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
The application and information on how to apply are available on the Gateways to Opportunity website.
Upon being found eligible and registering for coursework, the Gateways Scholarship Program will pay the participating college or university a percentage of the cost of tuition, dependent on your income level.
The percentage paid by the Gateways Scholarship Program for tuition is determined through a sliding invoice scale, which is based upon the recipient’s income at time of award.
| % of Tuition Gateways Scholarship Program Would Pay | Applicant Responsibility to College or University | Hourly Wage |
| 100% | 0% | up to $4.25 over Illinois State Minimum Wage |
| 90% | 10% | $4.26 to $7.00 over Illinois State Minimum Wage |
| 80% | 20% | $7.01 to $10.00 over Illinois State Minimum Wage |
| 70% | 30% | $10.01 to $13.00 over Illinois State Minimum Wage |
| 60% | 40% | $13.01 to $16.00 over Illinois State Minimum Wage |
Gateways Scholarship Program will not pay out of district costs.
Scale based on a 40-hour work week.
The program will pay a certain percentage of tuition for eligible practitioners whose goal it is to earn:
Scholarship recipients may be authorized for up to 5 courses in a contract period OR a maximum of 15 semester/23 quarter hours in a contract period (for courses outside of the typical course length).
Gateways Scholarship recipients must:
It also provides standards, guidelines, resources and supports to help you make sensible changes that lead to better quality outcomes for children.
