This session is part of the 2021 ECE Level 1 High School Training of Teachers (TOT). You will be required to review the recording of the session, click on the certificate at the end of the session for proof of completion and then click on the assessment link to complete the final part of this session. Please send the certificate to Megan Barton.

This session is part of the 2021 ECE Level 1 High School Training of Teachers (TOT). You will be required to review the recording of the session, click on the certificate at the end of the session for proof of completion and then click on the assessment link to complete the final part of this session. Please send the certificate to Megan Barton.

This session is part of the 2021 ECE Level 1 High School Training of Teachers (TOT). You will be required to review the recording of the session, click on the certificate at the end of the session for proof of completion and then click on the assessment link to complete the final part of this session. Please send the certificate to Megan Barton.

This online instruction will discuss the signs, symptoms, causes, triggers, prevention, and long-term effects of Shake Syndrome and traumatic brain injury. Successful completion of this training meets DCFS pre-service requirements for the Home Care Provider License application. Licensed providers will receive hours of training for renewal of the license.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

The organizations and sites listed on this page offer Registry Approved training for Illinois child care providers.  These links take you to pages outside of the Gateways i-learning System, and INCCRRA and Gateways are not responsible for technical assistance or support for any content provided through these entities.

This training explores the fundamental principles of adult learning theory, examining key questions such as how and why adults engage in learning. With this theoretical framework as a foundation, we will discuss the trainer's role in the adult learning process, as well as strategies for creating and delivering an enriching learning experience. The training also addresses common challenges and offers practical approaches for preventing issues before they arise. This training is required for all ITN and Registry Trainers.

Contact Hours: 2 hours     Gateways Content Areas: PPD (2 hours)     CDA Content Areas: 6 (2 hours)

An Introduction to Transitions discusses the effects of various types of transitions - including activity, classroom, program, family, and community - on families and a child's learning and development. This course will provide strategies to assist families in times of transition, as well as, identify specific types of transitions that impact children and families.

This Registry-approved training is brought to you by Gateways to Opportunity®. This training is ExceleRate-approved and counts towards ExceleRate™ Illinois for licensed child care centers and DCFS licensed program training hours.

Asthma Management for child care providers is Respiratory Health Association's free training for caregivers of young children with documented or presumed asthma. In this training, RHA educated child care providers on how to best care for a child living with asthma.

Topics include:

• Identifying a child having trouble with asthma
• Early asthma warning signs
• Trigger avoidance strategies
• Asthma medication policies
• Asthma emergency response in a child care setting

Contact Hours: 2 hours          Gateways Content Area: HSW (2 hours)          CDA Content Area: 1 (2 hours)   

In this training, participants will learn about the complexities of culture and how culture impacts interactions with families and other professionals. Through discussion and narrated activities, participants will explore their own cultural competence and awareness.  This Registry-approved training is brought to you by Gateways to Opportunity. This training is ExceleRate-approved and counts towards ExceleRate™ Illinois for licensed child care centers and DCFS licensed program training hours.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

This training includes four modules and covers the basics of understanding and working with data, including how to write SMART goals that facilitate meaningful use of data, uses of qualitative and quantitative data, and the importance of repeated measures across time. This training also provides several ways to assess the credibility of a data source and considerations for displaying and interpreting visual displays of data such as pie charts, bar graphs, and line graphs.

This course  is intended to provide ECE, CFC, and LEA staff and administrators with a deeper understanding of the available tools and resources to help foster partnerships and implement best practices that promote inclusion. Building Relationships to Support Inclusion in Early Childhood: Tools to Support your Efforts is brought to you by the Illinois Early Learning Council Inclusion Subcommittee, in collaboration with state agency partners at the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development, Illinois State Board of Education, and the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Contact Hours: 1 Hour      Gateways Content Areas: IRE (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: 6 (1 hour)

Módulo 2b - Cuestiones de nutrición para el cuidado en grupo

Este módulo (2b) cubre el tema del entrenamiento de DCFS: Choque anafiláctico como se menciona en la regulación de la Ley de cuidado de niños 5,11. La finalización de este módulo, junto con 2a, satisface ese requisito.

Este módulo (2a) cubre el tema del entrenamiento de DCFS: Choque anafiláctico como se menciona en la regulación de la Ley de cuidado de niños 5,11. La finalización de este módulo, junto con 2b, satisface ese requisito.

Módulo 4 - El aprendizaje ocurre en las relaciones

El enfoque de este módulo es el aprendizaje que se produce para los niños en los centros de cuidado, que depende de las personas que encuentran allí, la planificación de las actividades diarias y los lugares que se organizan para sus exploraciones. Estos tres componentes tienen un impacto significativo en la forma en que los niños se desarrollan en la atención temprana.

Horas de contacto: (2 horas)   Áreas de contenido de Gateways: CPD (1 hora); IRE (1 hora)   Áreas de contenido de CDA: 1 (1 hora); 3 (1 hora)

Módulo 6: Desarrollo personal y profesional

¿Qué significa ser un profesional del cuidado infantil? ¿Cómo puede estar seguro de que está recibiendo el apoyo y los suministros que necesita? ¿Cómo puede fijar límites eficaces con los padres y los niños por igual? En este módulo, aprenderá acerca de su propio desarrollo profesional y cómo cuidar de usted mismo para que pueda seguir cuidando de otros.

Horas de contacto: 2 (horas)   Áreas de contenido de Gateways: PPD (2 horas)   Áreas de contenido de CDA: 6 (2 horas)

Módulo 7c: Desarrollo infantil (18 a 36 meses)

Los niños pequeños son un grupo lleno de energía que requiere de mucha estimulación y educación.  En esta sección final de la capacitación sobre el desarrollo infantil, podrá explorar cómo los niños de 18 a 36 meses aprenden el lenguaje, aprenden a pensar, aprenden a moverse y aprenden los sentimientos, de modo que pueda alimentar mejor a este grupo de edad a menudo curioso.

Horas de contacto: 2 horas     Áreas de contenido de Gateways:  HGD (2 horas) Áreas de contenido de CDA: 3 (1 hora); 8 (1 hora) 

In this training, participants will define developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) as well as recognize the importance of DAP when caring for mixed-ages of children.  Components of a safe and healthy family child care environment serving mixed-ages of children will be discussed as well as identifying areas for program improvement.  This Registry-Approved training is brought to you by Gateways to Opportunity.  This training is ExceleRate-approved and counts towards ExceleRate™ Illinois for licensed child care centers and DCFS licensed program training hours.

Contact Hours: 3.5 hours     Gateways Content Areas: HSW (1.5 hours); CPD (2 hours)     CDA Content Areas: 1 (1.5 hours); 5 (2 hours)

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Are you trying to complete training required by IDHS for all Child Care Assistance Program Providers?  Find fast, convenient answers to your questions here!

This training will provide participants an overview of child development, health, and safety issues for children birth through early school-age. Emphasis will be on understanding patterns of development, developmental domains, and the role of nutrition in development. In addition, health and safety issues will address supporting the growth of healthy children - from the basics such as handwashing to more in-depth practices surrounding healthy procedures and disease prevention. Participants will learn more about emergency planning/preparedness and first aid as well as identify tips for maintaining safe indoor/outdoor environments.

