The College of DuPage (COD) offers several educational paths for students interested in pursuing a career in early childhood education and care (ECEC), or current early childhood professionals looking to further their knowledge and expertise.
The Early Childhood Professional Learning (ECPL) offers free professional learning opportunities for the Illinois early childhood workforce. ECPL is authorized to offer gateway credits to licensed educators through free webinars, workshops, online modules and resources on a variety of early childhood topics.
A quality recognition and improvement system that provides standards, guidelines, resources and support for early care and education programs. View specific details about applications processes and resources for your program below.
Access free professional development, educational resources, and funding opportunities.
Illinois Gateways
Gateways Credentials are symbols of professional development that acknowledge the skills and experience of professionals. These credentials are awarded by the Illinois Department of Human Services with the Bureau of Child Care and Development. Some trainings and credentials are required for some Circle of Quality in the ExceleRate Illinois. Learn more about the different credentials offered by Gateways.
Gateways also has a scholarship program that will pay a portion of tuition for eligible professionals working in early care, education, and school-aged programs. The scholarship can be used for college credits, credentials or degrees. View eligibility information here.
Starnet
The Support and Technical Assistance Regional Network (StarNet) provides enriching opportunities for professional development and family education, specifically for the early childhood education community. Explore free workshops and webinars on specific early childhood topics offered by StarNet.
StarNet also offers financial aid to professionals and families to attend early childhood seminars, workshops or conferences. Learn more here.
Watch Me! Celebrating Milestones and Sharing Concerns
A free one hour training course that shares best practices for monitoring the development of children and how to talk about concerns with families.