What is the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA)?
The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) is a statewide organization which includes partnerships with its 16 member Child Care Resources and Referral (CCR&R) agencies. INCCRRA is a recognized leader, catalyst and resource for making high quality, affordable early care and education options available for children and families in Illinois.
What Statewide systems and services does INCCRRA offer to early childhood professionals?
Gateways to Opportunity
Gateways to Opportunity is the single statewide professional development support system designed to provide guidance, encouragement and recognition to individuals and programs who serve young children and their families. Resources and services provided by Gateways to Opportunity include Credentials, Professional Development Advisors, Great START and Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship Program.
Great START
Great START is a wage supplement program that rewards eligible early care and education practitioners in DCFS licensed childcare centers, family/group family child care providers for receiving higher education and for remaining at their current place of employment.
Gateways Scholarship Program
The Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship Program is an individual-based scholarship opportunity for practitioners working in Early Care and Education (ECE). Practitioners working in Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) licensed centers and homes can apply for a Gateways Scholarship. The Gateways Scholarship Program will pay a percentage of the cost of tuition, fees and books based on an eligible participant’s child care position income. The program also provides bonuses based on an eligible participant’s grade point average and completion of work commitment in ECE.
Quality Counts-Quality Rating System
The Quality Counts-Quality Rating System (QRS) assists child care programs in providing quality care for children and their families. Once a child care program has met criteria required, they will be recognized for their achievement and will receive a quality add-on rate to the Child Care Assistance Program standard daily rate paid for eligible children in their care.
Illinois Trainers Network
The Illinois Trainers Network (ITN) is a group of trainers providing quality and accessible early childhood professional development opportunities for child care practitioners.
For more information on these programs, contact INCCRRA at 800-649-1884 or www.inccrra.org