This training covers the DCFS Training Topic: Anaphylactic Shock, as referenced in Regulation Child Care Act 5.11. Completion of this training satisfies that requirement.

Contact Hours:  3 hours   Gateways Content Areas: HGD (1.5 hrs) HSW (1.5 hrs)  CDA Content Areas: 1 (1.5 hrs) 8 (1.5 hrs)

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Esta capacitación es para programas basados en centros y proveedores de cuidado infantil familiar y ofrece una descripción general e introductoria de las Escalas de Calificación del Ambiente (ERS, por sus siglas en inglés). Las Escalas de Calificación del Ambiente son herramientas de evaluación fáciles de usar y basades en la investigación que miden la calidad del entorno de aprendizaje para bebés hasta niños en edad escolar. Después de completar esta capacitación, los participantes tendrán un conocimiento general de los términos comunes utilizados en las ERS, aprenderán los recursos disponibles y podrán usar las herramientas para la autoevaluación del programa y la planificación de mejoras. 

Nota: El participante es responsable de la compra de la escala utilizada dentro de su programa/aula. Se recomienda continuar y completar una capacitación específica para la escala que utilice.

Esta capacitación introductoria del ITERS-3 explica cómo crear experiencias de aprendizaje basadas en el juego atractivas para niños pequeños y apoyar interacciones significativas con adultos y compañeros. Explorará cómo planificar y enriquecer el espacio y los materiales de su aula a través de las subescalas ITERS-3 y elementos tales como el juego de motricidad fina, la música y el movimiento, el juego dramático, la naturaleza y la ciencia, las matemáticas, las matemáticas y el movimiento. etc. También se exploran los temas de Lengua y Libros, con consejos para ampliar vocabulario, implicarse con los libros y fomentar la comunicación.

Nota: Usted debe tener una copia del ITERS-3 con usted para completar la capacitación.

Horas de contacto: 1 hora     Áreas de contenido de Gateways: OA (1 hora)     Áreas de contenido de CDA: 5 (1 hora)

Participants will define and explain the value of professional development.  This training will assist in recognizing the relationship of staff development to Continuous Quality Improvement. Participants will also be able to identify the components of an effective professional development plan. This training counts towards ExceleRate Illinois for licensed child care centers and DCFS licensed program training hours.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

This training will help you understand what competencies are and how they are integrated into the Illinois professional development system. You will explore resources, tools, and steps involved in the competency alignment process and will have the option of aligning a new or existing training of your own. Paths for submitting a training for competency approval will also be discussed along with relevant documents you may need. 

Contact Hours: 1.5 Hours        Gateways Content Areas: PPD (1.5 Hours)    CDA:  PRO (1.5 Hours)

Welcome to the Customer Service and Field Safety: Essential Skills for CCR&R Staff training.  During this training you will learn the importance of providing excellent customer service to child care providers and families in Illinois. You will also learn how to prioritize safety as you interact with members of the community.

Topics of instruction in this course will be:

Making Sense of Number Sense is the second course in an eight-part series designed to support math competencies in teachers of young children.  Please make sure to take the orientation course before taking this 2nd course in the series. The development of strong skills associated with this broad concept is indicative of later mathematical achievement as well as later success in school. Much of what we will cover in this module is foundational and is used in other mathematical areas. As you move through the rest of the Math at Home modules, you will see how Number Sense informs other broad mathematical concepts.

This training provides 1 contact hour of Gateways Registry-Approved training and 1 Continuing Professional Development Unit (CPDU).

Contact Hours: 1 hour    Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: PI (1 hour)

Patterns is the third course in an eight-part series designed to support math competencies in teachers of young children.  Understanding patterns is a foundational skill for developing algebraic thinking.

This training provides 1 contact hour of Gateways Registry-Approved training and 1 Continuing Professional Development Unit (CPDU).

Contact Hours: 1 hour     Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: PI (1 hour)

Shapes and Spaces is the fourth course in an eight-part series designed to support math competencies in teachers of young children. This course focuses on the math concept of geometry.

This training provides 1 contact hour of Gateways Registry-Approved training and 1 Continuing Professional Development Unit (CPDU).

Please make sure to take the following Early Math Counts Professional Development Program courses before you take this course:

Contact Hours: 1 hour     Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: PI (1 hour)

Measure for Measure is the fifth course in an eight-part series designed to support math competencies in teachers of young children. This course focuses on measurement, which is a mathematical skill that children will use nearly everyday of their lives.

This training provides 1 contact hour of Gateways Registry-Approved training and 1 Continuing Professional Development Unit (CPDU).

Please make sure to take the following Early Math Counts Professional Development Program courses before you take this course:

Contact Hours: 1 hour     Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: PI (1 hour)

Data Collection and Analysis is the sixth course in an eight-part series designed to support math competencies in teachers of young children. As you move through this module you will see how natural and appropriate it is for young children to ask questions that can be answered via data collection. Once you see all of the possibilities relative to this broad concept, you will be amazed at how engaging and thought-provoking this is for even very young children.

This training provides 1 contact hour of Gateways Registry-Approved training and 1 Continuing Professional Development Unit (CPDU).

Please make sure to take the following Early Math Counts Professional Development Program MATH courses before you take this course:

Contact Hours: 1 hour     Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: PI (1 hour)

Math Processes is the seventh course in an eight-part series designed to support math competencies in teachers of young children. If you completed the previous courses, you are now familiar with early math content areas, such as number, patterns, geometry, measurement, and data analysis. The processes of mathematics go hand in hand with the content areas and are critical to young children and their understandings of mathematics.

Please make sure to take the following Early Math Counts Professional Development Program courses before you take this course:

Contact Hours: 1 hour     Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: PI (1 hour)

Environments is the eighth course in an eight-part series designed to support math competencies in teachers of young children. Understanding how to recognize and create a math rich environment is key to creating successful math experiences for children.

This training provides 1 contact hour of Gateways Registry-Approved training and 1 Continuing Professional Development Unit (CPDU).

Please make sure to take the following Early Math Counts Professional Development Program MATH courses before you take this course:

Contact Hours: 1 hour     Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: PI (1 hour)

The Early Science Matters professional development program is a series of nine courses focusing on early science content and application in settings that provide care and education for young children.  The Introduction will provide you with information regarding the importance early science skills and knowledge for young children, an overview of the major content areas in early science and an orientation to the Early Science Matters Professional Development series, as well as a tour of the many resources available on the Early Science Matters site. 

This training provides 1 contact hour of Gateways Registry-Approved training and 1 Continuing Professional Development Unit (CPDU).

Curiosity and Wonder is the second course in a nine-part series designed to support science competencies in teachers of young children.  Please make sure to take the Introduction course before taking this 2nd course in the series. Curiosity and wonder is central to young children’s science explorations and learning. In this course we will examine what curiosity and wonder are and how they can support children in all areas of early science.

This training provides 1 contact hour of Gateways Registry-Approved training and 1 Continuing Professional Development Unit (CPDU).

