April
10, 2007
Early Care Credentialing Program Announced at Oakton
Oakton Community College is one of 14 institutions of higher education in Illinois approved to pilot a credentialing program for Gateways to Opportunity, a new statewide professional development network designed to recognize and support practitioners in early childhood care and education, officials said.
Formed by the Professional Development Advisory Council (PDAC), Gateways to Opportunity works to identify core knowledge, skills, and prerequisites for early child care and education practitioners. This process attempts to standardize qualifications, education, and training requirements, and provides an easier way for practitioners to earn increased education and better pay, and to move within the state's education and training system.
Programs also are designed to help reduce the profession's 30 percent turnover rate, by assisting practitioners through mentoring, career guidance, and financial support.
Illinois' Core Credentials are voluntary credentials that validate one's specialized knowledge and experience in early care and education. The Infant Toddler Credential validates the specialized skills of practitioners who work with infants and toddlers.
Gateways to Opportunity (ilgateways.com) is supported by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. Funding is provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Joyce Foundation, and McCormick Tribune Foundation.
For more information about Oakton courses that meet state credentialing requirements, contact Sheila Kerwin Maloney, 847-635-1752, keelawee@oakton.edu.
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Early Care Credentialing Program Announced at Oakton
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