Gateways to Opportunity

06/19/2026

Our office is closed today for Juneteenth.

06/18/2026

2026 NAFCC National Annual Conference
July 15-18, 2026 | Chicago, IL
Presented by: National Association for Family Child Care

Come together to celebrate and elevate the vital role of family child care. Designed with you in mind, this conference offers inspiring keynotes, engaging workshops, and meaningful connections that support your growth and impact. Together, everyone can build stronger networks, embrace better practices, and become bolder advocates for family child care.
https://membership.nafcc.org/i4a/ams/meetings/index.cfm?controller=meetings&action=startRegistration&conferenceID=118®init=1&pageID=3349

06/18/2026

Healthy and nutritious summer meals are available for children (18 and under) when school is out.

Find a site near you by calling 800-359-2163 or visiting

Select a specific nutrition program to get information about program benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

06/17/2026

Attention Smart Start Workforce Grant Programs

Great news! All programs currently on the FY27 Round 1 Eligible Waitlist will be moved to Eligible status this week.

Please watch your email for your official eligibility letter, which will include important details about your grant award and next steps.

Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening Illinois' early childhood workforce!

06/17/2026

Are you a provider or family member who is interested in sharing your successes or challenges and offering ideas to improve early childhood programs in your local area?

Birth to Five Illinois is accepting interest forms for Action Councils and Family Councils to ensure that ALL families in Illinois have access to inclusive, high-quality early childhood services.

Find more information and complete the form.

There are 39 Birth to Five Illinois Regions throughout the State, and each Region has its own Family Council and Action Council.

06/16/2026

Looking for Gateways to Opportunity Registry-Approved training? Look no further than the i-learning website to find trainings and resources to expand your knowledge!
https://courses.inccrra.org/

06/16/2026

06/15/2026

06/12/2026

Early care and education settings are great places for children to see themselves reflected in literature. Learn more about this idea in the Illinois Early Learning tip sheet, Represent and Celebrate Diversity in Your Classroom Library.

Check it out!

Think of the books in a classroom library as mirrors and windows for the children.

06/11/2026

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood is working to develop transformational systems that support families and child care providers across the State of Illinois.

Over the last year, they have been listening to families and providers across the state express their desire for a more cohesive system for all their child care needs.

To stay connected with their work, sign up for their monthly newsletter, which shares updates on their seamless transition, technology rollouts, and more!
https://us8.list-manage.com/survey?u=9e81193c5351b0d33f857f399&id=5297e9bf67&attribution=false