Gateways Registry

Joining the Gateways Registry allows you to track your education, Credentials, and training online in your personal and secure Professional Development Record.

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Online Training

Gateways i-learning is the hub of online training for Illinois child care providers. You can locate online training for IDCFS Licensing, ExceleRate Illinois, and other courses related to caring for children.

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Training Calendar

Search the Gateways Training Calendar for professional development events around the state. You can search by county, date, or keyword to find just the training you need.

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Credentials

Earn a Gateways Credential to show you are proud to be an early care and education professional.

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Gateways Scholarship

Gateways Scholarship

Need money to further your education in child development or early childhood education? Apply for a Gateways Scholarship!

Apply or Renew

Great Start Program

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!

Apply or Renew

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.

Professional Development

 
 

Applicants who work less than an average of 30 hours a week will receive wage supplement payments at a pro-rated amount. Please refer to the table below:

Great START Wage Supplement

Great START Wage Supplement
Scale Levels
Working 15–19 Hours a Week Working 20–24 Hours a Week Working 25–29 Hours a Week
1 $37.50 $75.00 $112.50
2 $56.25 $112.50 $168.75
3 $93.75 $187.50 $281.25
4 $131.25 $262.50 $393.75
5 $168.75 $337.50 $506.25
6 $206.25 $412.50 $618.75
7 $243.75 $487.50 $731.25
8 $300.00 $600.00 $900.00
9 $393.75 $787.50 $1181.25
10 $487.50 $975.00 $1462.50

By logging into your Registry Portal, you will find your application status. Great START Specialists will request additional information, as needed, and notify you of your eligibility status via email. Be certain your email address is current and check your inbox, junk, and spam folders regularly. Applications are processed in the order received.

You may participate in the program as long as you continue to meet all Great START Program eligibility requirements as verified by applying every six months.

No. The Great START Program wage supplements are based upon formal education (college coursework from an accredited institution) in early childhood education and child development.

Indirectly, yes! If you have earned one of the Gateways Credentials listed on the pdf Great Start Wage Supplement Scale (205 KB) . Please also see “How do I interpret the Great START Wage Supplement Scale?”

Great START Counselors will adjust levels/options applied for based on information provided.

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Excelerate Program

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.