This emphasis provides preparation for professionals who serve infants, toddlers, and young children and their parents in parent-child programs both home- and community-based, in programs for parents and expectant parents, in child-life, early intervention, and early childhood education programs, and in leadership/ advocacy positions. With this preparation, graduates are qualified to apply for an Early Childhood Core Credential Level V, the Infant/Toddler Credential Level V, the Illinois Director Credential Level II, and an Early Intervention Developmental Therapist credential. Studying child development and early education in the Human Development and Family Studies program will prepare you to serve infants, toddlers and young children, as well as their parents, in home school and community-based settings. You'll be ready for a career or graduate study focused on areas such as early intervention, early childhood education and leadership/advocacy roles. Students in the program complete their practicum experience at the award-winning Child Development and Family Center at NIU. Graduates from the program qualify for various Illinois Gateways credentials.