Level 1 Credential
Illinois is Leading The Way in
Support of Child Care Workers
The pilots for the Level 1 Credential were successful, and the training is now
available statewide. Entry-level child care center staff, home visitors, family
child care providers, relative, friend and neighbor providers, parents, student
assistants, and those interested in entering the field have the opportunity to
gain knowledge about the daily practices of quality child care.
The Level 1 Credential Curriculum provides basic knowledge and skills for
individuals working with or seeking to work with young children and their
families. It was designed by The
Academic Development Institute (ADI) and
Parents as Teachers National Center, Inc. (PATNC) for those individuals
who may be interested in learning more about early care and education but are
not interested in college coursework. These individuals have significant roles
in the early care and education field.
Consisting of 15 three-hour modules, the curriculum gives practitioners an
awareness of and introduction to Gateways' seven core content areas. Those who
successfully complete the 45 hours of training required will receive the Level
1 Credential, the first step in the Illinois
Career Lattice. A participant workbook has been designed to serve as a
resource once the training is completed. Trainings are offered in both English
and Spanish.
Topics such as Health and Nutrition, Safety, How Children Learn, Observation and
Assessment, Family and Community Relationships, and Child Development are
addressed. It is our hope that this curriculum will improve the quality of
care Illinois children receive, educate providers in appropriate care
practices, aid in Illinois workforce development, begin to professionalize
childcare in Illinois, and support child care providers with incentives to be
used in the care setting. The Level 1 Credential Training is implemented by
INCCRRA (Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies) and
funded by IDHS (Illinois Department of Human Services). The
Illinois Trainers Network (ITN) administers the trainings.
The Level 1 Credential Training has been rolled out statewide. Courses are
available throughout Illinois through the local Child Care Resource &
Referral Agencies. Contact
your local R&R or Gateways to
find one in your area.
Congratulations to our growing numbers of Level 1 Credential recipients.
View a list of accomplished early care providers.
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