Gateways to Opportunity - Gateways to Opportunity (2024)

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Credentials
- ECE Credential
- Infant Toddler Credential
- Illinois Director Credential
- SAYD Credential
- Family Child Care Credential
- Family Specialist Credential
- Technical Assistance Credential
- Becoming an Entitled Institution
- Gateways Training Tiers
Professional Development
- Higher Education Programs
  - Higher Education Directory
  - Becoming Entitled
  - Career Lattice
  - Entitled Review Group
  - ECE Toolbox
  - ESL Bilingual Toolbox
  - FCC Toolbox
  - FSC Toolbox
  - IDC Toolbox
  - ITC Toolbox
  - SAYD Toolbox
  - TA Toolbox
- Job Board
  - Search for Job
  - Post a Job
- Professional Development Advisor
  - PDA FAQ
  - PDA Resources
- PDAC
- INCCRRA Reports and Papers
- Prior Learning Assessment
- Faculty Resource Videos for ECE and Infant Toddler
Training Center
- i-learning
- Online Training Login
- Gateways Training Calendar
- ITN Trainers
- Registry Trainers
Financial Opportunities
- Great START
  - Am I eligible?
  - How do I apply?
  - How do I renew?
  - Wage Supplement Scale
  - FAQ
- Scholarship
  - Am I eligible?
  - How do I apply or renew?
  - What are my responsibilities?
  - Participating Institutions
  - Additional Scholarship Forms
- Additional Funding Programs
- Child Care Restoration Grants
- Child Care Workforce Bonus
- Strengthen and Grow Child Care Grants
- ECACE Scholarship
Smart Start
- Smart Start Transition Grants
- Smart Start Workforce Grants
- Smart Start Apprenticeship Pilot Program
- Smart Start Quality Support Program - Public

Gateways Registry

CCAP Providers

Credentials
ECE Credential
Infant Toddler Credential
Illinois Director Credential
SAYD Credential
Family Child Care Credential
Family Specialist Credential
Technical Assistance Credential
Becoming an Entitled Institution
Gateways Training Tiers
Professional Development
Higher Education Programs
Higher Education Directory
Becoming Entitled
Career Lattice
Entitled Review Group
ECE Toolbox
ESL Bilingual Toolbox
FCC Toolbox
FSC Toolbox
IDC Toolbox
ITC Toolbox
SAYD Toolbox
TA Toolbox
Job Board
Search for Job
Post a Job
Professional Development Advisor
PDA FAQ
PDA Resources
PDAC
INCCRRA Reports and Papers
Prior Learning Assessment
Faculty Resource Videos for ECE and Infant Toddler
Training Center
i-learning
Online Training Login
Gateways Training Calendar
ITN Trainers
Registry Trainers
Financial Opportunities
Great START
Am I eligible?
How do I apply?
How do I renew?
Wage Supplement Scale
FAQ
Scholarship
Am I eligible?
How do I apply or renew?
What are my responsibilities?
Participating Institutions
Additional Scholarship Forms
Additional Funding Programs
Child Care Restoration Grants
Child Care Workforce Bonus
Strengthen and Grow Child Care Grants
ECACE Scholarship
Smart Start
Smart Start Transition Grants
Smart Start Workforce Grants
Smart Start Apprenticeship Pilot Program
Smart Start Quality Support Program - Public

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Gateways Registry

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

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Online Training

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

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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.

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Credentials

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

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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 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 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.

ECE Credential Level 1 An entry level credential for those just entering the field ECE Credential Levels 2-6 For ECE professionals who have education beyond high school and experience with children birthto age 8 Infant Toddler Credential For child care professionals working with children from birth to age 3 Illinois Director Credential For administrators of ECE and School-Age Programs SAYD Credential For professionals working with children and youth ages 5-18 Technical Assistance Credential For professionals who offer relationship-based professional development Family Child Care Credential For a professional working in their home as a family child care provider for children ages birth through 12 years Family Specialist Credential For professionals who provide direct services to children and families, such as Parent Educators, Family Advocates and Case Workers Higher Education Directory Search for colleges and universities in your area that offer courses in child development and child care related topics Entitled Institutions For colleges and universities interested in becoming entitled for one or more Gateways Credentials

Professional Development

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.

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