Please make sure to take the following Early Science Matters Professional Development Program course before you take this course:

Course 1: Introduction

Engineering is the third course in a nine-part series designed to support science competencies in teachers of young children.  Please make sure to take the Introduction course before taking this 3rd course in the series. Engineering supports children’s development of problem-solving skills while rooted in scientific understandings of how things in the world work, and how children can plan, design, and create as an engineer. Science and engineering processes are explored within the engineering design process to support children’s active explorations.

This training provides 1 contact hour of Gateways Registry-Approved training and 1 Continuing Professional Development Unit (CPDU).

Please make sure to take the following Early Science Matters Professional Development Program course before you take this course:

Course 1: Introduction

Contact Hours: 1 hour     Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: PI (1 hour)

Beginning Skills, Processes, and Tools is the fourth course in a nine-part series designed to support science competencies in teachers of young children.  Please make sure to take the Introduction course before taking this 4th course in the series.

This training provides 1 contact hour of Gateways Registry-Approved training and 1 Continuing Professional Development Unit (CPDU).

Please make sure to take the following Early Science Matters Professional Development Program course before you take this course:

Course 1: Introduction

Contact Hours: 1 hour     Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: PI (1 hour)

Force and Motion is the fifth course in a nine-part series designed to support science competencies in teachers of young children.  Please make sure to take the Introduction course before taking this 5th course in the series.

This training provides 1 contact hour of Gateways Registry-Approved training and 1 Continuing Professional Development Unit (CPDU).

Please make sure to take the following Early Science Matters Professional Development Program course before you take this course:

Course 1: Introduction

Contact Hours: 1 hour     Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: PI (1 hour)

Physical Properties is the sixth course in a nine-part series designed to support science competencies in teachers of young children.  Please make sure to take the Introduction course before taking this 6th course in the series.

This training provides 1 contact hour of Gateways Registry-Approved training and 1 Continuing Professional Development Unit (CPDU).

Please make sure to take the following Early Science Matters Professional Development Program course before you take this course:

Course 1: Introduction

Contact Hours: 1 hour     Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: PI (1 hour)

Growth and Change is the seventh course in a nine-part series designed to support science competencies in teachers of young children.  Please make sure to take the Introduction course before taking this 7th course in the series.

This training provides 1 contact hour of Gateways Registry-Approved training and 1 Continuing Professional Development Unit (CPDU).

Please make sure to take the following Early Science Matters Professional Development Program course before you take this course:

Course 1: Introduction

Contact Hours: 1 hour     Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: PI (1 hour)

Earth, Air, and Water is the eighth course in a nine-part series designed to support science competencies in teachers of young children.  Please make sure to take the Introduction course before taking this 8th course in the series.

This training provides 1 contact hour of Gateways Registry-Approved training and 1 Continuing Professional Development Unit (CPDU).

Please make sure to take the following Early Science Matters Professional Development Program course before you take this course:

Course 1: Introduction

Contact Hours: 1 hour     Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: PI (1 hour)

Weather and Seasons is the ninth course in a nine-part series designed to support science competencies in teachers of young children.  Please make sure to take the Introduction course before taking this 9th course in the series.
 

Contact Hours: 1 hour     Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: 2 (1 hour)

Module 1 - Child Development Overview: Understanding How Young Children Grow and Develop

In this module, you will receive an overview of child development for children birth through early school age.  Emphasis will be on understanding basic milestones in development as well as on strategies used to promote the healthy development of children.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Module 2a - Health Issues for Group Care

Ensuring a child's health and well-being requires more than basic first aid and emergency contacts.  In this module, you will learn how to help the growth of healthy children -- from the basics like hand washing to a more in-depth look at various practices surrounding health care.

This Module (2a) covers the DCFS Training Topic: Anaphylactic Shock, as referenced in Regulation Child Care Act 5.11. Completion of this Module along with Module 2b satisfies that requirement.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Module 2b - Nutrition Issues for Group Care

Whether you're responsible for providing a quick snack or a well-balanced meal, understanding children's dietary needs creates healthier and happier kids.  Learn the basics of good nutrition, food safety and various practices surrounding nutrition through this module.

This Module (2b) covers the DCFS Training Topic: Anaphylactic Shock, as referenced in Regulation Child Care Act 5.11. Completion of this Module along with Module 2a satisfies that requirement.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Module 2c - Safety Issues for Group Care

A child's safety is the number one concern for parents and child care providers alike.  In this module, you will identify tips for creating a safer group care environment, confront the issue of abuse and neglect and learn more about emergency preparedness and first aid.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Module 4 - Learning Happens in Relationships

Our kids are constantly responding to family members, teachers, and social relationships that help to shape their understanding of the world around them.  This module explores how relationships between families, children and teachers can help learning, and how crafting the environment around them can help children learn.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Module 5 - Family and Community Relationships

As our partners in child development, families, and especially parents, directly affect a child's learning. In this module you will learn the new ways of working with parents to help their children enjoy learning. You also will explore the social world of a family to be sure that the learning that takes place in your care is consistent with the learning done at home.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Module 6 - Personal and Professional Development

What does it mean to be a child care professional? How can you be sure you are getting the support and supplies you need? How can you set effective limits with parents and children alike? In this module, you will learn about your own professional development and how to care for yourself so you can continue to care for others.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Module 7a - Child Development: Ages Birth to 8 Months

Newborns and young babies are developing at an incredible rate, causing them to have special needs unlike older children. In this module, you will understand how children from birth to 8 months learn and grow, and how to individualize their care accordingly.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Module 7b - Child Development: Ages 8 to 18 Months

In this continuation of the first child development module, you will explore development among children ages 8-18 months.  You'll identify how this age group differs in growth and their approach to learning, and you'll discover toys, games and songs that are helpful and just right for their development.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Module 7c - Child Development: Ages 18 to 36 Months

Toddlers are an energetic bunch who require plenty of stimulation and education.  In this final section of child development training, you'll explore how children age 18 to 36 months learn language, learn to think, learn to move, and learn feelings, so you can better nurture this often curious age group.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Module 8a - The Preschool-Age Child: Social and Emotional Development

As children approach preschool age, their needs begin to change. This is the first of four modules designed to better understand children as they approach school age. You will identify characteristics of social and emotional development and learn techniques for promoting appropriate and effective discipline for preschool children.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

As children mature, their minds aren't the only things growing at an incredible rate. In this module, you will explore the special areas of physical development in preschool-aged children. You also will learn about fine motor activities that will help preschoolers grow into their bodies while developing proper coordination and movement.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Module 8c - The Preschool-Age Child: Language Development

Appropriate speech patterns and language skills are crucial to nurturing effective communications by preschoolers. In this module, you will explore how to use pictures and storybooks to lay the foundation for good reading and proper language use.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Module 8d - The Preschool-Age Child: Cognitive Development

In this module on preschool development, you will dive deeper into how preschoolers learn and identify tips for making learning fun.  With suggestions for activities that encourage your preschoolers to explore numbers, shapes, colors and science, this module gives all the information you need to grow and stretch the ability of children to think and understand.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Module 9 - School-Age Development

This module on child development looks at school-age children to uncover how their learning and growth differs. With tips on how to better care for school-aged youth, this module offers you guidance on how to set rules and limits and to get your school-aged kids to appreciate safety and respect.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Module 1 - Child Development Overview: Understanding How Young Children Grow and Develop

In this module, you will receive an overview of child development for children birth through early school age.  Emphasis will be on understanding basic milestones in development as well as on strategies used to promote the healthy development of children.

