ECE Credential
For ECE professionals working with children from birth to age 8
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
Applicants who work less than an average of 30 hours a week will receive wage supplement payments at a pro-rated amount. Please refer to the table below:
Great START Wage Supplement
Great START Wage Supplement Scale Levels |
Working 15–19 Hours a Week | Working 20–24 Hours a Week | Working 25–29 Hours a Week |
1 | $37.50 | $75.00 | $112.50 |
2 | $56.25 | $112.50 | $168.75 |
3 | $93.75 | $187.50 | $281.25 |
4 | $131.25 | $262.50 | $393.75 |
5 | $168.75 | $337.50 | $506.25 |
6 | $206.25 | $412.50 | $618.75 |
7 | $243.75 | $487.50 | $731.25 |
8 | $300.00 | $600.00 | $900.00 |
9 | $393.75 | $787.50 | $1181.25 |
10 | $487.50 | $975.00 | $1462.50 |
By logging into your Registry Portal, you will find your application status. Great START Specialists will request additional information, as needed, and notify you of your eligibility status via email. Be certain your email address is current and check your inbox, junk, and spam folders regularly. Applications are processed in the order received.
You may participate in the program as long as you continue to meet all Great START Program eligibility requirements as verified by applying every six months.
No. The Great START Program wage supplements are based upon formal education (college coursework from an accredited institution) in early childhood education and child development.
Indirectly, yes! If you have earned one of the Gateways Credentials listed on the pdf Great Start Wage Supplement Scale (205 KB) . Please also see “How do I interpret the Great START Wage Supplement Scale?”
Great START Counselors will adjust levels/options applied for based on information provided.
It also provides standards, guidelines, resources, and support to help you make sensible changes that lead to better quality outcomes for children.