Professional Development Framework

A Lead Agency must have a professional development framework for training, professional development, and post-secondary education for caregivers, teachers, and directors in child care programs that serve children of all ages. The framework must include these components:

(1) professional standards and competencies, (2) career pathways, (3) advisory structures, (4) articulation, (5) workforce information, and (6) financing. CCDF provides Lead Agencies flexibility on the strategies, breadth, and depth of the framework. The professional development framework must be developed in consultation with the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care or a similar coordinating body.

6.2.1 Updates and consultation

a. Did the Lead Agency make any updates to the professional development framework since the FFY 2022-2024 CCDF Plan was submitted?

Yes. If yes, describe the elements of the framework that were updated and describe if and how the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care (if applicable) or similar coordinating body was consulted: An ESL/Bilingual Credential has been developed and was approved to incorporate into the Professional Development Framework following its pilot in 2021.

No.

b. Did the Lead Agency consult with other key groups in the development of their professional development framework?

Yes. If yes, identify the other key groups: Early Learning Council (ELC). Professional Development Advisory Council (PDAC)

No.

6.2.2 Description of the professional development framework

a. Describe how the Lead Agency's framework for training and professional development addresses the following required elements:

i. Professional standards and competencies. For example, Lead Agencies can include information about which roles in early childhood education are included (such

as teachers, directors, infant and toddler specialists, mental health consultants, coaches, licensors, QIS assessors, family service workers, home visitors). Public Act 096-0864 gives the Lead Agency the authority to operate Gateways to Opportunity, the Illinois Professional Development System, and to award the following credentials: Illinois Director Credential; ECE Credential; Infant Toddler Credential; and School Age and Youth Development Credential. In addition, the following credentials have also been developed: Family Child Care Credential; Family Specialist Credential; and Technical Assistance Credential. An ESL/Bilingual Credential has been developed and implemented in 2022.

The state's professional development framework moved to a competency basis in 2017, a two-year process guided by the Illinois Professional Development Advisory Council. The Gateways ECE Credential framework and competencies are fully embedded in 98% of post-secondary education providers as well utilized by training & professional development providers throughout the state. The Gateways ECE Credential is comprised of core competencies for early care and education providers and provides pathways for various specializations (e.g., Infant Toddler, Illinois Director etc.). Each specialization credential has competencies that build off the Gateways ECE Credential. The use of clearly defined competencies provides transparency and clarity to the workforce, as well as to PD providers. In addition, the Illinois State Board of Education now requires IL Gateways ECE Competencies to be part of Prek-12 professional educator licensing system. The IL Gateways Competencies are fully aligned with the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards (IPTS) as well as the Illinois Leaning and Development Standards (IELDS). In addition, national professional standards were utilized in creating the IL framework: DEC (Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children) Recommended Practices (through HIPCAT- research based) as well as the Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Standards (also HIPCAT research based). The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) revised its professional teaching standards by moving to competencies in March of 2020. These new NAEYC competencies (field reviewed, not research based) are now in the process of being cross walked with the IL Gateways ECE framework competencies to ensure alignment. The IL Gateways SAYD Credential & Career Lattice is the framework for school-age training and professional development. It's competencies are fully aligned with Act NOW Quality Standards, the National After School Association (NAA) Standards, and the Council on Accreditation After School & Youth Development Standards.

ii. Career pathways. For example, Lead Agencies can include information about professional development registries, career ladders, and levels. The Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Career Lattice has six levels and includes the ECE Credential to which four specialization credentials can be added: Illinois Director Credential, Infant Toddler Credential, Family Child Care Credential, and Technical Assistance (coaching/mentoring) credential. The Gateways School Age and Youth Career Lattice has five levels and includes the School Age and Youth Development Credential to which three specialization credentials can be added: Illinois Director Credential, Family Child Care Credential, and Technical Assistance (coaching/mentoring) Credential. The Gateways Family Specialist Career Lattice has four levels and includes the Family Specialist Credential to which specialization credential can be added: the Technical Assistance (coaching/mentoring) Credential.

iii. Advisory structure. For example, Lead Agencies can include information about how the professional development advisory structure interacts with the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care. The Professional Development Advisory Council (PDAC) informs the development and implementation of all components of the Gateways to Opportunity Professional Development (PD) System as well as other PD related activities in Illinois.

iv. Articulation. For example, Lead Agencies can include information about articulation agreements, and collaborative agreements that support progress in degree acquisition. There are some articulation agreements between 2-year and 4-year institutions. The Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) has reactivated the IAI-Early Childhood Education Committee. This committee includes representation from the Illinois Community College Board, Illinois Board of Higher Education, and two-year and four-year institutions of higher education. They will review curricula at both levels of education and determine which courses will articulate.

v. Workforce information. For example, Lead Agencies can include information about workforce demographics, educator well-being, retention/turnover surveys, actual wage scales, and/or access to benefits. Public policy and state direction is compiled from the Gateways Registry. The Gateways Registry currently has more than 100,000 active members and is the 2nd largest ECE workforce registry in the nation. Through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, membership in the Gateways Registry is required for licensed providers and for license exempt providers receiving CCAP. Membership in the Gateways Registry is free.

vi. Financing. For example, Lead Agencies can include information about strategies including scholarships, apprenticeships, wage enhancements, etc.