Module 2b - Nutrition Issues for Group Care

Whether you're responsible for providing a quick snack or a well-balanced meal, understanding children's dietary needs creates healthier and happier kids.  Learn the basics of good nutrition, food safety and various practices surrounding nutrition through this module.

Module 2c - Safety Issues for Group Care

A child's safety is the number one concern for parents and child care providers alike.  In this module, you will identify tips for creating a safer group care environment, confront the issue of abuse and neglect and learn more about emergency preparedness and first aid.

Module 4 - Learning Happens in Relationships

Our kids are constantly responding to family members, teachers, and social relationships that help to shape their understanding of the world around them.  This module explores how relationships between families, children and teachers can help learning, and how crafting the environment around them can help children learn.

Module 5 - Family and Community Relationships

As our partners in child development, families, and especially parents, directly affect a child's learning. In this module you will learn the new ways of working with parents to help their children enjoy learning. You also will explore the social world of a family to be sure that the learning that takes place in your care is consistent with the learning done at home.

Module 6 - Personal and Professional Development

What does it mean to be a child care professional? How can you be sure you are getting the support and supplies you need? How can you set effective limits with parents and children alike? In this module, you will learn about your own professional development and how to care for yourself so you can continue to care for others.

Module 7a - Child Development: Ages Birth to 8 Months

Newborns and young babies are developing at an incredible rate, causing them to have special needs unlike older children. In this module, you will understand how children from birth to 8 months learn and grow, and how to individualize their care accordingly.

Module 7b - Child Development: Ages 8 to 18 Months

In this continuation of the first child development module, you will explore development among children ages 8-18 months.  You'll identify how this age group differs in growth and their approach to learning, and you'll discover toys, games and songs that are helpful and just right for their development.

Module 7c - Child Development: Ages 18 to 36 Months

Toddlers are an energetic bunch who require plenty of stimulation and education.  In this final section of child development training, you'll explore how children age 18 to 36 months learn language, learn to think, learn to move, and learn feelings, so you can better nurture this often curious age group.

As children mature, their minds aren't the only things growing at an incredible rate. In this module, you will explore the special areas of physical development in preschool-aged children. You also will learn about fine motor activities that will help preschoolers grow into their bodies while developing proper coordination and movement.

Module 8c - The Preschool-Age Child: Language Development

Appropriate speech patterns and language skills are crucial to nurturing effective communications by preschoolers. In this module, you will explore how to use pictures and storybooks to lay the foundation for good reading and proper language use.

Module 8d - The Preschool-Age Child: Cognitive Development

In this module on preschool development, you will dive deeper into how preschoolers learn and identify tips for making learning fun.  With suggestions for activities that encourage your preschoolers to explore numbers, shapes, colors and science, this module gives all the information you need to grow and stretch the ability of children to think and understand.

Module 9 - School-Age Development

This module on child development looks at school-age children to uncover how their learning and growth differs. With tips on how to better care for school-aged youth, this module offers you guidance on how to set rules and limits and to get your school-aged kids to appreciate safety and respect.

Module 8a - The Preschool-Age Child: Social and Emotional Development

As children approach preschool age, their needs begin to change. This is the first of four modules designed to better understand children as they approach school age. You will identify characteristics of social and emotional development and learn techniques for promoting appropriate and effective discipline for preschool children.

Los participantes definirán y explicarán el valor del desarrollo profesional. Esta capacitación ayudará a reconocer la relación del desarrollo del personal con la Mejora continua de la calidad. Los participantes también podrán identificar los componentes de un plan de desarrollo profesional efectivo. Esta capacitación cuenta para ExceleRate Illinois para los centros de cuidado infantil con licencia y las horas de capacitación del programa bajo licencia DCFS.

Horas de contacto: 3 horas      Áreas de contenido de gateways: PPD (3 horas)      Áreas de contenido CDA: 6 (3 horas)

In this training, participants will identify State and Federal licensing standards, requirements and supports regarding emergency preparedness, including those related to fire, weather, toxins, and community violence. This training offers assistance in outlining appropriate program policies and procedures that address the four stages of emergency preparedness. Participants will also be able to demonstrate the use of available tools and resources when developing an emergency preparedness plan.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

ExceleRate™ Illinois is the quality recognition and improvement system for licensed child care centers, Head Start, and Preschool for All programs. This orientation provides an overview of the goals, quality indicators, benefits of participation, application process, and the system supports available for success at reaching each Circle of Quality.  Please note:  Your participation in this course will be shared with your local Child Care Resource & Referral agency.  The information is used to better support your center's quality improvement through the ExceleRate™ Illinois program.

ExceleRate™ Illinois is the quality recognition and improvement system for licensed family child care providers. This orientation provides an overview of the goals, quality indicators, benefits of participation, application process, and the system supports available for success at reaching each Circle of Quality.  Please note:  Your participation in this course will be shared with your local Child Care Resource & Referral agency.  The information is used to better support your program's quality improvement through the ExceleRate™ Illinois program.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

The benefits of strong family and community engagement practices in the child care setting will be presented in the course.  Participants will identify the strengths of current family and parent policies, as well as determine strategies to develop a strengths-based family and community engagement plan.

Contact Hours: 3 hours     Gateways Content Areas: FCR (3 hours)     CDA Content Areas: 4 (3 hours)

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

In Finding a Curriculum that Works for You participants will define developmentally appropriate practice and review the benefits of various curricula approaches.  Through narrated content and activities on the use of effective curriculum, participants will be able to determine which curriculum approach best fits their program. This training is ExceleRate-approved and counts towards ExceleRate™ Illinois for licensed child care centers and DCFS licensed program training hours.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

In this training, Foundations of Family Child Care Business Operations, participants will learn to describe and identify compliance requirements related to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) licensing standards for day care homes and group day care homes, identify where to locate essential health and safety requirements for family child care operation, and identify and communicate emergency and disaster preparedness plans and training requirements for family child care providers. **Taking this training will not earn you a Family Child Care Credential. That process involves working with a Credentials Counselor.**

Topics include:

• Licensing Considerations
•  Training Requirements
• Insurance Considerations
• Health and Safety Requirements
• Emergency Plan Development

Contact Hours: 2 hours          Gateways Content Area: CPD (2 hours)          CDA Content Area: Program Management (2 hours)  

This 3-hour course will introduce the assessment cycle for young children and its importance in the early childhood program. Early childhood practitioners will discover differences in assessment tools and how assessment may impact the classroom learning environment. Participants will review strategies for family engagement when sharing results.

This Registry-approved training is brought to you by Gateways to Opportunity®. This training is ExceleRate-approved and counts towards ExceleRate™ Illinois for licensed child care centers and DCFS licensed program training hours.

Quality matters in child care.  Learn about the statewide Gateways Training Tiers (GTT) for license exempt family child care providers, a program to help improve quality of care.  The Orientation covers GTT eligibility and training requirements, application process, and supports and resources available.  Providers serving children on the State Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) may also receive a bonus to the standard payment rate.  A provider must attend this session prior to applying to the Gateways Training Tiers.  

