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.

Attention: Gateways SAYD Credential application fees may be covered up to 80% by your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency through Professional Development Funds. Funds are on a first-come, first-served basis for those seeking to gain a new SAYD Credential, level advancing, or renewing an existing SAYD Credential. Contact them today!

Steps to Apply

1. Become a Gateways Registry member.
2. Download the  pdf School-Age & Youth Development Application (865 KB) .
3. Request your official transcripts be sent to Gateways from any accredited college or university you attended. An accredited college or university can send official transcripts electronically to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  If INCCRRA already has official transcripts on file you do not need to resend. 
4. Mail the application to:

   INCCRRA/Applications
   1226 Towanda Plaza
   Bloomington, IL 61701
   Or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To Renew your Gateways Credentials, click here.