Local Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies: These agencies receive funding to support individual professional development for providers, including assistance in obtaining credentials.

Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies: Responsible for administering the Gateways Scholarship Program, this network subsidizes tuition for eligible ECE and school-age professionals seeking college credit, credentials, or degrees.

Family Child Care Networks: Two networks are funded to provide tailored professional development opportunities, specifically aimed at supporting credential acquisition for family child care providers.

Helen Miller SEIU Member Education and Training Center: This center receives funding to deliver diverse professional development opportunities for ECE practitioners.

Through these partnerships, the Lead Agency ensures a robust framework for ongoing education and skill enhancement tailored to the needs of ECE professionals statewide.

The Lead Agency plays a pivotal role in funding Early Childhood Education (ECE) professional development initiatives. Through partnerships with various organizations, it ensures comprehensive training opportunities for ECE practitioners in Illinois. These partnerships include:

Local Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies: These agencies receive funding to support individual professional development for providers, including assistance in obtaining credentials.

Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies: Responsible for administering the Gateways Scholarship Program, this network subsidizes tuition for eligible ECE and school-age professionals seeking college credit, credentials, or degrees.

Family Child Care Networks: Two networks are funded to provide tailored professional development opportunities, specifically aimed at supporting credential acquisition for family child care providers.

Helen Miller SEIU Member Education and Training Center: This center receives funding to deliver diverse professional development opportunities for ECE practitioners.

Smart Start Illinois Early Childhood Apprenticeship Pilot: The University of Illinois Chicago and Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies works in partnership with the Lead Agency to administer the apprenticeship, aimed to bridge and connect scholarship programs leading to credentials and degrees with on-the-job/real-world training and mentorship tailored to the context of the specific communities where apprentices work.

Great Start Wage Supplement Program: Administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies in partnership with the Lead Agency Great START (Strategy to Attract and Retain Teachers) is a wage supplement program that acknowledges child care practitioners who have completed college coursework and stay at their current place of employment. Great START recipients are sent a check every six months (based on continued eligibility) to supplement their income.

Through these partnerships, the Lead Agency ensures a robust framework for ongoing education and skill enhancement tailored to the needs of ECE professionals statewide.

b. Does the Lead Agency use additional elements?

Yes.

If yes, describe the element(s). Check all that apply.

i. Continuing education unit trainings and credit-bearing professional development. Describe:

ii. Engagement of training and professional development providers, including higher education, in aligning training and educational opportunities with the Lead Agency's framework. Describe: The Lead Agency's grantee, the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, established the Gateways to Opportunity Entitled colleges and universities in Illinois. The institutions listed on this directory offer coursework in Early Care and Education, Child Development, Human Growth & Development, and other areas of study related to caring for and educating children. An Entitled Institution is an accredited college or university who has aligned their coursework with Credential requirements.

iii. Other. Describe:

No.

6.2.3 Impact of the Professional Development Framework

Describe how the framework improves the quality, diversity, stability, and retention of caregivers, teachers, and directors and identify what data are available to assess the impact.

a. Professional standards and competencies. For example, do the professional standards and competencies reflect the diversity of providers across role, child care setting, or age of children served? The Gateways to Opportunity Credential Framework was created to serve as a professional development pathway and career lattice for individuals seeking upskilling within the field of Early Childhood Education. Credentials recognize individual achievement based on education, training, and experience. There are eight Credential pathways that include progressive levels within the framework. The Credentials offered in Illinois focus on promoting professional growth for a diverse group of educators. The Gateways Credentials focus on Early Childhood, Infant Toddler, Director/Administration, School Age, Family Child Care, Family Specialist, Technical Assistance, and English as a Second Language/Bilingual competencies. This allows for a diverse offering across both care and cultural settings. The Lead Agency has waived all Credential fees for individuals seeking to attain a Credential to provide greater access for professional development opportunities. There are programs for Financial assistance to attain credentials and post-secondary degrees offered across the state: The Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship Program is available to practitioners working in licensed child care centers, group child care homes and family child care homes. Additionally, there are financial incentives linked to educational attainment and retention available through: Great START (Strategy to Attract and Retain Teachers). Great START is a wage supplement program that rewards eligible early care and education and school-age care (full day/full year programs) practitioners working in Department of Children and Family Services licensed child care centers, group child care homes and family child care homes for attaining higher education and for remaining at their current place of employment. For more than a decade, Gateways to Opportunity has partnered with high school teachers to certify them in the ECE Level 1 Credential (16 modules; 48 credit hours). This developed curriculum is used as a supplement to current high school courses in Child Development, Preschool or Parenting courses. Upon completion, students are eligible to receive the ECE Level 1 Credential. Outreach to schools and teachers includes use of social media, print materials, capacity-building training sessions, and presentations at statewide conferences. Similarly, student outreach includes print materials and social media.

