What is a Credential

What Is a Credential?
Credentials are awarded to individuals who have successfully demonstrated their ability in areas identified as critical to their profession. Through a series of indicators including experience and education, credentials are awarded to directors; teachers and family child care providers who are competent in management and administration, as well as nurturing and educating young children.

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
The CDA is a nationally recognized early childhood credential awarded to educators who are skilled primary caregivers for young children. To successfully complete the CDA assessment process, child care providers must participate in various forms of training and practical experiences.
Contact: Council for Professional Recognition, 800-424-4310
http://www.cdacouncil.org

ECE Credential
The ECE Credential is a voluntary credential that defines what a person working with the children birth to age 8 should know and be able to demonstrate at various levels of training, education and experience within the early care and education field. The ECE Credential was developed from the seven Gateways Content Areas. The ECE Credential, awarded through Gateways to Opportunity, is recognized by the State of Illinois.
Contact: (866) 697-8278
www.ilgateways.com

Infant Toddler Credential (ITC)
The Infant Toddler Credential (ITC) is a voluntary credential for practitioners who work with children up to age 3. It validates the specialized knowledge, skills and experience needed to work with infants and toddlers. The credential is recognized by the State of Illinois. Practitioners applying for the ITC must first meet the requirements for the ECE Credential.
Contact: (866) 697-8278
www.ilgateways.com

Illinois Director Credential (IDC)
The Illinois Director Credential (IDC) is a voluntary credential that validates the education, knowledge, and experience of early childhood/school age education administrators. The IDC is recognized by the State of Illinois and is also recognized as the statewide standard of management and leadership capabilities by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). By achieving the IDC, the administrator is enhancing his or her commitment to the social, emotional, cognitive and physical outcomes for children.
Contact: (866) 697-8278
www.ilgateways.com

Level 1 ECE Credential
Training for the Level 1 ECE Credential is available statewide. This credential is for those who are interested in entering the field of early care and education. The Level 1 ECE Credential provides an opportunity to gain knowledge about the daily practices of high-quality child care practitioners. The Level 1 ECE curriculum provides basic knowledge and skills for those working with or seeking to work with young children. The curriculum consists of 16 three-hour modules.
Contact: (866) 697-8278
www.ilgateways.com

Certified Child Care Professional (CCP)
Quality standards extend beyond licensing requirements, good facilities, and best intentions. Professionals exhibiting standards of excellence in child care and early childhood education are recognized by the The National Child Care Association (NCCA) through the awarding of the Certified Child Care Professional (CCP) Early Childhood Education Specialist.
Contact: 800-543-7161
http://www.nccanet.org

National Administrator Credential (NAC)
The NAC course offers directors a chance to receive 40 hours of high-quality, relevant, college-level education in a five-day time frame. Classes are limited to 20 students to foster discussion and maximize learning.
Contact: NCCA & CCP, 800-543-7161
http://www.nccanet.org

Credential Funds
Children’s Home + Aid Child Care Resource + Referral (CCR+R) Program receives funds from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to support child care programs and family child care providers in pursing credentialing.
Contact: Janice Moenster, 800-467-9200 ext. 135 or jmoenste@childrenshomeandaid.org