The ECE Credential Level 1 for High Schools

Overview of ECE Credential Level 1 Curriculum Introduction to general child development, health and safety, school-age care, observation, environments for children, and the importance of relationships with children and their families ECE Credential Level 1 - first step on the Gateways to Opportunity Career Lattice

History of ECE Level 1 in High Schools – 2007/2008 – 2 Schools, 2 classes, about 30 students – 2008/2009 – 8 Schools, 8 classes, about 90 students – 2009/2010 – 15 Schools, 24 classes, about 425 students – 2010/2011 – 19 schools, 43 classes, about 700 students – 2011/2012 – 21 schools, 41 classes, 731 students

Course Format 16 modules 3 Tiers

ECE Credential Level 1 Must complete all 16 modules before applying Applications o Step 1 – Participant Application o Step 2 – Credentials o Step 3 – Download Fill out applications in class together

Why Include ECE Level 1 in your Classroom? Pre-packaged curriculum, including activities, video examples, and quizzes/tests Recognition as a professional upon completion by receiving the ECE Level 1 Credential Governor Quinn signed legislation embedding Gateways credentials into state law in 2010 Qualify for Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship Program (up to 90% of tuition and fees covered)

Requirement to add ECE Level 1 to your Classroom Attend the Training-of-Teachers June 12 – 13, 2013 Students must be able to work with children: o Child care center in school o Child care center as partner o Visits/observations

How to pay for ECE Level 1 $395 for Training-of-Teacher includes $200 teacher kit, one teacher manual and one student manual, breakfast and lunch for two days Funding from school district Grants - Illinois Association for Career and Technical Education (EFWE #330 – Perkins) Education Employment Systems

For More Information or Questions MaryJane Simpkins, Program Specialist ext.283