Early childhood education programs in Illinois

53 early childhood programs with results and funding that can make them free

29 schools offer these early childhood education programs, and Illinois has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows how past students did; Illinois files no usable prices.

Childcare workers look after children's needs and help their early development. What they need varies by state and employer, from no formal education to a certificate in early childhood education; most often states ask for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, which takes coursework, experience and a period of being observed working with children.¹ The CDA takes a high school diploma or GED, 120 hours of early childhood education, 480 hours of work with the age group you choose within three years, a portfolio and the CDA exam.²

In Illinois, 7 of the 53 programs take students without a high school diploma, 12 ask for a diploma or equivalent and 34 ask for earlier courses first.

By kind, the 53 programs here are child care or preschool certificate (25 programs), early childhood education (associate degree, 24 programs), early childhood education program (level not stated, 2 programs) and early childhood apprenticeship (2 programs).

See the 53 programs

How much do early childhood education programs cost in Illinois?

Not reported

Illinois files no usable prices, so none can be shown.

In the typical program

Finished the program: Left out; Only a few programs report it, and those at a typical 11%
Working 6 months later: Not enough data; Only 5 of 53 programs report it
Earned a year, estimated: Not enough data; Only 5 of 53 programs report it
Length: 32 to 64 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Illinois may also offer early childhood education programs. How these figures are made

Are there free early childhood education programs in Illinois?

Yes, if you qualify. WIOA (public workforce funding) can pay for any program on this page, in full or in part, depending on local limits.³⁴⁵In program year 2024 it paid toward the training of at least 6 people at 2 of the 53 programs here.
Ask an American Job Center whether you qualify, or call 1-877-872-5627.⁶ Before funding training, the center goes through an assessment and a career plan with you.⁵
Or pay yourself. Usable prices are not reported for these programs.

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 53 early childhood programs in Illinois approved for WIOA funding

