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:
Child Care Director training requirements:
Completion of a CDA Credential.
6 or more clock hours on providing care to children with disabilities:
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:
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.
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.
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.
👉 Already have your Level 1 ECE Credential? Get ready to move to the next level!
👉 Not yet earned your Level 1? Click here to complete the 16 i-learning trainings online.
Thinking about opening a child care center in Illinois? For more information about opening a daycare or home child care center in Illinois, you are able to contact your state licensing office. The office will be able to provide you with advice on Illinois' requirements, rules, and regulations.
Administrators! Are you looking to purchase hours for your staff? ChildCareEd offers the Group Admin Program and Subscription Services, which make it easy and affordable to make group purchases.
Group Admin Program
The Group Admin Program allows you to purchase clock hours at a flat price and then assign classes to staff members. This gives you control over your budget and training plan. Purchase hours for staff to ensure they complete their training requirements.
Use our Group Admin Feature and receive the following benefits:
Subscription Services
With Subscription Services, you can purchase training hours at a low one-time cost. There are three tiers to choose from, depending on your needs:
To view the course selection available for each of our subscription services, please click on View Courses List under each here: https://www.childcareed.com/subscriptions.html.
