Rasmussen College Early Childhood Education Program Approved as an Entitled Institution in Illinois

Rockford Ill. (Aug. 7, 2018)—Rasmussen College, a regionally accredited private college, is proud to be recognized among a select group of early childhood education (ECE) institutions for meeting superior industry standards and gaining approval as an Entitled Institution through the Gateways to Opportunity Credentials – Levels 2, 3, 4 and 5; Infant Toddler Credentials – Levels 2, 3, 4 and 5 and Illinois Director – Level 1 and 2, through 2023.¹ As an Entitled Institution, ECE students at Rasmussen College in Illinois can now qualify for state-recognized credentials more efficiently.

Gateways to Opportunity is a professional development support system in Illinois designed to provide guidance, encouragement and recognition to individuals and programs serving children and their families. Gateways Credentials are symbolic of professional achievement and illustrate knowledge, skills and experience in caring for and educating children. Entitled Institutions under Gateways to Opportunity have competencies incorporated into their curriculum that align with professional standards, such as the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards and those illustrated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)².

“It is an honor to be named an Entitled Institution and have a seat at the table among such exceptional institutions dedicated to preparing ECE students for success in the field. By aligning our ECE curriculums with the Gateways to Opportunity competencies, we are holding our students to a high standard and preparing them to make a positive impact on our youngest learners,” said Mary Muhs, Rasmussen College Early Childhood Education department chair. “This recognition shows how committed Rasmussen College is to helping students graduate with the kinds of applicable skills employers are looking for. The College truly honors the importance of a valuable education.”

Rasmussen College is Committed to the Early Childhood Education Profession

The ECE field has taken large strides toward elevating professional development and forging higher educational standards, which are changes the College is aligned with. Rasmussen College is committed to the advancement of the early childhood education profession by offering opportunities that span multiple levels of education. The College offers an ECE Certificate and Diploma, as well as an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree online. The Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree programs are available with Flex Choice^®–a more flexible and affordable learning option that allows students to combine traditional courses with optional self-directed assessments. Students enrolling in the ECE Leadership Bachelor’s degree-completion program also have access to competency-based education courses that allow them to earn credit for skills they already have while mastering the skills they need to complete their degree.

To learn more about the Rasmussen College School of Education, please visit rasmussen.edu/degrees/education.

¹Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. hlcommission.org | 800-621-7440
²The Early Childhood Education programs at Rasmussen College are not accredited by the NAEYC Commission on Early Childhood Associate Degree Accreditation. Rasmussen College is not a partner of NAEYC and our programs are not sponsored or endorsed by NAEYC.