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.
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
All early care and education, school-age, and youth development professionals are welcome to be a part of Gateways to Opportunity. Gateways is administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA).
Gateways to Opportunity is specifically designed to meet the needs of early care and education, school-age, and youth development professionals in Illinois who work in:
Early care and education (in family child care; center-based care; and relative, friend, and neighbor care)
Early childhood special education
Early intervention
Public education
Family support
Head Start/Early Head Start
Higher education
Home visiting
Pre-kindergarten and Preschool for All
Child Care Resource & Referral
Other early childhood programs and settings
Before and after-school programs
Youth programs and services
Other school-age and youth development programs
It also provides standards, guidelines, resources, and support to help you make sensible changes that lead to better quality outcomes for children.
