With a class called play you know you're getting what you need to work with children from infants to school age. child care student supervises young boy on playground Our early learning and child care program is designed so you earn a certificate in your first year and a diploma by taking a second year of training.

While the certificate is a fast track to the workforce, your diploma opens up more job opportunities and a higher salary.

During your first year at Lakeland, you'll get a solid background by implementing what you have learned in on site child care centers.

You'll branch out in your second year, with courses on infant/toddler care, sensory development and an introduction to animal assisted therapy. You'll also do blended learning as 4 of your courses are only available online. This also gives you the option of completing the entire second year online while you're working. Or, if you want the college experience take both face-to-face and online courses at Lakeland.