53 programs

Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridEducation and courses
Early Childhood Education AAS 25EA
College of Lake County
Grayslake
Accredited school
Education and courses
College of Lake County, GrayslakeEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimated$29,100
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
3 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS 25EA at College of Lake County
More details about Early Childhood Education AAS 25EA at College of Lake County
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
56%
Earned in a quarter
$7,286
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
313
Earned a year, estimated
$29,100
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
students trained with WIOA funding
3
Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS 25EA at College of Lake County
Early childhood education (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Education
Kaskaskia College
Centralia
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Kaskaskia College, CentraliaEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$24,200
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Education at Kaskaskia College
More details about Early Childhood Education at Kaskaskia College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
75%
Earned in a quarter
$6,048
Length
72 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
121
Earned a year, estimated
$24,200
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Education at Kaskaskia College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridEducation and courses
Early Childhood Education AAS
Black Hawk College
Moline
Accredited school
Education and courses
Black Hawk College, MolineEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimated$31,400
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS at Black Hawk College
More details about Early Childhood Education AAS at Black Hawk College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
78%
Earned in a quarter
$7,850
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
112
Earned a year, estimated
$31,400
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS at Black Hawk College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridPrerequisite courses
Early Childhood Education Degree
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges / WVC
Mt. Carmel
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges / WVC, Mt. CarmelEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimated$27,500
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Education Degree at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges / WVC
More details about Early Childhood Education Degree at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges / WVC
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
72%
Earned in a quarter
$6,876
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
63
Earned a year, estimated
$27,500
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Education Degree at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges / WVC
Early childhood education (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Childhood Care and Education
Lake Land College
Mattoon
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Lake Land College, MattoonEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$33,000
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
3 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Childhood Care and Education at Lake Land College
More details about Childhood Care and Education at Lake Land College
Finished
Left out
Working at 6 months
78%
Earned in a quarter
$8,249
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
61
Earned a year, estimated
$33,000
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
students trained with WIOA funding
3
Program website, Childhood Care and Education at Lake Land College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridNo diploma needed
Assistant Teacher Certificate
Black Hawk College
Moline
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Black Hawk College, MolineChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Assistant Teacher Certificate at Black Hawk College
More details about Assistant Teacher Certificate at Black Hawk College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Assistant Teacher Certificate at Black Hawk College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridPrerequisite courses
Assistant Teacher Certificate
Harper College
Palatine
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Harper College, PalatineChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Assistant Teacher Certificate at Harper College
More details about Assistant Teacher Certificate at Harper College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Assistant Teacher Certificate at Harper College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridPrerequisite courses
Child Development (AAS)- SS050
Joliet Junior College
Joliet
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Joliet Junior College, JolietEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Child Development (AAS)- SS050 at Joliet Junior College
More details about Child Development (AAS)- SS050 at Joliet Junior College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Child Development (AAS)- SS050 at Joliet Junior College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Child Development Associate in Applied Science
Lewis and Clark Community College
Godfrey
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Lewis and Clark Community College, GodfreyEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Child Development Associate in Applied Science at Lewis and Clark Community College
More details about Child Development Associate in Applied Science at Lewis and Clark Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Child Development Associate in Applied Science at Lewis and Clark Community College
Early childhood education (associate degree)In personEducation and courses
Child Development: Pre-School Education AAS
Olive Harvey College
Chicago
Accredited school
Education and courses
Olive Harvey College, ChicagoEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Child Development: Pre-School Education AAS at Olive Harvey College
More details about Child Development: Pre-School Education AAS at Olive Harvey College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Child Development: Pre-School Education AAS at Olive Harvey College
Child care or preschool certificateIn personEducation and courses
Child Development: Pre-School Education-AC
Olive Harvey College
Chicago
Accredited school
Education and courses
Olive Harvey College, ChicagoChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Child Development: Pre-School Education-AC at Olive Harvey College
More details about Child Development: Pre-School Education-AC at Olive Harvey College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Child Development: Pre-School Education-AC at Olive Harvey College
Child care or preschool certificateIn personEducation and courses
Child Development: Pre-School Education-BC
Olive Harvey College
Chicago
Accredited school
Education and courses
Olive Harvey College, ChicagoChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Child Development: Pre-School Education-BC at Olive Harvey College
More details about Child Development: Pre-School Education-BC at Olive Harvey College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Child Development: Pre-School Education-BC at Olive Harvey College
Child care or preschool certificateIn personEducation and courses
ECE Level 2 Credential Certificate
John A. Logan Community College
Carterville
Accredited school
Education and courses
John A. Logan Community College, CartervilleChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, ECE Level 2 Credential Certificate at John A. Logan Community College
More details about ECE Level 2 Credential Certificate at John A. Logan Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, ECE Level 2 Credential Certificate at John A. Logan Community College
Early childhood education program (level not stated)HybridNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Assistant
Rend Lake College
Ina
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Rend Lake College, InaEarly childhood education program (level not stated) · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Assistant at Rend Lake College
More details about Early Childhood Assistant at Rend Lake College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
16 weeks, 32 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Assistant at Rend Lake College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Associate of Applied Science
Elgin Comm. College District #509
Elgin
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Elgin Comm. College District #509, ElginEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Associate of Applied Science at Elgin Comm. College District #509
More details about Early Childhood Associate of Applied Science at Elgin Comm. College District #509
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Associate of Applied Science at Elgin Comm. College District #509
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Care and Education
Lincoln Land Community College
Springfield
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Lincoln Land Community College, SpringfieldEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Care and Education at Lincoln Land Community College
More details about Early Childhood Care and Education at Lincoln Land Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Care and Education at Lincoln Land Community College
Early childhood education (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Care and Education
Heartland Community College
Normal
