Gateways Illinois Director Credential (IDC) Components

The Illinois Director Credential (IDC) is earned through validation of accomplishments in five components listed below. There are three levels at which the IDC may be awarded. Each level has five components, and each component has specific requirements. (Please note certain degrees and/or statewide certifications may provide the foundation to earn the IDC.)

Component 1: General Education

Rationale: An individual's general level of education has been shown to be a strong predictor for high-quality educational practices both in teaching and in administration.

• IDC Framework
  
  

Component 2: Education and Training in Early Childhood/School-Age

Rationale: In order to be an effective administrator, a strong foundation in the fundamentals of child development and early childhood/school-age education is necessary.

• ECE Content

Three areas are woven throughout the seven content areas: (1) Children with Special Needs, (2) Culture and Diversity, and (3) Individual and Group Guidance.


Component 3: Education and Training in Early Childhood/School-Age Administration

Rationale: Effective administration of an early childhood/school-age education program requires knowledge and application of basic business and management practices.

• Personal and Professional Self-Awareness
• Legal and Fiscal Management
• Human Resources Development
• Educational Programming
• Program Operations and Facilities Management
• Family Partnership
• Marketing and Public Relations
• Leadership and Advocacy
• Oral and Written Communication
• Technology
  
  

Component 4: Work and Practical Experience in Early Childhood/School-Age

Rationale: Direct care experiences (with children birth through age 12) provide a basis for evaluating effective and ineffective practices. The worksite is a powerful laboratory for learning.

Component 5: Work and Practical Experience in Early Childhood/School-Age Administration

Rationale: Administrative experiences (with children birth through age 12) provide a basis for evaluating effective and ineffective practices. The worksite is a powerful laboratory for learning.

Component 6: Professional Contributions in Early Childhood/School-Age

Rationale: An effective administrator demonstrates leadership through active engagement in professional endeavors beyond the scope of the daily management of a program.

Areas of Professional Contributions:

• Program Improvement
• Service in a Leadership Role in a Professional Organization
• Presentations/Training
• Advocacy
• Writing and Publication
• Research/Grants Writing

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