Higher Education Navigators

Have you thought about going back to school to earn a credential, associate’s degree, and/or bachelor’s degree, but you’re not sure where to start or how to get support? Join the hundreds of workforce members who have enrolled at Illinois colleges and universities through the ECACE Initiative!

Fill out the survey below to connect with a local ECACE Higher Education Navigator, who can help you find and enroll in the right degree or credential program to meet your needs and provide more information about scholarships and other available supports.

What Navigators Can Do For You

Navigators provide personalized assistance to help you connect with and enroll at a college/university to advance your career in early childhood education.
A navigator can:

• Help you figure out your next steps to make your educational and career goals a reality.
• Connect you with a degree or credential program that meets your needs.
• Assist you in applying for financial aid, including the ECACE Scholarship.
• Find resources to support you so that you can pursue higher education.

Where Navigators Work

Navigators work with your community, serving at the 16 regional Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&R) around the state of Illinois. Navigators partner with community colleges and universities to connect workforce members with higher education programs.

Contact your local CCR&R to have a navigator come out and work with you or your staff to apply for ECACE opportunities. Navigators can work with you at a time that is convenient for your schedule.

Defining Navigators, Mentors, and Recruiters

ECACE provides many sources of support for your higher education journey. Navigators work at the CCR&Rs to connect workforce members to higher education opportunities. Once you enroll at a college or university, a mentor or coach at that institution will support you while you work toward your degree or credential.