The Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship Program is an individual-based scholarship opportunity for practitioners working in Early Care and Education (ECE).  Beginning with the Fall 2008 term, the Gateways Scholarship program will replace the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Program.  Practitioners working in Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) licensed centers and homes can apply for a Gateways Scholarship.  Goals of the program include:

• Enabling practitioners to continue education in ECE and to earn degrees and/or credentials
• Promoting increased earning ability through increased education
• Improving the quality and consistency of care received by children in licensed child care settings

The Gateways Scholarship Program will pay a percentage of the cost of tuition, fees and books based on an eligible participant’s child care position income.  The program also provides bonuses based on an eligible participant’s grade point average and completion of work commitment in ECE.  For more information on the Gateways Scholarship Program start by reading the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). Additional information and the program application can be found by clicking on titled sections. 

The Gateways Scholarship Program compliments the Great START Wage Supplement Program.  Great START rewards practitioners working in IDCFS licensed programs who have attained education above licensing requirements and who remain employed at the same child care program.

The Gateways Scholarship and Great START Programs are administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services.

For more information about this scholarship and other financial opportunities for early childhood practitioners, visit the INCCRRA website at www.inccrra.org.