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Heartland Community College, NormalEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
School website, Early Childhood Care and Education at Heartland Community College
More details about Early Childhood Care and Education at Heartland Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
96 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
School website, Early Childhood Care and Education at Heartland Community College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Education
Eiccd - Scc
Bettendorf, IA
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Eiccd - Scc, Bettendorf, IAEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Classes are outside Illinois; Illinois approved the program for its funding.
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Education at Eiccd - Scc
More details about Early Childhood Education at Eiccd - Scc
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
72 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Education at Eiccd - Scc
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Education
Parkland College
Champaign
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Parkland College, ChampaignEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
School website, Early Childhood Education at Parkland College
More details about Early Childhood Education at Parkland College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
School website, Early Childhood Education at Parkland College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Education (703)
Highland Community College
Freeport
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Highland Community College, FreeportEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Education (703) at Highland Community College
More details about Early Childhood Education (703) at Highland Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Education (703) at Highland Community College
Early childhood education (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Education - Director/Administrator Option
Kankakee Community College
Kankakee
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Kankakee Community College, KankakeeEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Education - Director/Administrator Option at Kankakee Community College
More details about Early Childhood Education - Director/Administrator Option at Kankakee Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Education - Director/Administrator Option at Kankakee Community College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridEducation and courses
Early Childhood Education AAS
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville
Accredited school
Education and courses
Southwestern Illinois College, BellevilleEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS at Southwestern Illinois College
More details about Early Childhood Education AAS at Southwestern Illinois College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
104 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS at Southwestern Illinois College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridEducation and courses
Early Childhood Education AAS
Waubonsee Community College
Sugar Grove
Accredited school
Education and courses
Waubonsee Community College, Sugar GroveEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS at Waubonsee Community College
More details about Early Childhood Education AAS at Waubonsee Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS at Waubonsee Community College
Early childhood education (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Education AAS Degree
John A. Logan Community College
Carterville
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
John A. Logan Community College, CartervilleEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS Degree at John A. Logan Community College
More details about Early Childhood Education AAS Degree at John A. Logan Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
104 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS Degree at John A. Logan Community College
Early childhood education (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Education AAS Degree
Southeastern Illinois College
Harrisburg
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Southeastern Illinois College, HarrisburgEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS Degree at Southeastern Illinois College
More details about Early Childhood Education AAS Degree at Southeastern Illinois College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS Degree at Southeastern Illinois College
Early childhood apprenticeshipIn personNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship
Lume Institute
St. Louis, MO
No diploma needed
Lume Institute, St. Louis, MOEarly childhood apprenticeshipIn person · No diploma needed
Classes are outside Illinois; Illinois approved the program for its funding.
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
More details about Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship at Lume Institute
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
104 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Early childhood education (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Education Associate Degree
Kankakee Community College
Kankakee
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Kankakee Community College, KankakeeEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Education Associate Degree at Kankakee Community College
More details about Early Childhood Education Associate Degree at Kankakee Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Education Associate Degree at Kankakee Community College
Early childhood education program (level not stated)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Early Childhood Education Basic
Richland Community College
Decatur
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Richland Community College, DecaturEarly childhood education program (level not stated) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Education Basic at Richland Community College
More details about Early Childhood Education Basic at Richland Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Education Basic at Richland Community College
Child care or preschool certificateIn personPrerequisite courses
Early Childhood Education Certificate
Rend Lake College
Ina
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Rend Lake College, InaChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
School website, Early Childhood Education Certificate at Rend Lake College
More details about Early Childhood Education Certificate at Rend Lake College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
School website, Early Childhood Education Certificate at Rend Lake College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridPrerequisite courses
Early Childhood Education Degree
Harper College
Palatine
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Harper College, PalatineEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Education Degree at Harper College
More details about Early Childhood Education Degree at Harper College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
64 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Education Degree at Harper College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridEducation and courses
Early Childhood Education and Care AAS Degree
College Of DuPage
Glen Ellyn
Accredited school
Education and courses
College Of DuPage, Glen EllynEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Education and Care AAS Degree at College Of DuPage
More details about Early Childhood Education and Care AAS Degree at College Of DuPage
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
120 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Education and Care AAS Degree at College Of DuPage
Early childhood apprenticeshipOnlineNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Educator
Early Education Career Institute
Based in Columbia, SC
No diploma needed
Early Education Career Institute, based in Columbia, SCEarly childhood apprenticeshipOnline · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Educator at Early Education Career Institute
More details about Early Childhood Educator at Early Education Career Institute
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
144 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Educator at Early Education Career Institute
Child care or preschool certificateHybridNo diploma needed
Early Childhood Educator Certificate
Black Hawk College
Moline
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Black Hawk College, MolineChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Educator Certificate at Black Hawk College
More details about Early Childhood Educator Certificate at Black Hawk College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Educator Certificate at Black Hawk College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridEducation and courses
Early Childhood Educator Level 2 Certificate
Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills
Accredited school
Education and courses
Moraine Valley Community College, Palos HillsChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Educator Level 2 Certificate at Moraine Valley Community College
More details about Early Childhood Educator Level 2 Certificate at Moraine Valley Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Educator Level 2 Certificate at Moraine Valley Community College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridEducation and courses
Early Childhood Educator Level 3 Certificate
Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills
Accredited school
Education and courses
Moraine Valley Community College, Palos HillsChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Early Childhood Educator Level 3 Certificate at Moraine Valley Community College
