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Illinois School-Age and Youth Credential Development Committee
Download the white sheet for the latest update.
Illinois
School-Age
and Youth Credential
Development
Committee
(I-SAY)
Spring
2008 Update
News from I-SAY
Work on the Illinois School-Age and Youth Credential is progressing. Highlights include:
CORE KNOWLEDGE
The Illinois School-Age and Youth committee (I-SAY) has identified the core values for school-age and youth development
practitioners and is creating a draft of the core content areas. Core content areas are the foundation upon which School-
Age and Youth Credential(s) will be built. I-SAY will utilize the Gateways to Opportunity credentials framework, which
includes multiple levels of credential development. The committee is seeking input on the draft as it is being developed,
and all I-SAY members are encouraged to get involved in the review of the draft.
THE GATEWAYS TO OPPORTUNITY REGISTRY
The Gateways to Opportunity Registry trainer/training approval process pilot includes school-age and youth trainers/
trainings. The goal of the Registry is to be a resource and tool for early care and education, school-age, and youth
development practitioners and programs. The Registry will drive quality and accountability and ensure workers in
the field have access to quality professional development trainings. It will provide an avenue for trainers to share
training opportunities throughout the state. The Registry will maintain a record of practitioner individual professional
attainments, from college coursework to community-based trainings. QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
The Qualifications, Credentials and Pathways Committee is exploring what the qualifications and requirements should be
at any given level of the I-SAY credential(s) within the Gateways structure. Discussions are underway regarding expanded
connections to Higher Education and the opportunities that already exist to meet the core knowledge areas within the
various levels. CAREER PATHWAYS
I-SAY has completed its first year as part of a national group of select sites reviewing the development of career pathways
for youth workers. Illinois was one of eight sites selected to participate in the Career Pathways Project through the
National Collaboration for Youth and the National Institute on Out-of-School-Time.
For up-to-date developments visit Gateways to Opportunity at www.ilgateways.com or by phone
at (888) 548-8080.
SURVEY FINDINGS ON CREDENTALING
FOR SCHOOL-AGE/YOUTH WORKERS
In Spring 2007, the Illinois School Age and Youth Credential Committee (I-SAY), conducted a survey of 357 school-age
and youth workers to learn more about interest in and potential barriers to obtaining a credential for the field.
Key Findings
MORE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES are needed around the state, as well as opportunities
to learn from peers in the field.
FINDING THE TIME to pursue education and training is difficult, based on the nature of
the positions and the time classes are offered.
LACK OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND INCENTIVES are barriers to accessing training
and education, and may prevent the attainment of a credential. Incentives such
as higher pay for achieving a credential must be in place, which has implications for
program funding and affordability.
CAREER PATHWAYS AND RECOGNITION are needed to allow people to advance and
to be viewed as a professional in the field.
I-SAY is addressing these issues through ...
TRAINING AND TIME: I-SAY is collaborating with Gateways to Opportunity on a statewide directory of approved trainers and
trainings. Work is underway to expand options for training and education at 2 and 4 year colleges and other organizations,
including exploring training venues such as on-line options that will increase access for the workforce. Please visit
www.ilgateways.com/calendar.aspx to view statewide training calendars for organizations providing training
for those working with children and youth.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND INCENTIVES: I-SAY is exploring strategies to bring wage enhancement and scholarship programs
to the field, and address funding issues to expand resources to support practitioners who wish to pursue a credential. Making the
Most of Out of School Time (MOST) (www.actforchildren.org) or your Child Care Resource and Referral Agency
(www.inccrra.org/parentsandpublic.aspx?id=407) may be able to provide assistance to attend trainings.
CAREER PATHWAYS AND RECOGNITION: I-SAY is developing a career lattice to provide pathways to professional development
for the field of school-age and youth. Practitioners will have the opportunity to earn credentials and gain public recognition for
their attained level of skills and knowledge.
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