Core Credential
The Core Credential will be a voluntary credential that defines what persons
working with young children (birth – age eight) should know and be able to
demonstrate at various levels of training, education, and role responsibilities
within the early care and education field. Credential awards will be based on
achievement of skills, experience and knowledge in early care and education.
The Core Credential aligns with the Gateways to Opportunity Career Lattice and
will be available at six levels when completed. Level 1 is currently available
as a 45 hour training taught through the
Illinois Trainers Network (ITN). Levels 2-5 will be available when it
is introduced in early 2008. Level 6 will be available at a later date.
The Core Credential is developed from the seven core knowledge areas that are
the foundation of Gateways to Opportunity’s
Career Lattice. The core knowledge areas include: child growth and
development, health, safety, and nutrition, child observation and assessment,
curriculum development, teaching/learning interactions and environments, family
and community relationships and personal and professional development. There
are three additional areas that are woven throughout the seven areas listed
above. They are children with special needs, culture and diversity, and
individual and group guidance.
A person applying for a core credential will need to show competency in three
areas:
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General Education
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Education in Early Care and Education
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Work and Practical Experience in Early Care and Education
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Download
the Core Framework
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Download
Benchmarks for Core levels II-IV
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Download
Benchmarks for Core levels V-VI
These files are available in PDF format (What is PDF?).
The Core Credential will be available in 2008, and can be earned in one of two
routes. The first route is a direct route, in which qualified individuals go
through a transcript evaluation and a portfolio process. The second route is
through higher education institutions that have had their program of
study/coursework approved through the Gateways to Opportunity office. This
route is called the entitled route. The credential will be available at levels
II-V of the Career Lattice with
Level 6 being added in the future.
For more information on the Core Credential, call 888-548-8080 or
contact us via our online form.
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