IL HB0806

Creates a "Gateways to Opportunity" program operated by the Department of Human Services as a comprehensive professional development system for early care, education, school-age, and youth development practitioners.

Department shall award credentials to practitioners based on professional achievements in field experience, knowledge, skills, educational attainment, and training accomplishments, with rules to be adopted by the Department.

Program shall identify professional knowledge guidelines defining what adults working with children and youth need to know and demonstrate to support child development, school readiness, and school success.

Amends school age entry requirements to allow children who attended non-public preschool through kindergarten, were taught by appropriately certified teacher, and will turn 6 years old by December 31 of the 2009-2010 school term to attend first grade upon commencement of such term.

Applies the same early first grade entry flexibility to school districts operating on a full-year basis, allowing eligible children to start first grade within 4 months of the term commencement.