Healthy Starts: Understanding Childhood Chronic Disease will introduce you to the issue of chronic disease, how and why chronic diseases affect young children, and how you can help prevent chronic diseases by supporting children's healthy eating and physical activity habits. We will explore topics such as childhood obesity, healthy inequity, and food deserts. This training is supported in part with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Contact Hours: 1   Gateways Content Areas: HSW (1 hour)  CDA Hours: 1 (1 hour)

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

This training is for center-based programs and family child care providers and offers a general, introductory overview of the Environment Rating Scales (ERS). The Environment Rating Scales are research-based, user-friendly assessment tools that measure the quality of the learning environment for infants through school-age children. After completing this training, participants will have general knowledge of the common terms used within the ERS, learn resources available and be able to use the tool(s) for program self-assessment and improvement planning.  

Note: Participant is responsible for purchase of Scale used within their program/classroom. It is recommended to continue and complete Scale-specific training on the tool you use.

Contact Hours: 2 hours    Gateways Content Area: IRE (2 hours)   CDA Content Areas: 5 (2 hours)

This course is part of a larger series of sessions that combine to make up the Orientation to the Illinois Model of Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC).  There are four sections to this course that must be complete prior to the start of the live zoom sessions:

• Vignette Assessment (assesses the familiarity with the competencies in the Illinois Model of I/ECMHC and an individual plan on how to increase knowledge of those competencies)
• Introduction to the Illinois Model of I/ECMHC
• Introduction to the Pyramid Model
• Community Systems Partnerships & Early Childhood Systems.

It is estimated to take approximately 3-4 hours to complete this online course.

All portions of the Orientation to the Illinois Model must be finished (this online course and all live Zoom sessions) for full credit of completion to be given.

Contact Hours: 4 hours     Gateways Content Areas: PPD (4 hours)     CDA Content Areas: PRO(4)

Midwest Pesticide Action Center, in collaboration with the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, has developed an online learning module to provide all Illinois child care providers with an overview of pest control strategies and requirements.  In this presentation, you will become familiar with what the laws are for pest control in child care programs, be provided with a general overview of what Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is, and receive a list of the basic steps for putting an IPM program in place.  Ultimately, the goal of this presentation is to provide you with the tools you need to reduce the exposure of you and the children you care for to pests and pesticides.  

Bienvenido a la versión en línea de Introducción a los métodos de identificación del desarrollo. Esta capacitación aprobada por Registry llega a usted gracias a Gateways to Opportunity®. Esta capacitación está aprobada por ExceleRate y cuenta para el ExceleRate™ Illinois para centros de cuidado infantil certificados y horas de capacitación del programa DCFS certificado. El propósito de esta capacitación es ofrecer a los proveedores instrucción en información básica y administración de herramientas de Herramientas de Evaluación del Desarrollo y su uso en centros de primera infancia. Los temas de la instrucción de este curso serán:

This course is designed to introduce CCR&R staff to the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Topics include an overview of the program, clients and providers, payments, and a brief explanation of the application process. 

Contact Hours: 1 Hour      Gateways Content Areas: PPD (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: PRO (1 hour)

This course introduces the process of developmental screening in the early childhood setting to child care practitioners. Observation of a young child's growth and development provides evidence of age-appropriate skill level, continued monitoring of milestones, and the need for referral into an early intervention program. A review of several commercial screening tools is discussed to provide child care practitioners more options to monitor a child's typical development.

This Registry-approved training is brought to you by Gateways to Opportunity®. This training is ExceleRate-approved and counts towards ExceleRate™ Illinois for licensed child care centers and DCFS licensed program training hours.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Introduction to the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a training made specifically for family and group home day care providers. The CACFP is an important program that helps ensure children are eating nutritious foods and developing habits to support lifelong nutrition. This training consists of three modules. Module 1 will go over the basics of the program: the “who, what, when, where, why and how.” Module 2 will cover how to get involved in the program and what you can expect when you start participating. Module 3 is all about how to get the maximum benefits out of participating. Participants will have access to helpful resources and links to support their participation in the food program.

This training was developed by the Illinois Public Health Institute with support from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and Illinois Department of Public Health.

This introductory ECERS-3 training explains how to create engaging play-based learning experiences for young children and support meaningful interactions with adults and peers. You will explore how to plan and enrich your classroom space and materials across the ECERS-3 subscales and items such as fine motor play, art, dramatic play, nature and science, math, etc.   Language and Literacy items are also explored, with tips for building vocabulary, engagement with books, and encouraging communication.  

Note: Participant should have a copy of the ECERS-3 with you when completing the training.

Contact Hours: 1 hour     Gateways Content Areas: OA (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: 5 (1 hour)

This introductory ITERS-3 training explains how to create engaging play-based learning experiences for young children and support meaningful interactions with adults and peers. You will explore how to plan and enrich your classroom space and materials across the ITERS-3 subscales and items such as fine motor play, music and movement, dramatic play, nature and science, math, etc.   Language and Books items are also explored, with tips for building vocabulary, engagement with books, and encouraging communication. 

Note: Participant should have a copy of the ITERS-3 with you when completing the training.

Contact Hours: 1 hour     Gateways Content Areas: OA (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: 5 (1 hour)

A Systems Framework: Understanding the Process of  I/ECMH Consultation

This module addresses the systems that I/ECMHC interfaces with. Participants will learn about system’s perspectives generally and begin to understand the settings that I/ECMH consultants work within, both formal and informal. The module explores how learning and change take place and supports consultants toward understanding their role and their relationships as change agents toward better child and family outcomes within a systems context.

Contact Hours: 2 Hours  Gateways Content Area: PPD (2hours)  CDA Hours: 6(2 hours)

Attachment Theory: Recognizing Patterns and Behaviors

This module will introduce the learner to attachment theory and its history. Attachment patterns and how they are assessed will be reviewed.  The learner will have the opportunity to observe children with both secure and insecure patterns of attachment through video recordings.  Characteristics of infants and young children with each of the four primary attachment patterns will be described as well as characteristics of caregivers of children in the four primary attachment categories.

Contact Hours: 3 Hours  Gateways Content Area: Personal and Professional Development (2 hours) and Observation and Assessment (1 hour)  CDA Hours: 6- Professionalism (2 hours) and 7-Observing/Recording Behavior (1 hour)

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant’s Way of Being

The “Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant’s Way of Being” training offers an individual instruction in providing consultation to early childhood professionals in home visiting, center-based, family child care homes, and school-based early childhood programs.  This training describes the set of competencies required by I/ECMH Consultants that are based on Georgetown University’s Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation.  Participants will also explore the Consultative Stance adopted for use by I/ECMH Consultants using the Illinois Model for Consultation. 

Supporting Teachers in Consultation by Mastering Principles of Adult Learning Theory

Designed to introduce an understanding of the Principles of Adult Learning in the I/ECMH Consultant’s role. Because adult learners receive information differently, it is important to understand what is required when working with them in consultation. Consultants in this training will build a foundation for their work with teachers by exploring the various types of learning theories and discovering strategies for their use.  Information learned in this training will assist the consultant in supporting teachers’ goals of enhancing children’s social, emotional, and mental development by enhancing the social, emotional, and mental climate of their classroom.

