SAYD Credential
The Gateways to Opportunity School-Age & Youth Development Credential (SAYD) became available July 1, 2016. It is awarded and recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Services Bureau of Child Care and designed for professionals working with children and youth ages 5 through 16.
The SAYD Credential was developed to:
- Promote high-quality services for children and families by preparing and supporting qualified, well-trained school-age/youth development practitioners.
- Provide adults working with school-age children/youth the opportunity to gain professional recognition for demonstrating competencies in their on-the-job skills.
- Standardize personnel requirements within the field.
- Formally define an educational pathway for current school-age/youth development practitioners as well as those interested in the field.
The SAYD Credential includes the seven Gateways Content Areas and two additional areas. These areas are key to the professional growth of school-age/youth development professionals.
ACT Now is a member of the Professional Development Advisory Council’s School-Age and Youth Development Credential Committee. This committee created the credential and is helping to implement it.
For more information on how to obtain the SAYD Credential, visit Gateways to Opportunity.
