ECE Credential
For ECE professionals working with children from birth to age 8
pdf Gateways Registry Tips - Updating your Registry Information (409 KB)
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Gateways Scholarship
Need money to further your education in child development or early childhood education? Apply for a Gateways Scholarship!
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!
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.
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
ESL & Bilingual Credential
For ECE professionals who have formal college education, training, and experience with multilingual/multicultural children and families
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
Gateways to Opportunity is a statewide professional development support system designed to provide guidance, encouragement, and recognition to individuals and programs serving children, youth, and families. Gateways to Opportunity is administered through Inccrra and funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services Bureau of Child Care and Development, and the McCormick Foundation.
- WEEC TrainersEnglish
Who is Gateways for?
Gateways to Opportunity is specifically designed to meet the needs of early care and education, school-age, and youth development professionals in Illinois who work in:
Early care and education (in family child care; center-based care; and relative, friend, and neighbor care)
Early childhood special education
Early intervention
Public education
Family support
Head Start/Early Head Start
Higher education
Home visiting
Pre-kindergarten and Preschool for All
Child Care Resource & Referral
Other early childhood programs and settings
Before and after-school programs
Youth programs and services
Other school-age and youth development programs
Who is part of Gateways?
All early care and education, school-age, and youth development professionals are welcome to be a part of Gateways to Opportunity. Gateways is administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA).
What are the benefits of Gateways?
Gateways provides a wealth of information and resources about state and local training opportunities, the higher education institution directory, financial aid, Statewide Online Training Calendar, Gateways Registry membership, and other professional resources. It provides Professional Development Advisors (PDAs) to mentor and coach practitioners toward early care and education and school-age care career goals. Additionally, Gateways to Opportunity connects eligible practitioners to programs such as Great START Wage supplement and Gateways Scholarship, and offers professional recognition through credentials.
What can Gateways do for my career?
Gateways to Opportunity provides a list of early care and education, school-age, and youth development careers, illustrating the wide scope of the profession. The job board lists openings at all levels throughout Illinois. Connect with a Professional Development Advisor (PDA) to develop or enhance an early care and education and/or school-age care career plan.
What training and educational opportunities are offered through Gateways?
Gateways to Opportunity provides information about professional development in one location from a comprehensive list of higher education institutions, through our Higher Education Institution Directory, that offer coursework in early childhood, in addition to links on training opportunities around the state. Qualified practitioners can find out how to obtain state-recognized credentials or how to pay for college coursework that leads to a wage supplement.
How can I learn more, get a brochure, or get further assistance?
Call toll-free: (866) 697-8278 or use the contact us for answers to your questions.
Where can I find information about Gateways Credentials?
Visit the Credential pages on this website.
Where can I find information about the Great START Wage Supplement program?
Visit the Great START pages on this website.
Where can I find information about the Gateways Scholarship Program?
Visit the Scholarship pages on this website.
Where can I find information about ESL/Bilingual education in Illinois?
Visit the Illinois State Board of Education website.
Where can I find information about the Illinois State License (formerly Type 04 Certification)?
All Teacher Licensing is done by the Illinois State Board of Education, visit their website or contact your Regional Office of Education.
What is an official transcript?
An Official Transcript is an official document that is a record of a student’s academic work. To be official the transcript must be in a sealed envelope from the accredited college or university. Official transcripts can be sent electronically from your college or university to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Or they can be mailed to 1226 Towanda Ave, Bloomington, IL 61701.
If INCCRRA already has official transcripts on file you do not need to resend.
Foreign evaluated transcripts and coursework will only be accepted from entities listed as a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member https://www.naces.org/members.
ExceleRate Illinois helps you prepare children for success in school and life.
It also provides standards, guidelines, resources, and support to help you make sensible changes that lead to better quality outcomes for children.