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 Early Childhood (IDEC). 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.
For ECE professionals working with children from 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
For ECE professionals who have formal college education, training, and experience with multilingual/multicultural children and families
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.
The individual will be banned from INCCRRA administered programs for a time period to be determined by the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC). Any benefit received by or paid on behalf of the individual as a result of fraudulent, altered, or false documentation or information must be reimbursed to INCCRRA by the individual as determined by IDEC.
If you leave your place of employment during a contract to work in another ECE or school-age program, you will need to contact your Gateways Scholarship Specialist immediately at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your scholarship options.
If you leave the field of ECE or school-age child care during your work commitment period, you will be required to reimburse INCCRRA the cost of your most recent contract.
***Recipients are responsible for reviewing the Scholarship Program Work Commitment FAQ.
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 Illinois early care and education settings:
The commitment period begins at the completion of the contract period. All scholarship contracts end on June 30.
It also provides standards, guidelines, resources, and support to help you make sensible changes that lead to better quality outcomes for children.
