Gateways to Opportunity Credentials

Governor Patrick Quinn signed Gateways to Opportunity credentials into law on January 21, 2010 effective retroactively to July 1, 2009. Gateways credentials are awarded and recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Bureau of Child Care and Development. Gateways credentials are symbols of professional achievement that can be earned by completing an approved program at an entitled college or university, or by completing a portfolio that documents education and experience, or by completing the Level 1 ECE training.

Gateways to Opportunity offers a variety of credential opportunities to professionals in the field of early care and education:

• Illinois Director Credential (IDC)
  
  
• ECE Credential
  
  
• Infant Toddler Credential (ITC)
  
  
• School-Age and Youth Development Credential
  
  
• Level 1 ECE Credential
  
  
• Other State Recognized Credentials and Certifications

Getting Started

You can download the Participant Application and Credential Supplement for all Gateways to Opportunity credentials, or contact us with your questions or to request an application.