Supporting the Stressed-Out Early Educator: Managing Stress and Children’s Behaviors in the Early Education Setting

This training is designed for Illinois Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants wishing to deepen their understanding of stress and how it impacts the early educator and the children that they serve. In addition, participants will explore the importance of having a trauma-informed and relationship-focused approach when managing children’s behaviors often associated with stress or adding to the stress that educators experience. Participants will utilize reflective practice as a means to explore these topics and will require participants to challenge their current perspectives on challenging classroom behaviors.

Contact Hours: 2 Hours  Gateways Content Area: PPD (2hours)  CDA Hours: 6(2 hours)

Thinking Through the Business Aspects of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation

This training provides Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants with information and resources to assist them in working successfully as an independent contractor. Key concepts include the differences between working as an agency employed consultant and providing your services as an independent contractor. We will explore ways you can assess your preferred style of work, specific information on the essential business aspects of independent consulting, and ways to keep accurate records and documentation of your work. After this training, participants will have a deeper understanding of these key concepts and others that will help you make decisions and get started in the work as an independent consultant in Illinois.  

Contact Hours: 2 Hours  Gateways Content Area: PPD (2hours)  CDA Hours: 6(2 hours)

What is Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation?

This training will define Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (/IECMHC), and explore various aspects of the history, components, and effects.  This module will explain how I/ECMHC operates through a systems perspective, providing a range of services and strategies to create, strengthen, and maintain a supportive environment that enhances the social and emotional development of all infants and young children. I/ECMHC works within and across all child-serving settings (e.g., early care and education, home visiting, child welfare, child care, and at times primary care settings.)

Contact Hours: 2 Hours  Gateways Content Area: PPD (2hours)  CDA Hours: 6(2 hours)

This session will focus on supporting the needs of late adolescents as they make their transition to adulthood. Topics will include peer leadership, developing life skills, supporting their growing independence and appropriate practices as developed for young adults ages 15-21.

Este módulo se centra en jóvenes que están en la etapa del desarrollo de la adolescencia tardía o la edad adulta joven, con edades de 15 a 21 años.  Como ocurre con cualquier transición entre etapas de desarrollo, usted verá que los jóvenes que entran en esta etapa mostrarán características del desarrollo de ambas etapas y algunos de ellos estarán más avanzados que otros en su desarrollo general. 

Horas de contacto: 3 horas     Áreas de contenido de Gateways: HGD(3 horas)     Áreas de contenido de CDA: 8(3 horas)

Utilizando las normas de la National Afterschool Association (NAA), esta sesión está diseñada para echar un vistazo al papel y las responsabilidades del proveedor cuando se trata de políticas y procedimientos de seguridad en el trabajo con niños en edad escolar y jóvenes. Esta capacitación aprobada por el registro llega a usted gracias a Gateways to Opportunity.  Esta capacitación cuenta para cubrir tres (3) horas de capacitación del programa certificado DCFS y los requisitos para el Subsidio en Bloque para el Desarrollo del Cuidado Infantil (CCDBG)

Horas de contacto: 3 horas     Áreas de contenido de Gateways: HSW(1.5 horas), IRE(1.5 horas)     Áreas de contenido de CDA: 1(1.5 horas), 2(1.5 horas)

Early childhood is a time when children are rapidly developing motor skills and establishing habits and behaviors around physical activity. Early Care & Education (ECE) professionals and environments play a key role in supporting active play, and nurturing a joy of movement. This PALS+ training is designed for ECE leaders, agency staff, coaches, and technical assistants. The PALS+ content explores the best practices for physical activity in ECE settings and presents strategies to increase the quality and quantity of physical activity children experience while in care. Participants take away talking points and messaging around active play.

PALS+ is made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, administered by the Illinois Public Health Institute in collaboration with partners in the Illinois Alliance to Prevent Obesity.

This is the assessment portion of the PITC Module 4: Culture, Family, and Providers course. Participants will receive credit for the PITC Module 4 training upon completion of this portion of the course. 

Contact Hours: 1

Gateways Content Area & Credential Competency: ITC - FCR1, IRE4

Esta es la parte de evaluación del curso Módulo PITC 4: Cultura, familia y proveedores. Los participantes recibirán crédito por la capacitación del Módulo 4 del PITC al finalizar esta parte del curso.

Horas de contacto: 1

Áreas de contenido de Gateways y Competencia de credenciales: ITC – FCR1, IRE4

This is the assessment portion of the PITC Module 4: Culture, Family, and Providers course. Participants will receive credit for the PITC Module 4 training upon completion of this portion of the course. 

Contact Hours: 1

Gateways Content Area & Credential Competency: ITC - FCR1, IRE4

Esta es la parte de evaluación del curso Módulo PITC 4: Cultura, familia y proveedores. Los participantes recibirán crédito por la capacitación del Módulo 4 del PITC al finalizar esta parte del curso.

Horas de contacto: 1

Áreas de contenido de Gateways y Competencia de credenciales: ITC – FCR1, IRE4

This is the assessment portion of the PITC Module 4: Culture, Family, and Providers course. Participants will receive credit for the PITC Module 4 training upon completion of this portion of the course. 

Contact Hours: 1

Gateways Content Area & Credential Competency: ITC - FCR1, IRE4

Esta es la parte de evaluación del curso Módulo PITC 4: Cultura, familia y proveedores. Los participantes recibirán crédito por la capacitación del Módulo 4 del PITC al finalizar esta parte del curso.

Horas de contacto: 1

Áreas de contenido de Gateways y Competencia de credenciales: ITC – FCR1, IRE4

This is the assessment portion of the PITC Module 4: Culture, Family, and Providers course. Participants will receive credit for the PITC Module 4 training upon completion of this portion of the course. 

Contact Hours: 1

Gateways Content Area & Credential Competency: ITC - FCR1, IRE4

Esta es la parte de evaluación del curso Módulo PITC 4: Cultura, familia y proveedores. Los participantes recibirán crédito por la capacitación del Módulo 4 del PITC al finalizar esta parte del curso.

Horas de contacto: 1

Áreas de contenido de Gateways y Competencia de credenciales: ITC – FCR1, IRE4

This is the assessment portion of the PITC Module 4: Culture, Family, and Providers course. Participants will receive credit for the PITC Module 4 training upon completion of this portion of the course. 

Contact Hours: 1

Gateways Content Area & Credential Competency: ITC - FCR1, IRE4

Esta es la parte de evaluación del curso Módulo PITC 4: Cultura, familia y proveedores. Los participantes recibirán crédito por la capacitación del Módulo 4 del PITC al finalizar esta parte del curso.

Horas de contacto: 1

Áreas de contenido de Gateways y Competencia de credenciales: ITC – FCR1, IRE4

This is the assessment portion of the PITC Module 4: Culture, Family, and Providers course. Participants will receive credit for the PITC Module 4 training upon completion of this portion of the course. 

Contact Hours: 1

Gateways Content Area & Credential Competency: ITC - FCR1, IRE4

Esta es la parte de evaluación del curso Módulo PITC 4: Cultura, familia y proveedores. Los participantes recibirán crédito por la capacitación del Módulo 4 del PITC al finalizar esta parte del curso.

