Illinois Administrative Code › Title 89 - SOCIAL SERVICES › Part 50 - CHILD CARE › Subpart G - GATEWAYS TO OPPORTUNITY CREDENTIALS › Section 50.720 - Gateways to Opportunity Credentials

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 28, July 12, 2024
Credentialing, as set forth by this Part, is only for the
				  purpose of validating an individual's qualifications. Credentials are awarded
				  based on a variety of professional achievements in field experience, knowledge
				  and skills, educational attainment and/or training accomplishments.
a) Gateways to Opportunity Early Care and
				Education (ECE) Credential
The ECE Credential is designed to identify and validate
				  skills necessary to work in high quality early care and education programs. It
				  is awarded based on educational and professional achievement in services for
				  young children ages birth to eight years. The ECE Credential shall have six
				  levels and each will be awarded for increasing acquisition of education and
				  skills, including college coursework specifically related to the early
				  development and learning of children ages birth to eight years.
b) Gateways to Opportunity
				Illinois Director Credential
The Illinois Director Credential is designed to identify and
				  validate the skills necessary to administer high quality early childhood and/or
				  school age care programs. It is awarded based on educational and professional
				  achievement in the administration of early childhood and school age programs.
				  The Illinois Director Credential shall have three levels and each will be
				  awarded for increasing complexity of education and skills, including college
				  coursework specifically related to the development of children ages birth to 12
				  years and program management.
c) Gateways to Opportunity Infant/Toddler
				Credential
The Infant/Toddler Credential is designed to identify and
				  validate the skills necessary to work in high quality programs serving infants
				  and toddlers ages birth to three years. It is awarded based on educational and
				  professional achievement in infant/toddler services. The Infant/Toddler
				  Credential shall have five levels and each will be awarded for increasing
				  acquisition of education and skills, including college coursework specifically
				  related to the care and development of children ages birth to three
				  years.
d) Gateways to
				Opportunity School-Age/Youth Development Credentials
The School-Age/Youth Development Credentials are designed to
				  identify and validate the skills necessary to work in high quality programs
				  serving school-age children and youth ages five to 20 years. It is awarded
				  based on educational and professional achievement in services for school-age
				  children and youth. The School-Age/Youth Development Credentials shall have at
				  least three levels, each being awarded for increasing acquisition of education
				  and skill, including college coursework specifically related to the development
				  of children and youth ages five to 20 years.
e) Gateways to Opportunity Family Specialist
				Credential
The Family Specialist Credential is designed to identify and
				  validate the skills necessary to work in high quality family support service
				  programs. It is awarded based on educational and professional achievement in
				  services for families. The Family Specialist Credential shall have at least
				  three levels, each being awarded for increasing acquisition of education and
				  skill, including college coursework specifically related to services for
				  families.
f) Gateways to
				Opportunity Family Child Care Credential
The Family Child Care Credential is designed to identify and
				  validate the skills necessary to work in high quality family child care homes.
				  The credential is awarded based on educational and professional achievement in
				  family child care. The Family Child Care Credential shall have at least three
				  levels, each being awarded for increasing acquisition of education and skill,
				  including college coursework specifically related to family child
				  care.