Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Questions About Gateways

1. What is Gateways to Opportunity?
   
   Gateways to Opportunity is a statewide network designed to support Illinois early care and education professionals like you. From credentialing to career guidance to education and training resources to peer networking and more, Gateways to Opportunity focuses on what matters most—helping you help children. Click here to find out more.
   
   
2. Who can get involved with Gateways/ Who is this for?
   
   Gateways to Opportunity is specifically designed to meet the needs of over 100,000 early care and education professionals in Illinois who work in:

• Early care and education (in family child care; center-based care; and relative, friend, and neighbor care)
• Early childhood special education
• Early intervention
• Public education (kindergarten through grade 3)
• Family support
• Head Start/Early Head Start
• Higher education
• Home visiting
• Prekindergarten
• Child Care Resource and Referral
• Other early childhood programs and settings
  

3. How can I get involved with Gateways?
   
   Anyone can get involved with Gateways to Opportunity by finding ways in which the network can help you. If you are not sure, take a look around the website or call 888-548-8080 . Maybe you need access to financial assistance for college coursework, or training to help you with your licensing requirements - whatever it is we have the answers.
   
   
4. What is in it for me?
   
   There are many benefits provided by Gateways to Opportunity . It could be recognition through our credentials, it could be wage supplements through Great START, or even professional development advice from our Professional Development Advisors. Browse freely or phone
   888-548-8080 for more information on how Gateways can benefit you.
   
   
5. What will Gateways offer to my career?
   
   Gateways to Opportunity can get you started on a career path, or even enhance the path you are on. Get in touch today with a trained advisor to evaluate your current professional development plans.
   
   
6. What training and educational opportunities are offered through this system?
   
   Gateways to Opportunity brings a lot of information about professional development into one location. Our website will provide a comprehensive list of institutions of higher education that offer coursework in early childhood, in addition to links on training opportunities around the state. In addition, you can find out how to obtain meaningful credentials or how to pay for college coursework that will earn you a bonus or wage supplement.
   
   
7. Where can I learn more or get further assistance?
   
   You can always call a staff member for additional information at
   888-548-8080 . Depending on your needs, they may answer your questions, recommend a further resource, or provide you access to a personal mentor or coach.
   
   
8. How can I get a brochure or more information?
   
   You can always download our marketing materials, or contact us to request a packet be mailed to you directly.