The Gateways Illinois Director Credential (IDC) is for professional administrators of ECE and school-age programs. An Administrator is a Director/Assistant Director of a center-based program, similar to the principal of an elementary school, and responsible for planning & supervising child development programs and overseeing staff. Duties include hiring and firing of staff, budgeting, and other financial duties. The Director is in charge of the day-to-day operations of running the facility.
It requires specific levels of training, education, experience teaching in an ECE or school-age program, and experience as a director or assistant director in an ECE or school-age program. The Illinois Director Credential requires the completion of an Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university and at least 1,200 hours of work experience as a Director or Assistant Director (see definition above).
For additional information regarding the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) Director Qualifications, pdf click here (173 KB) .
To start a Gateways Credential application, there are 3 steps:
- Log into your Gateways Registry here - registry.ilgateways.com/login. A paper application is also available, click here.
- Select Gateways Credentials in the "Apply" section. Click the "Apply Now" button to create a new application.
- 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 Plaza
Bloomington, IL 61701
Click here for the work experience form.
To Renew your Gateways Credentials, click here.
