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 are not automatically eligible every six months. They must continue to meet all eligibility requirements during the entire renewal and processing period.
Applicants have 30 days from the beginning of their reapplication month to submit their application.
You will receive a courtesy notification prior to your renewal month.
All Great START recipients must reapply every six months. Each application must be received within your renewal month. Application schedules are as follows:
Renewal Months | |
Original Eligibility Month | Renewal Month (6-month cycle) |
January | July |
February | August |
March | September |
April | October |
May | November |
June | December |
Great START applicants using confirmed, false documentation will be determined ineligible for Great START and possibly other Gateways to Opportunity or INCCRRA administered programs.
Examples of false documentation include, but are not limited to:
IDHS will make the final decision on eligibility/ineligibility.
An applicant determined ineligible due to false documentation will remain ineligible for up to a maximum of three years from the determination date.
An applicant who has submitted confirmed fraudulent documentation will be required to reimburse INCCRRA for the most recent Great START Wage Supplement received, if payment was made when the fraudulent documentation was in effect.
Checks will be issued upon receipt of funding from IDHS.
Please keep an eye on our Facebook page to know when checks are mailed, or call our office toll free at (866) 697-8278.
It also provides standards, guidelines, resources, and support to help you make sensible changes that lead to better quality outcomes for children.