Mt. Carmel, IL – Individuals interested in earning early childhood education credentials are encouraged to attend a Jumpstart Session at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, November 18 in Room 102 at Olney Central College.
Gateways to Opportunity recently approved Illinois Eastern Community Colleges as an entitled institution for the ECE Levels 2, 3, and 4 credentials. Students can now qualify for early childhood education credentials as they take courses or complete a degree through Frontier Community College in Fairfield, Lincoln Trail College in Robinson, Olney Central College in Olney, and Wabash Valley College in Mt. Carmel.
During the session, participants will learn more about the credentials and how earning them can increase marketability for early childhood education providers. Licensed daycares, Head Start, and preschool programs all need to hire teachers with Gateways Credentials to raise their Circle of Quality under ExceleRate.
Gateways to Opportunity is administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies. An INCCRRA staff member will be available to answer questions about the program and assist students in applying and completing the necessary paperwork. The session takes about 45 minutes to complete and is the best way to enroll for Gateways Credentials.
A scholarship program is available for those working in early childhood education and/or school-age care programs. It provides financial assistance for early childhood education, child development coursework and degrees offered through IECC.
For more information, contact Carmen Jones at 618-395-7777, ext. 22130, or [email protected]. To learn more about Gateways to Opportunity Credentials, visit www.ilgateways.com.
