Gateways Registry

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

Learn More

Online Training

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

Learn More

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.

Search Now

Credentials

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

Learn More

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 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.

Professional Development

 
 

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.

You may sign as many contracts as needed to complete a degree, certificate, licensure, endorsement, or credential as long as all grades are submitted and all Gateways Scholarship Program eligibility requirements continue to be met.

 

All contracts begin on July 1st and end on June 30th.

The Gateways Scholarship Program accepts applications year round.

  • Please submit your signed and completed application and required documents 4-6 weeks before the start of your approved course work.
  • Scholarship applications are processed and approved on a first come, first serve basis and dependent upon availability
    of funds.
  • Applications for a new academic year (summer – quarter hour/fall – semester hour institutions) will be accepted starting May 1.

Your signed application serves as your contract with the Gateways Scholarship Program.

 

You will receive a notice within 30 days of the receipt of your completed and signed application and required documents informing you whether or not you are eligible. If eligible, you will be assigned to a Gateways Scholarship Counselor who will assist you throughout the scholarship process.

Page 2 of 4
Excelerate Program

ExceleRate Illinois helps you prepare children for success in school and life.

It also provides standards, guidelines, resources, and support to help you make sensible changes that lead to better quality outcomes for children.