Horas de contacto: 1

Áreas de contenido de Gateways y Competencia de credenciales: ITC – FCR1, IRE4

This is the assessment portion of the PITC Module 4: Culture, Family, and Providers course. Participants will receive credit for the PITC Module 4 training upon completion of this portion of the course. 

Contact Hours: 1

Gateways Content Area & Credential Competency: ITC - FCR1, IRE4

Esta es la parte de evaluación del curso Módulo PITC 4: Cultura, familia y proveedores. Los participantes recibirán crédito por la capacitación del Módulo 4 del PITC al finalizar esta parte del curso.

Horas de contacto: 1

Áreas de contenido de Gateways y Competencia de credenciales: ITC – FCR1, IRE4

This is the assessment portion of the PITC Module 4: Culture, Family, and Providers course. Participants will receive credit for the PITC Module 4 training upon completion of this portion of the course. 

Contact Hours: 1

Gateways Content Area & Credential Competency: ITC - FCR1, IRE4

Esta es la parte de evaluación del curso Módulo PITC 4: Cultura, familia y proveedores. Los participantes recibirán crédito por la capacitación del Módulo 4 del PITC al finalizar esta parte del curso.

Horas de contacto: 1

Áreas de contenido de Gateways y Competencia de credenciales: ITC – FCR1, IRE4

This is the assessment portion of the PITC Module 4: Culture, Family, and Providers course. Participants will receive credit for the PITC Module 4 training upon completion of this portion of the course. 

Contact Hours: 1

Gateways Content Area & Credential Competency: ITC - FCR1, IRE4

Esta es la parte de evaluación del curso Módulo PITC 4: Cultura, familia y proveedores. Los participantes recibirán crédito por la capacitación del Módulo 4 del PITC al finalizar esta parte del curso.

Horas de contacto: 1

Áreas de contenido de Gateways y Competencia de credenciales: ITC – FCR1, IRE4

La práctica informada sobre el trauma para proveedores de cuidado infantil explora conceptos en diversas áreas, entre ellas la salud mental del bebé / niñez temprana, el desarrollo socioemocional de los niños pequeños y el trauma y las experiencias adversas de la infancia. Usted analizará indicadores y puntos de referencia, así como maneras de fomentar el aprendizaje socioemocional de manera culturalmente receptiva. Esta capacitación cumple con el requisito del DCFS para la atención informada sobre el trauma.

Horas de contacto: 2 horas     Áreas de contenido de Gateways: HSW (2 horas)     Áreas de contenido de CDA: Salud y seguridad (1 hora) y Socioemocional (1 hora)

This session will discuss developmental characteristics of early adolescents and recognize that those in this stage may appear more as a school-age child in some areas, and an adolescent in others. Other topics will include risk taking, looking into the teenage brain, moral development, and “productive engagement”.

This Registry-approved training is brought to you by Gateways to Opportunity.  

Contact Hours: 3 hours     Gateways Content Areas: HGD(3 hours)     CDA Content Areas: 8(3 hours)

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

This session will focus on supporting the needs of the late adolescents as they transition into adulthood. Topics will include peer leadership, life skill development, supporting their growing independence, and developmentally appropriate practices for young adults ages 15–21.

This Registry-approved training is brought to you by Gateways to Opportunity.  

Contact Hours: 3 hours     Gateways Content Areas: HGD(3 hours)     CDA Content Areas: 8(3 hours)

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Preschool children are developing quickly in all areas. This session will discuss how providers can support their development by helping them interact within their worlds on many levels: through their senses, through play, and through movement. Their experiences create a framework for learning that will carry them through later stages of development and into adulthood. 

This Registry-approved training is brought to you by Gateways to Opportunity.

Contact Hours : 2 hours       Gateways Content Area: HGD (2 hours)     CDA Content Area: 8 (2 hours)

Participants will review current licensing guidelines, health issues, and practices that ensure the well-being of school-age children and youth.  Module 4a will also explain how overall good health support child and youth development, and identify ways to support children and youth in making healthy choices.

This module (4a) covers the DCFS Training Topic: Anaphylactic Shock, as referenced in Regulation Child Care Act 5.11. Completion of this module satisfies that requirement.

This course is Registry-approved and counts towards DCFS licensed program training hours (3 contact hours) for school-age and youth care.  

Contact Hours: 3 hours     Gateways Content Areas: HGD (3 hours)     CDA Content Areas: 8 (3 hours)

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Welcome to the School-age and Youth Development Credential Level 1 Training - Module 4a: "Safety." Using the National Afterschool Association (NAA) Standards, this session is designed to look at a provider’s role and responsibilities when it comes to safety policies and procedures in working with school-age and youth.

This Registry-approved training is brought to you by Gateways to Opportunity.  

Contact Hours: 3 hours     Gateways Content Areas: HSW (1.5 hours), IRE (1.5 hours)     CDA Content Areas: 1 (1.5 hours), 2 (1.5 hours)

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

Environment and curriculum is central in working with school-age and youth. They set the stage for everything we do. This module will look at how to make environments comfortable for different ages, and how to plan in a way that is meaningful and interesting for a variety of ages. National Afterschool Association (NAA) Standards on environment and curriculum will be discussed. 

This Registry-approved training is brought to you by Gateways to Opportunity.

Contact Hours: 2 hours       Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1 hour); IRE (1 hours)       CDA Content Areas: 1 (1 hour); 2 (1 hour)

Programming is directly connected to environment and curriculum when involved with school-age and youth development. Programming is the bridge to the people – the schedule, actual activities, and facilitation of those activities. This session will visit the concepts of variety, being mission-driven, and child and youth centered from the perspective of programming. National Afterschool Association (NAA) Standards related to programming will be addressed. 

This Registry-approved training is brought to you by Gateways to Opportunity.

Contact Hours : 2 hours       Gateways Content Areas: CPD (2 hours)       CDA Content Areas: 2 (1 hour); 5 (1 hour)

This session will explore the differences and connections between observation and assessment in working with school-age and youth. Using the National Afterschool Association (NAA) Standards, participants will look at types and purposes of observations and assessments and will examine how their own experiences and backgrounds can affect them.

Using the National Afterschool Association (NAA) Standards, this session will address the ins-and-outs of relationship building with children and youth. Topics will include trust building and mutual respect, and what it means to be a role model. The ideas of mentorship and creating professional boundaries will also be explored.

Contact Hours: 2 hours       Gateways Content Areas: IRE (1 hour), PPD (1 hour)     CDA Content Areas: 3 (1 hour), 6 (1 hour)

This session includes looking at how to help children and youth develop friendships and friendship skills. Discussion will include how to manage conflict as it plays a pivotal role in the development of relationship skills. Topics will also include bullying and harassment. National Afterschool Association (NAA) Standards on human relationships will be addressed.

Contact Hours: 2 hours       Gateways Content Areas: IRE (2 hours)     CDA Content Areas: 3 (2 hours)

Using the National Afterschool Association (NAA) Standards, this module will look at the differences between “community” and a “sense of community, including ideas for creating and strengthening a sense of community. Participants will explore the ideas of the surrounding community as a resource and how to support children and youth engagement within it.

