UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Illinois - post

ChildCareEd is Approved as a Gateways to Opportunity Registry Authorized Entity. ChildCareEd offers Gateways-approved trainings that align with ECE Credential Competencies for Levels 2–6. ChildCareEd courses may be used to fulfill in-service training requirements for those working in child care centers, day care centers, family child care homes, day care homes, and licensed group homes including directors, lead teachers, teachers, teacher assistants, teachers aids, caregivers, primary caregivers, family child care providers, and day care home providers.

ChildCareEd courses may be accepted for renewing Illinois Gateways to Opportunity credentials.

Preservice training requirements for all providers:

• Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases 
• Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Use of Safe Sleep Practices
• Administration of Medicine 
• Prevention of and response to allergic reactions 
• Building and Physical Premises Safety 
• Shaken Baby Syndrome 
• Responding to Emergencies 
• Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials
• Appropriate Precautions in Transportation of Children
• First Aid & CPR Blended

Child Care Director training requirements:

Completion of a CDA Credential.

6 or more clock hours on providing care to children with disabilities:

• A Great Place for Education Includes All ONLINE
• Supporting Skill Development: Children with Special Needs
• Community and Family Engagement in Childcare
• Special Needs: From Referral to Inclusion

Teacher training requirements:

Completion of a CDA Credential.

Day Care Homes Primary Caregivers training requirements:

6 or more clock hours on providing care to children with disabilities:

• A Great Place for Education Includes All ONLINE
• Supporting Skill Development: Children with Special Needs
• Community and Family Engagement in Childcare
• Special Needs: From Referral to Inclusion

Annual training requirements for all providers:

15 clock hours of in-service training per licensing year

Gateways Registry:

ChildCareEd approved courses can be found on the Gateways Registry. Users may purchase approved courses through the ChildCareEd website. For Registry credit, please add your Registry ID number to your ChildCareEd account. Attendance data will be uploaded weekly to the Registry. Please allow a minimum of 5 business days for your completed course to appear on your Registry account.

CDA Credential & Renewal Courses

ChildCareEd provides the full 120 hours of CDA training required to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.

In Illinois, the CDA is a recognized credential that may be used to help meet education and qualification requirements for several roles, including:

• Child Care Directors
• Teachers and Lead Teachers
• Primary Caregivers in Day Care Homes
• Staff working with infants and toddlers

For many positions, completion of a CDA Credential satisfies required education components under Illinois licensing rules.

CDA Training Programs Offered:

• Birth to Five CDA Credential with Portfolio Review
• CDA Infant/Toddler Credential with Portfolio Review
• CDA Preschool Credential with Portfolio Review
• CDA Family Child Care Credential with Portfolio Review
• CDA Home Visitor Credential Birth to 5
• CDA Infant/Toddler Renewal
• CDA Preschool Renewal
• CDA Family Child Care Renewal

Illinois ECE Credential

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Credential is awarded through the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Registry and recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).

It shows your knowledge, skills, and experience in early childhood education and is often required for ExceleRate Illinois programs. Employers also use Credentials to guide hiring and promotions.

ECE Credential Competencies

ChildCareEd offers Gateways-approved trainings that align with ECE Credential Competencies for Levels 2–6. Each course is online, self-paced, and 6 hours long.

Health, Safety & Well-being (HSW)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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 or Program Design (CPD)

• 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, and Environments (IRE)

• 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 and Community Relationships (FRC)

• 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 and Professional Development (PPD)

• 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

Licensing Contact Information

Please contact your local child care licensing office to confirm all requirements, as standards are subject to change:

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Phone: (312) 328-2779 or (877) 746-0829
Email: cfpolicy@illinois.gov
Child Care Licensing Website: https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/Pages/default.aspx