More details about Early Childhood Educator Level 3 Certificate at Moraine Valley Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Early Childhood Educator Level 3 Certificate at Moraine Valley Community College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridPrerequisite courses
Family Care I
Harper College
Palatine
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Harper College, PalatineChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Family Care I at Harper College
More details about Family Care I at Harper College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
16 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Family Care I at Harper College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridPrerequisite courses
Family Child Care II
Harper College
Palatine
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Harper College, PalatineChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Family Child Care II at Harper College
More details about Family Child Care II at Harper College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
40 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Family Child Care II at Harper College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridEducation and courses
Gateways ECE Level 2
Kishwaukee College
Malta
Accredited school
Education and courses
Kishwaukee College, MaltaChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Gateways ECE Level 2 at Kishwaukee College
More details about Gateways ECE Level 2 at Kishwaukee College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Gateways ECE Level 2 at Kishwaukee College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridEducation and courses
Gateways ECE Level 3
Kishwaukee College
Malta
Accredited school
Education and courses
Kishwaukee College, MaltaChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Gateways ECE Level 3 at Kishwaukee College
More details about Gateways ECE Level 3 at Kishwaukee College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Gateways ECE Level 3 at Kishwaukee College
Child care or preschool certificateIn personEducation and courses
Gateways ECE Level 3 Credential Certificate
John A. Logan Community College
Carterville
Accredited school
Education and courses
John A. Logan Community College, CartervilleChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Gateways ECE Level 3 Credential Certificate at John A. Logan Community College
More details about Gateways ECE Level 3 Credential Certificate at John A. Logan Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 32 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Gateways ECE Level 3 Credential Certificate at John A. Logan Community College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridEducation and courses
Infant/Toddler Level 2 Certificate
Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills
Accredited school
Education and courses
Moraine Valley Community College, Palos HillsChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Infant/Toddler Level 2 Certificate at Moraine Valley Community College
More details about Infant/Toddler Level 2 Certificate at Moraine Valley Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Infant/Toddler Level 2 Certificate at Moraine Valley Community College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridEducation and courses
Infant/Toddler Level 3 Certificate
Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills
Accredited school
Education and courses
Moraine Valley Community College, Palos HillsChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Infant/Toddler Level 3 Certificate at Moraine Valley Community College
More details about Infant/Toddler Level 3 Certificate at Moraine Valley Community College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Infant/Toddler Level 3 Certificate at Moraine Valley Community College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridPrerequisite courses
Infant/Toddler Teacher
Harper College
Palatine
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Harper College, PalatineChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Infant/Toddler Teacher at Harper College
More details about Infant/Toddler Teacher at Harper College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Infant/Toddler Teacher at Harper College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridPrerequisite courses
Infant/Toddler Teacher Assistant
Harper College
Palatine
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Harper College, PalatineChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Infant/Toddler Teacher Assistant at Harper College
More details about Infant/Toddler Teacher Assistant at Harper College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
16 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Infant/Toddler Teacher Assistant at Harper College
Child care or preschool certificateIn personPrerequisite courses
Pre-School Ed. Advanced Certificate (Child Development)
Harry S. Truman College
Chicago
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Harry S. Truman College, ChicagoChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Pre-School Ed. Advanced Certificate (Child Development) at Harry S. Truman College
More details about Pre-School Ed. Advanced Certificate (Child Development) at Harry S. Truman College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
80 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Pre-School Ed. Advanced Certificate (Child Development) at Harry S. Truman College
Child care or preschool certificateIn personPrerequisite courses
Pre-School Education Basic Certificate (Child Development)
Harry S. Truman College
Chicago
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Harry S. Truman College, ChicagoChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Pre-School Education Basic Certificate (Child Development) at Harry S. Truman College
More details about Pre-School Education Basic Certificate (Child Development) at Harry S. Truman College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
84 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Pre-School Education Basic Certificate (Child Development) at Harry S. Truman College
Child care or preschool certificateIn personPrerequisite courses
Pre-School Education Infant/Toddler Advanced Certificate
Harry S. Truman College
Chicago
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Harry S. Truman College, ChicagoChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Pre-School Education Infant/Toddler Advanced Certificate at Harry S. Truman College
More details about Pre-School Education Infant/Toddler Advanced Certificate at Harry S. Truman College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
112 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Pre-School Education Infant/Toddler Advanced Certificate at Harry S. Truman College
Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridEducation and courses
Pre-School Education/AAS
Kennedy King College
Chicago
Accredited school
Education and courses
Kennedy King College, ChicagoEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Pre-School Education/AAS at Kennedy King College
More details about Pre-School Education/AAS at Kennedy King College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
80 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Pre-School Education/AAS at Kennedy King College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridEducation and courses
Pre-School Education/AC
Kennedy King College
Chicago
Accredited school
Education and courses
Kennedy King College, ChicagoChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Pre-School Education/AC at Kennedy King College
More details about Pre-School Education/AC at Kennedy King College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Pre-School Education/AC at Kennedy King College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridEducation and courses
Pre-School Education/BC
Kennedy King College
Chicago
Accredited school
Education and courses
Kennedy King College, ChicagoChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Pre-School Education/BC at Kennedy King College
More details about Pre-School Education/BC at Kennedy King College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Pre-School Education/BC at Kennedy King College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridEducation and courses
Pre-School Education/Infant Toddler-AC
Kennedy King College
Chicago
Accredited school
Education and courses
Kennedy King College, ChicagoChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Pre-School Education/Infant Toddler-AC at Kennedy King College
More details about Pre-School Education/Infant Toddler-AC at Kennedy King College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Pre-School Education/Infant Toddler-AC at Kennedy King College
Early childhood education (associate degree)In personPrerequisite courses
Pre-School Education: Child Development AAS
Harry S. Truman College
Chicago
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Harry S. Truman College, ChicagoEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Pre-School Education: Child Development AAS at Harry S. Truman College
More details about Pre-School Education: Child Development AAS at Harry S. Truman College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
136 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Pre-School Education: Child Development AAS at Harry S. Truman College
Child care or preschool certificateHybridPrerequisite courses
Teacher Certificate
Harper College
Palatine
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Harper College, PalatineChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
Program website, Teacher Certificate at Harper College
More details about Teacher Certificate at Harper College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Left out
Program website, Teacher Certificate at Harper College

