ECE Credential Level 1
An entry level credential for those just entering the field
Please contact your Great START Counselor immediately. A Great START Counselor will discuss eligibility options with you.
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Gateways Scholarship
Need money to further your education in child development or early childhood education? Apply for a Gateways Scholarship!
Great START Wage Supplement Program
Do you want extra money for completing college coursework and staying employed at the same place? Great START does just that! Get more information about how you can participate!
Gateways Credentials
Are you considering applying for a Gateways Credential? Gateways Credentials are symbols of professional achievement that validate knowledge, skills and experience. They are an individual achievement that you can be proud of.
Gateways Credentials are awarded and recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Bureau of Child Care and Development. They are required for some Circles of Quality in ExceleRate Illinois and can be used to help with employment decisions in early learning programs.
Below are the Credentials offered by Gateways. You can click each Credential title to see information about applying, specific requirements, and the forms you will need.
ECE Credential Levels 2-6
For ECE professionals who have education beyond high school and experience with children birth to age 8
Infant Toddler Credential
For child care professionals working with children from birth to age 3
Illinois Director Credential
For administrators of ECE and School-Age Programs
SAYD Credential
For professionals working with children and youth ages 5-18
Technical Assistance Credential
For professionals who offer relationship-based professional development
Family Child Care Credential
For a professional working in their home as a family child care provider for children ages birth through 12 years
Family Specialist Credential
For professionals who provide direct services to children and families, such as Parent Educators, Family Advocates and Case Workers
Higher Education Directory
Search for colleges and universities in your area that offer courses in child development and child care related topics
Entitled Institutions
For colleges and universities interested in becoming entitled for one or more Gateways Credentials
Professional Development
Please notify your Great START Counselor immediately. A Great START Counselor will discuss eligibility options with you.
- Applicants may take up to 12-weeks leave of absence in one calendar year – due to Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or workman’s compensation
- Applicants must report leaves of absence on their applications
- Applicants absent longer than 12 weeks must make up the difference in weeks after returning to work
- Make up time shall be calculated from the beginning of the applicant’s renewal month or date returned to work if after beginning of renewal month
Renewal applicants who change child care programs or site must be employed by the new program for one full year and then reapply to Great START. Applicants required to move to another site by their employer who has multiple IDCFS licensed sites may be eligible for renewal.
Applicants who complete additional college coursework or Gateways Credentials may move up on the wage supplement scale and receive a higher wage supplement. You may apply to the Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship Program to help pay for additional college coursework. Official transcripts with new completed coursework must be submitted with your application to be reviewed for a move up on the wage supplement scale and receive a higher wage supplement. A Gateways Credential must be awarded and valid for consideration by Great START.
ExceleRate Illinois helps you prepare children for success in school and in life.
It also provides standards, guidelines, resources and supports to help you make sensible changes that lead to better quality outcomes for children.