child Welfare Employee Licensure (CWEL)
Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS)
Placement Specialty Exam is required for those providing direct child welfare services to Illinois families with children placed in substitute care.
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