ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï has been approved as an entitled institution for the Gateways to Opportunity ECE (Early Childhood Education) Credential—Level 5 through 2023. As an entitled institution, students at ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï have the opportunity to qualify for state-recognized credentials as they take courses or complete a degree through the School of Education.
ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï is among a select group of institutions in Illinois to be entitled for the Gateways to Opportunity Credentials. All Gateways to Opportunity Credentials have competencies that reflect multiple professional standards, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards. The faculty at ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï has worked diligently to align their courses with the Gateways to Opportunity competencies.
Dr. Ida Maduram, professor and coordinator of Elementary and Early Childhood Programs, says she is delighted for the opportunity. “The Gateways ECE Credential Level 5 is an additional professional opportunity that we are able to provide for our students in the Early Childhood Studies. As our program is growing, we are delighted that our students will be able to able to empower and invest in the future of young children in traditional and non-traditional learning environments.”
ºÚÁϳԹϒs Early Childhood program is a robust teacher education program offering a BA in Early Childhood for students seeking Illinois licensure and a BA in Early Childhood Studies for students interested in a non-licensure degree. In a time when Early Childhood Education is defining itself as a field that promotes professional development, ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï has become entitled to help further this goal by graduating students ready to provide quality care and education to young children in Illinois.
Gateways to Opportunity, Illinois Professional Development System, is designed to provide guidance, support and recognition to practitioners who serve children and families in Illinois. Gateways to Opportunity is administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) on behalf of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Visit the Gateways to Opportunity website at to learn more.