Contact Hours: 2 hours       Gateways Content Areas: FCR (2 hours)     CDA Content Areas: 3 (1 hours), 5 (1 hour)

Families are central to the lives of children and youth. It is essential that all school-age and youth programs be “family friendly” and inviting so that families feel welcomed and valued. Using the National Afterschool Association (NAA) Standards, this session will explore ways to partner with families to enhance the experience of children and youth. 

Contact Hours: 2 hours       Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1hour); FCR (1  hour)     CDA Content Areas: 4 (1 hour), 5 (1 hour)

This module will focus on how the personal and professional development of school-age and youth providers profoundly impacts the children, youth, families and colleges they work with. National Afterschool Association (NAA) Standards in human relationships and administration will be discussed. 

Contact Hours: 2 hours       Gateways Content Areas: PPD (2 hours)    CDA Content Areas: 6 (2 hours)

This online orientation is a mandatory training to be able to apply for Smart Start Workforce Grants in FY27.  The training is aimed at providing licensed center-based programs with a comprehensive understanding of Smart Start Workforce Grants. The goal is to strengthen participants’ knowledge about the grants, including the required wage floor, application requirements, and the steps to apply successfully. It will also cover grant eligibility, reporting and audit requirements, and how to access technical assistance, resources, and support. Throughout the course, intermittent assessments and scenarios will be included to enhance comprehension of the material.

Horas de contacto: 1.5      Áreas de contenido de Gateways: CPD (1.5)    Áreas de contenido de CDA: 5 (1.5)

This online orientation is a mandatory training to be able to apply for Smart Start Workforce Grants in FY27.  The training is aimed at providing licensed family and family group child care programs with a comprehensive understanding of Smart Start Workforce Grants. The goal is to strengthen participants’ knowledge about the grants, including the required wage floor for assistants, application requirements, and the steps to apply successfully. It will also cover grant eligibility, reporting and audit requirements, and how to access technical assistance, resources, and support. Throughout the course, intermittent assessments and scenarios will be included to enhance comprehension of the material.

Contact Hours: 1.5      Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1.5)     CDA Content Areas: 5 (1.5)


Esta orientación en línea es una capacitación obligatoria para poder solicitar subvenciones Smart Start Workforce Grants en el año fiscal 27.  La capacitación tiene como objetivo brindar a los programas de cuidado infantil familiares y grupales autorizados una comprensión integral de las subvenciones Smart Start Workforce. El objetivo es fortalecer el conocimiento de los participantes sobre las subvenciones, incluido el salario mínimo requerido para los asistentes, los requisitos de solicitud y los pasos para presentar una solicitud exitosa. También cubrirá la elegibilidad para subvenciones, los requisitos de informes y auditorías, y cómo acceder a asistencia técnica, recursos y apoyo. A lo largo del curso, se incluirán evaluaciones y escenarios intermitentes para mejorar la comprensión del material.

Horas de contacto: 1.5      Áreas de contenido de Gateways: CPD (1.5)    Áreas de contenido de CDA: 5 (1.5)

This training will help child care providers understand how to create chest/breastfeeding-friendly policies and environments that align with state and federal laws, Illinois licensing standards, and best practice.  This one-hour self-paced training will cover the basics on why it’s important for childcare providers to support chest/breastfeeding, how to develop policies and spaces on site that support families, and how to equitably communicate with families about these practices. The training will include links to many tools and resources that support you in these efforts!

Developed by the Illinois Public Health Institute with support from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Women's Health.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

This training is for providers who were randomly selected to participate in a study called Understanding Vaccination Practices in Child Care.  We have created this free training on the importance of childhood vaccinations to thank these providers for taking time to participate in our study.  In this training, we cover how vaccines work, why they are important, the vaccine schedule and what each vaccination actually is for children under six, where to go for further resources, and how to protect yourself as a child care provider.  After the study is completed, we will be creating more resources like this training that will be available to all providers.

Trauma-Informed Practice for Child Care Providers explores concepts in a variety of areas including infant/early childhood mental health, social emotional development of young children, and trauma and adverse childhood experiences. You will look at indicators and benchmarks and ways to foster social emotional learning  in culturally responsive ways. This training meets the DCFS requirement for trauma-informed care.

Contact Hours: 2 hours    Gateways Content Areas: HSW (2 hours)   CDA Content Areas:  Health & Safety (1 hour) and Social/Emotional (1 hour)

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of high-quality early childhood programs is their ability to adapt to change. Directors play a central role in leading the change process. In this course, participants will explore the concept of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) as an essential component of exemplary organizations, the key features of this leadership philosophy, steps in the CQI process, and how to create a Continuous Quality Improvement Plan (CQIP) to guide change efforts.

This Registry-approved training is brought to you by Gateways to Opportunity®. This training is ExceleRate-approved and counts towards ExceleRate™ Illinois for licensed child care centers and DCFS licensed program training hours.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

La Universidad de la Lactancia Materna se creó pensando en los proveedores de cuidado infantil. Cada uno de los módulos proporciona información actualizada y basada en evidencias de un equipo interdisciplinario de médicos, enfermeras, consultores de lactancia, profesionales de la salud pública, profesionales de ECE y líderes de La Leche League. Los módulos interactivos ayudarán a establecer un conocimiento sobre cómo apoyar a las familias para que alcancen sus objetivos de lactancia materna. Esta capacitación fue desarrollada por el Instituto Global de Lactancia Materna de Carolina, que es parte de la Universidad de Carolina del Norte en Chapel Hill, y se proporciona en Illinois a través de un acuerdo con INCCRRA y el Instituto de Salud Pública de Illinois.

Horas de contacto: 2 horas   Áreas de contenido de Gateways: HSW (1 hora) y FCR (1 hora) Horas CDA: 1 (1 hora) y 4 (1 hora)

This course provides information on caring for children with special needs in typical child care settings. The training helps increase the knowledge and comfort level of participants to enhance their ability to care for young children with disabilities in early childhood environments. It will discuss adaptations and modifications that will assist all children to participate in activities. This meets the DCFS requirement for early childhood providers in special care inclusion training. The course will provide 7 contact hours and/or 1/2 Gateways credential point.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

The What is CCAP? for Child Care Centers training reviews the Illinois Department of Human Service (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). The IDHS CCAP helps pay for child care expenses for income-eligible families who work or participate in eligible activities. This training describes CCAP eligibility guidelines and application requirements for child care centers. Payment determination and options for receiving payment are also explained along with additional information for both CCAP providers and families.

Contact Hours: 2 hours     Gateways Content Areas: PPD (2 hours)     CDA Content Areas: 5 (2 hours)

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.

The What is CCAP? for Family Child Care training reviews the Illinois Department of Human Service (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). The IDHS CCAP helps pay for child care expenses for income-eligible families who work or participate in eligible activities. This training describes CCAP eligibility guidelines and application requirements for families and family child care homes. Payment determination and options for receiving payment are also explained along with additional information for both CCAP providers and families.

Contact Hours: 2 hours     Gateways Content Areas: PPD (2 hours)     CDA Content Areas: 5 (2 hours)

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.