Child Care FAQs
For all other questions and/or concerns, call SEIU’s MRC at (866) 933- 7348 #3
METC Classes
Do you offer classes online or in person?
METC offers online classes via Zoom. Please have this application installed on your device to join our class sessions (phone, tablet, computer). METC offers classes in person throughout the state of Illinois: Chicago, Springfield, Rockford, and more locations to come!
Can my assistant or second family childcare provider under my license take classes with METC?
No, unfortunately assistants or the second family childcare provider under your license cannot take classes with METC. They will not receive Gateways credit or stipend payment.
If I do not have a family childcare license but I am taking care of children under the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) as a License -Exempt Childcare Provider can I still take classes with METC?
Yes, if you are a License-Exempt Childcare Provider and are actively taking care of children under the CCAP program you are eligible to take classes with METC and receive Gateways credit and stipend payment.
Does METC offer stipend payment for all classes?
No, while METC offers stipend payment for the majority of the classes, there are some classes we do not offer stipend payment such as our CPR/First Aide class and Food Handler classes. All classes with METC are free to register and attend. You will also receive Gateways credit for all classes offered by METC.
Can I attend the same classes more than once throughout the year?
Yes, you can attend and repeat our METC classes, however if you took the same class within 365 days you will not receive a stipend payment. However, you will receive Gateways credit.
Will I receive a hard copy certificate of completion of the training/classes?
METC does not offer hard-copy certificates. You will receive Gateways credit on your professional development record.
What if I have already taken all of the METC classes listed on the calendar?
Great news! METC is offering new classes every other month please check our METC calendar for updates: https://seiuhcilin.org/resources/trainings/child-care/#sked
If I take a class online do I need to have my camera on?
We highly recommend for our family childcare educators to keep the camera on during our classes/trainings to increase engagement and participation. However, it is not a requirement.
How can I find my American Heart Association (AHA) E-card (CPR/First Aide Certificate)
Please check out AHA’s website to locate your E-card CPR/First Aide/Certificate: How to Claim and View your AHA eCard | American Heart Association CPR & First Aid
You can locate this certificate by entering your personal information OR your E-card number. You must use the same email you registered for the CPR/First Aide training. Or you can call our Member Resource Center at 866-933-7348 and select option 3 to speak to a live representative to assist you.
How can I find out more information about METC?
As a License-Exempt Childcare Provider how can I receive additional compensation or an add on for the children I care for?
If you complete the ECE Credential Level 1 Tier 1, 2, 3, you can apply for an add on to receive a higher compensation for the children you care for under the CCAP Program. ECE Module 1-9 must be completed to earn Credential and receive an add-on of 5-15% for each CCAP child in your care. You will also need to complete a 1-hour Orientation for LEFCC Providers on I-learning:
https://courses.inccrra.org/enrol/index.php?id=1687
After you have completed all modules and the online Orientation for LEFCC Providers, you can request an application from Pat Twymon by emailing your Credential (Gateways will send to you once completed) to: [email protected]. This applies to licensed-exempt providers only.
Gateway Credits
How can I review my Gateways Credit?
You can access your Gateways Credit report through Illinois Gateways to Opportunity: https://www.ilgateways.com/
You can take our METC’s Gateways Start Up and More Online Training. Please check out our METC calendar on our website for upcoming class dates: https://seiuhcilin.org/resources/trainings/child care/#sked . You will need to have a Gateway number. It will start with the letter “N” to access your professional development report (PDR) to review your gateway credit.
How do I locate my professional development record:
Please visit the link below (YouTube) it will show you step-by-step instructions on how to locate your Professional Development Record and Gateways Membership
How long will it take for me to view my Gateways credit on my Professional Development Record?
If your attendance is confirmed by METC it will take approximately 2 weeks to see your gateway credit
Should I self-report the classes I have taken with METC on my professional development record?
Please do not self-report the classes you have taken with METC. DCFS will not accept self-reported classes without a certificate of completion. METC will add your Gateways credits as an authorized entity. It will take approximately 2 weeks after you complete the class to see your Gateways credit on your PDR.
Why don’t I see Gateways credit reported on my professional development record with the classes I have taken with METC?
Please call our Member Resource Center at 866-933-7348 (select option 3). Your class confirmation may be under a pending or declined status and METC will need further information for class completion and confirmation.
Stipend Payments
How long will it take for me to receive my stipend payment?
It will take approximately 4-6 weeks for you to receive your stipend payment either by check or direct deposit.
How can I receive a direct deposit?
You sign up for direct deposit on MemberLink. Here is the link to set up your direct deposit account. Our Member Resource Center at 866-933-7348 (select option 3) can also set up your direct deposit account.
What if I do not receive my stipend payment?
Please call our Member Resource Center at 866-933-7348 (select option 3) and speak to a live representative to check if you are under pending or declined status.
Why was I denied or under pending status for a stipend payment?
You must make sure you are checked into the class. You must attend the entire class and not miss any portion of the online or in person training. You must fill out the required ending documents that are provided during the class. If it is a series class (multiple sessions) you must attend each session consecutively, with the exception of ECE Credential Level 1 Tiers 1, 2, 3 and Positive Communication (5 sessions). Please discuss with your instructor and facilitator the policy on multi session classes. If you are under the status of not working, you will not receive stipend payment. You cannot take the same class twice within a year and receive a stipend payment. You must be under the system as a family childcare educator to receive a stipend payment.