ISAC Student Portal2026-27 ECACE Certification Now Open
07/09/2026
Effective today, certification data for the 2026-27 Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program is being accepted.
Student List
The opening of the certification function allows colleges to view a listing of applicant records in the ECACE system, as well as certify eligibility for qualified students. The "Student List Eligibility: View" screen displays applicants who listed your institution on their applications and whose applications have been reviewed by ISAC staff for completeness. Additional records will appear on the Student List on an ongoing basis as applications are reviewed. You may want to consider regularly checking the ECACE system for any new data that has been posted.
Certification
Certification records are created for applicants who have completed the application process – meaning that the ECACE application and either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, along with required documentation, have all been submitted – and the applicant meets all initial eligibility requirements (i.e., requirements other than those that must be verified by the college). These records appear on the "Certification List: View" screen, located under the "Certification" tab of the ECACE system. The individual certification records can be accessed by selecting the student's name from the list and navigating to the Certification Data screen.
All certification records showing in the ECACE system must be completed regardless of whether the school determines an applicant to be eligible or ineligible. The only way an applicant will receive notification of their eligibility status from ISAC is if the certification record is submitted. Once the certification data is entered on the screen, clicking on the Save/Submit button will complete the process, and the applicant status information will be updated on the "Certification List: View" screen.
The certification process must be completed before awarding can take place later this summer, and colleges are asked to regularly check the ECACE system for new student records that are posted as ISAC continues the application review process.
Online Resources
- ECACE Scholarship Electronic Processing (includes the ECACE User Guide)
- ECACE Scholarship Certification
Future Updates
We will continue to share program updates through our usual means of communication – the FAA Message Board, the ECACE Program News page, and this e-Messaging service.
You are receiving this message because you registered for ISAC's e-Messaging service through one or more subscription groups for FAAs.
If you have any questions, please contact School Services by sending an email to [email protected] or calling 866.247.2172.
