Family child care providers: new seniority benefits we won in our most recent contract will go into effect in July. In order to be eligible for the benefits, providers must be participating in the quality program. Here’s what you need to do to make sure that you’re eligible.

For License-exempt/Family, Friend, and Neighbor(FFN) providers:

The quality program for exempt/FFN providers is called QRIS, or sometimes called Gateways Training Tiers.  The program has three tiers, which correspond to the three tiers of the training required.  It’s recommended that you do all three at once, but any of the tiers makes you eligible for your seniority bonus.  Here are the steps:

1. Take the Gateways Training Tiers Orientation class.  You can find it online here: https://courses.inccrra.org/course/search.php?search=LEFCC.  It will also be offered by our METC sometime next year.
2. Take the required class modules: ECE Credential Level 1.  Again, to get the first tier you only need the first tier of training, but it’s recommended to do them all. These classes are offered by our METC – you can register by calling 866-933-7348 or emailing METC_CHILDCARE@seiumetc.org.
3. Log into your Gateways portal and make sure the class shows up on your PDR

Submit the application, found at this website: https://www.ilgateways.com/docman-docs/credentials/gateways-training-tiers/2143-gw-training-tier-application. Make sure you fill out every question, and mail the finished application to INCCRRA/Gateways Training Tiers • 1226 Towanda Plaza • Bloomington, IL 61701

For Licensed Providers

The quality program for licensed providers is called Excelerate.  There are three levels of the program, called the Bronze, Silver, and Gold circles of quality.  Each circle has further requirements and increases your add-on, but they all qualify you for the seniority add-on. To start with your Bronze circle, here are the steps. 

1. Take the required classes.  There is a list of 14 classes that you need to take on this website: https://courses.inccrra.org/course/index.php?categoryid=25.  They will all be offered by our METC starting in the spring of next year, or you can take them on the Gateways ilearning website.  If you choose to take them on the website you will not receive a stipend. 

Submit the application, available at this website: https://www.excelerateillinoisproviders.com/docman/resources/58-licensed-family-child-care-gh-app or here in Spanish: https://www.excelerateillinoisproviders.com/docman/resources/126-licensed-family-child-care-app-spanish. Make sure to fill out the whole application, and mail it in to ExceleRate Illinois 1226 Towanda Plaza Bloomington, Illinois 61701.