How to pay for early childhood education programs in Illinois

WIOA funding can pay for early childhood education programs in Illinois

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Financial aid and grants for early childhood education programs

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.⁷⁸

GI Bill for early childhood education programs

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.⁹

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Early childhood education programs in Chicago, Davenport, St. Louis and other Illinois cities

Chicago area29

Areas with 10 or more programs have a page of their own. Choosing another area filters the program list above. 7 more programs are in 7 other areas, 2 in smaller cities and towns and 1 online.

Other training in Illinois

How early childhood education programs compare with the rest of education and social services: Child care and social services training in Illinois

Where the Illinois early childhood education program numbers come from

Which Illinois early childhood education programs are on this list?

These are the early childhood education programs Illinois approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).¹⁰ The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what Illinois offers.

How the prices and results of Illinois early childhood education programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

How reliable are the Illinois figures?

The US Department of Labor's own results site lists Illinois among the states with "known data quality concerns".¹¹ We leave out the share who finished for Illinois: only a few programs report it, and those at a typical 11%. We leave out prices for Illinois: the state files a code in place of each price, so no price can be shown.

Sources for the facts about early childhood education programs in Illinois

Show the 11 sourcesHide the sources

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Early childhood education programs in Illinois

How much do early childhood education programs cost in Illinois?

Are there free early childhood education programs in Illinois?

All 53 early childhood programs in Illinois approved for WIOA funding

Early Childhood Education AAS 25EA