Quality Improvement Funds
The Children’s Home & Aid Child Care Resource & Referral Program with the Illinois Department of Human Services announces the availability of the Quality Improvement Funds which will replace the Quality Counts Competitive and Training Grants.
The QI Funds are designed to support center based and family child care in the improvement of quality care provided to infants, toddlers, preschool, and school age children. These funds are to support planned program improvements. They are also intended to assist providers in the achievement, advancement, and maintenance of Illinois Quality Counts Quality Rating System (QRS) certification (FCC only) and ExceleRate Illinois (Center Based Programs).
Accreditation Assistance Funds
Based on available funding, Children’s Home & Aid CCR&R Program is offering funds to support child care programs in the pursuit of Accreditation. Funds are provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and administered by the CCR&R program. Accreditation is a voluntary process that provides family child care homes, centers and school-age programs the opportunity to examine their services based on recognized standards of high quality. Accreditation is offered through various agencies. IDHS has identified five processes for funding. For the list of approved accreditation processes refer to the guidelines and application. Child care programs including family child care, child care centers, and school-age programs can apply. However, the child care program must be listed on the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) referral database and must currently provide services in one of the following Illinois counties: Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair or Washington. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of the accrediting body. For the eligibility requirements please refer to the appropriate accreditation website listed on the guidelines. Funds can be used toward the accreditation process. These fees can include self study.
Quality Improvement Funds Guidelines and Application can be found here and notes from the QI Information Session are available here.
Individual Professional Development Funds
Based on available funding, Children’s Home & Aid CCR&R Program is offering funds to support individual pursuit of professional development in early care and education and school-age care. Funds are provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services and administered by the CCR&R Program. Individual practitioners currently employed by center based programs and family home programs that provide care as defined by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) can apply for these funds. Individual practitioners are defined as: child care center directors, early childhood teachers/assistant teachers, school age teachers/assistant teachers, family home providers and assistants as well as child care center support staff (cook and driver) when appropriate (e.g., food sanitation course, first aid courses). Funds can be requested for: costs associated with conference/workshops (registration fees, lodging, and transportation) and fees associated with approved credential processes. See guidelines for further guidance.
A W-9 form must be submitted with your application.
Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
Application here.
Contact Nichole Miller at nmiller@childrenshomeandaid.org or 800-467-9200, Ext. 180.