Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Questions About Gateways

• What is Gateways to Opportunity?
  
  Gateways to Opportunity is a statewide system designed to support Illinois early care and education, school-age, and youth development professionals. From credentialing, to career guidance, to education and training resources, and more, Gateways to Opportunity focuses on what matters most—helping professionals help children. Click here to find out more.
  
  
  
• 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/or 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). Browse the Gateways Web site for a wealth of information regarding professional development services, financial opportunities, and resources, or call (866) 697-8278.
  
  
  
• 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 supplements and Gateways Scholarships, and offers professional recognition through credentials. Browse the Web site or call toll free: (866) 697-8278 for more information.
  
  
  
• 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 trained 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. The Web site provides 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 e-mail for answers to your questions.