Participating high school classrooms have also received presentations about ECE as a career pathway and available supports. These outreach efforts have resulted in more high schools offering dual credit early childhood courses as well as dual enrollment early childhood coursed throughout the State. Providers can also access Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (I/ECMHC), which does not provide treatment services, but supports providers in their healthy interactions with children.

b. Career pathways. For example, has the Lead Agency developed a wage ladder that provides progressively higher wages as early educators gain more experience and credentials? What types of child care settings and staff roles are addressed in career pathways, such as licensed centers and family child care homes? Yes, the Lead Agency has six levels in their Career Lattice through the Gateways Credentials. These are offered to all types of providers. Four specialization areas can be added to the Early Childhood Education Credential: Illinois Director Credential, Infant Toddler Credential, Family Child Care Credential, and Technical Assistance (coaching/mentoring) credential. The Gateways School Age and Youth Career Lattice has five levels and includes the School Age and Youth Development Credential to which three specialization credentials can be added: Illinois Director Credential, Family Child Care Credential, and Technical Assistance (coaching/mentoring) Credential. The Gateways Family Specialist Career Lattice has four levels and includes the Family Specialist Credential to which specialization credential can be added: the Technical Assistance (coaching/mentoring) Credential. These Credentials are recognized on the Great START Wage Supplement Scale to incentivize providers to advance on the career lattice.

c. Advisory structure. For example, has the advisory structure identified goals for child care workforce compensation, including types of staff and target compensation levels? Does the Lead Agency have a Preschool Development Birth-to-Five grant and is part of its scope of work child care compensation activities? Are they represented in the advisory structure? The Professional Development Advisory Council (PDAC) informs the development and implementation of all components of the Gateways to Opportunity Professional Development (PD) System as well as other PD related activities in Illinois. PDAC's Financial Committee conducts work and provides recommendations to the Lead Agency to advance compensation activities for the child care workforce related to PD efforts and the PD Framework.

d. Articulation. For example, how does the advisory structure include training and professional development for providers, including higher education, to assist in aligning training and education opportunities? There are some articulation agreements between 2-year and 4-year institutions. The Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) has reactivated the IAI-Early Childhood Education Committee. This committee includes representation from the Illinois Community College Board, Illinois Board of Higher Education, and two-year and four-year institutions of higher education. They will review curricula at both levels of education and determine which courses will articulate.

e. Workforce information. For example, does the Lead Agency have data on the existing wages and benefits available to the child care workforce? Do any partners such as the Quality Improvement System, child care resource and referral agencies, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and universities and research organizations collect compensation and benefits data? Does the Lead Agency monitor child care workforce wages and access to benefits through ongoing data collection and evaluation? Can the data identify any disparities in the existing compensation and benefits (by geography, role, child care setting, race, ethnicity, gender, or age of children served)? The Lead Agency conducts a Salary and Staffing Survey every two years. The survey summarizes (1) the number of qualified caregivers attracted to vacant positions and any problems encountered by facilities in attracting and retaining capable caregivers; (2) the qualifications of new caregivers hired at licensed child care facilities during the previous two-year period; and (3) the average wages and salaries and fringe benefits paid to caregivers throughout the State computed on a regional basis.

f. Financing. For example, has the Lead Agency set a minimum or living wage as a floor for all child care staff? Do Lead Agency-provider subsidy agreements contain requirements for staff compensation levels? Do Lead Agencies provide program-level compensation grants to support staff base salaries and benefits? Does the Lead Agency administer bonuses or stipends directly to workers? The Lead Agency provide program-level compensation grants to support staff base salaries and benefits through the Smart Start Child Care initiative, which comprises three programs: Smart Start Workforce Grants, the Smart Start Quality Support Program, and an Apprenticeship Program. All grant participants are required to use the cost-modeled wage floor for teachers and teacher assistants. Over the past three years, Illinois has transitioned from programs designed to stabilize the field during the pandemic to those aimed at supporting investments in the child care workforce. The Smart Start Workforce Grants offer child care programs stable, ongoing funding to offset the cost of meeting the required wage floor without burdening families by raising tuition or Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) co-pays. Programs receiving these grants must pay classroom staff a wage floor, helping to recruit and retain staff through competitive wages. These grants build on previous investments in the Illinois child care field, including the Child Care Restoration Grants, Strengthen and Grow Child Care Grants, and Smart Start Transition Grants, which are effective through September 2024. The Apprenticeship Program will include child care program contracts specifically to provide funding for increased compensation based on staff qualifications. This model complements existing efforts to upskill staff through scholarship programs by materially supporting employers with funding for higher compensation. It incentivizes child care program directors to support their staff in furthering their education and helps bring a new generation of caregivers and teachers into the workforce. The final component of the Smart Start Child Care initiative is the Smart Start Quality Support Program, which targets quality improvement for child care center programs. This program assists participating centers in covering staffing costs associated with higher quality and guides staff in their quality improvement efforts