Gateways Credentials

teaching children

SAYD Levels 2-5

The Gateways School-Age & Youth Development Credential is for school-age and youth professionals who have formal education, training, and experience with children (ages 5-16), either in the form of supervised observation or direct work experience.

If you have a valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an Elementary Education endorsement, you may already qualify for the SAYD Credential Level 5.

To start a Gateways Credential application, there are 3 steps:

  1. Log into your Gateways Registry here - registry.ilgateways.com/login. A paper application is also available, click here.
  2. Select Gateways Credentials in the "Apply" section. Click the "Apply Now" button to create a new application.
  3. Please request all official transcripts (if not on file) to be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mailed to: 

INCCRRA
1226 Towanda Ave
Bloomington, IL 61701

Click here for the  pdf work experience form. (123 KB)

To Renew your Gateways Credentials, click here.

Excelerate Program

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

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