Need money to further your education in child development or early childhood education? Apply for a Gateways Scholarship!
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!
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.
An entry level credential for those just entering the field
For ECE professionals who have education beyond high school and experience with children birth to age 8
For child care professionals working with children from birth to age 3
For administrators of ECE and School-Age Programs
For professionals working with children and youth ages 5-18
For professionals who offer relationship-based professional development
For a professional working in their home as a family child care provider for children ages birth through 12 years
For professionals who provide direct services to children and families, such as Parent Educators, Family Advocates and Case Workers
Search for colleges and universities in your area that offer courses in child development and child care related topics
For colleges and universities interested in becoming entitled for one or more Gateways Credentials
Yes, you can apply for other financial aid in addition to the Gateways Scholarship Program. If you receive a MAP Grant, your college or university will deduct the MAP Grant prior to invoicing the Gateways Scholarship Program for your tuition.
If you leave your place of employment during a contract to work in another early care and education or school-age program, you need to contact your Gateways Scholarship Counselor immediately to discuss your scholarship options.
If you leave the field of early care and education or school-age child care during your work commitment period, you will be required to reimburse INCCRRA the cost of your most recent contract.
If you are eligible for the Gateways Scholarship Program, your eligibility notice will tell you the percentage of tuition that will be paid to your college or university.
The work commitment period to early care and education is dependent upon coursework completed and scholarship
type. Work commitment periods follow:
The work commitment must be completed in one of the following early care and education or school-age care settings:
The commitment period begins at the completion of the contract period. All scholarship contracts end on June 30.
After receiving your eligibility letter, share the course(s) you wish to register for with your Gateways Scholarship Counselor by completing and submitting the Participant Class Schedule. After submitting your Participant Class Schedule, you may register for courses. Please use the authorization time frames below:
| Semester Hour Schools Authorization Timeframes | Quarter Hour Schools Authorization Timeframes |
| Fall Semester: July 1st–August 31st | Fall Quarter: July 1st–September 30th |
| Spring Semester: October 1st–January 15th | Winter Quarter: November 1st–January 15th |
| Summer Semester 1: April 1st–May 31st | Spring Quarter: February 1st–April 30th |
| Summer Semester 2: July 1st - July 31st | Summer Quarter 1: July 1st–July 31st |
| Summer Quarter 2: July 1st–August 15th |
Authorizations are NOT allowed after deadlines.
*Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis for schools who offer midterm classes.
It also provides standards, guidelines, resources and supports to help you make sensible changes that lead to better quality outcomes for children.
