Providing Access To Child Care For Low-Income Families
Affordable Child Care Should Not Be Out Of Reach
Changes to the welfare system have increased the likelihood that more children will need child care at an early age. For many low-income families, the provision of subsidized child care services provides the additional financial support they need. Research shows that working parents are more likely to be successful at work or in school when their children are in child care arrangements that are safe, high quality and dependable.
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) operates this program. Children’s Home & Aid Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is responsible for the administration of the program, for the Illinois counties of Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair and Washington.
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care program serves income eligible families who are working or participating in an education/training program, and/or families on TANF who are participating in education, training or other work-related activities approved by their caseworker. IDHS also assists teen parents in high school or GED programs and families attending other post-secondary education activities such as GED, ABE, and ESL. To get a full description of the eligibility guidelines go to IDHS Child Care.
To apply for Financial Assistance please refer to the following documents available for download.
- Child Care Application (English) (Spanish)
- Online Child Care Eligibility Calculator
- Important Parent Co-Payment Information
- Wage Verification
If you have any questions regarding the Child Care Assistance Program, please contact the Children’s Home & Aid CCR+R CCAP at 800-847-6770 ext. 360.
COVID-19 IDHS Childcare Assistance Resources