Early childhood educators in Illinois now have access to a series of newly developed, Gateways to Opportunity–approved training bundles that make professional development more accessible, organized, and meaningful. These bundles are designed to help childcare providers meet the competency requirements for the Illinois ECE Credential (Levels 2–6), while supporting quality care, learning, and safety for young children.

Each bundle focuses on one major Illinois ECE competency area and includes multiple online courses that are self-paced, easy to navigate, and aligned with Illinois state standards. Whether you are beginning your credential journey or looking to advance your professional qualifications, these online training bundles offer a convenient, affordable pathway to success.

Why These Illinois ECE Credential Bundles Matter

Illinois childcare providers face ongoing professional development requirements and documentation expectations. These new bundles were created to simplify that process by offering:

• Complete competency coverage in one purchase
• Fully online, self-paced learning
• Gateways to Opportunity–approved content
• Alignment with Illinois ECE Credential standards
• Practical skills that educators can use immediately
• Cost-effective options for training centers and individuals

From improving #classroom-environments to strengthening relationships with families, each bundle helps providers develop essential skills that directly benefit children, families, and early learning programs.

Health, Safety & Well-Being (HSW) Bundle

The Health, Safety & Well-Being bundle includes all five required competencies for the Illinois ECE Credential. These courses help educators create #safe-environments and support the overall physical well-being of children.

What This Bundle Covers

• Creating safe indoor and outdoor environments
• Child health and hygiene practices
• Nutrition and meal planning
• Preventing injuries and emergencies
• Promoting wellness and healthy habits

Courses Included (HSW1–HSW5)

• Safe and Sound: Creating Healthy Environments for Every Child → HSW1
• Healthy Starts: Safety, Nutrition, and Wellness in Child Care → HSW2
• Everyday Safety: Creating Healthy Environments → HSW3
• Creating Safe & Healthy Child Care Environments → HSW4
• Wellness in Action: Teaching Healthy Habits to Children → HSW5

Human Growth & Development (HGD) Bundle

This four-course bundle focuses on understanding how children grow, learn, and develop. It provides a strong foundation in developmental milestones, emotional development, and the diverse needs of young learners.

What This Bundle Covers

• Typical and atypical development patterns
• Emotional and social development
• Factors that shape early learning
• Supporting children with diverse needs
• Building resilience in young children

Courses Included (HGD1–HGD4)

• The Science of Growing Up: Typical and Atypical Development → HGD1
• Growing the Whole Child: Health, Emotions & Early Learning → HGD2
• Roots & Resilience: Understanding What Shapes a Child → HGD3
• Recognize, Respond, Respect: Supporting Diverse Learners → HGD4

Observation & Assessment (OA) Bundle

Accurate observation and respectful assessment practices are essential in #early-childhood. This three-course bundle equips educators with tools to observe children objectively, document progress, and use assessment data to inform instruction.

What This Bundle Covers

• Objective observation methods
• Documentation strategies
• Assessment communication
• Collaboration with families
• Confidentiality and ethical practices

Courses Included (OA1–OA3)

• Tracking Progress, Shaping Futures: Observation & Assessment Skills → OA1
• Culture, Communication, and Collaboration in Assessment → OA2
• Privacy Matters: Documentation and Observation in Early Learning → OA3

Curriculum & Program Design (CPD) Bundle

The Curriculum & Program Design bundle supports educators in designing engaging, culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate curriculum that meets Illinois standards.

What This Bundle Covers

• Developmentally appropriate practices
• Responsive curriculum planning
• Incorporating culture into the curriculum
• Designing meaningful learning experiences
• Linking play with learning outcomes

Courses Included (CPD1–CPD3)

• Planning for Every Child: Responsive Strategies in Action → CPD1
• From Play to Planning: Building Culturally Competent, Child-Centered Curriculum → CPD2
• Creating Engaging and Meaningful Learning Experiences → CPD3

Interactions, Relationships & Environments (IRE) Bundle

High-quality interactions and thoughtfully designed environments play a major role in children’s success. This bundle helps educators create nurturing relationships and supportive classroom spaces.

What This Bundle Covers

• Positive, responsive interactions
• Relationship-building practices
• Managing daily routines
• Effective transitions
• Designing learning spaces that encourage independence

Courses Included (IRE1–IRE4)

• Creating Environments that Nurture Growth and Community → IRE1
• Connections That Count: Building Relationships in Child Care → IRE2
• Every Moment Matters: Schedules and Transitions → IRE3
• Environments That Inspire Independence and Exploration → IRE4

Family & Community Relationships (FRC) Bundle

This six-course bundle strengthens educators’ skills in building strong family partnerships, supporting diverse communities, and collaborating with families to foster children’s learning.

What This Bundle Covers

• Effective communication with families
• Cultural responsiveness
• Inclusive relationship-building
• Family engagement strategies
• Connecting families with community resources
• Amplifying family voice in early learning programs

Courses Included (FRC1–FRC6)

• Families, Communities, and Classrooms: Working Together for Children → FRC1
• Bridging Cultures: Family Communication & Collaboration → FRC2
• Family Connections: Creating Inclusive Relationships → FRC3
• Beyond the Classroom: Connecting Families to Essential Services → FRC4
• Family Voices Matter: Tools for Meaningful Collaboration → FRC5
• Engaging Families for Child Success → FRC6

Personal & Professional Development (PPD) Bundle

Professionalism and ethical conduct are essential in #early-childhood-education. This bundle helps educators strengthen their professional identity while understanding ECE policy and equity.

What This Bundle Covers

• Professional behavior and communication
• Early childhood history and policy
• Ethics and legal guidelines
• Equity-centered communication

Courses Included (PPD1–PPD4)

• Professional Presence in Early Childhood → PPD1
• History, Policy, and Practice in ECE → PPD2
• Legal & Ethical Essentials in Child Care → PPD3
• Equity-Centered Communication in ECE → PPD4

Moving Your Career Forward

The new Illinois training bundles make it easier than ever for childcare providers to earn Gateways-approved credit and build their skills with high-quality content. Whether your goal is to meet licensing requirements, renew your Illinois ECE Credential, or expand your professional knowledge, these bundles offer a powerful and practical way to grow.