Quality Improvement Funds (QRIS Cohorts, Training Stipends, Accreditation Assistance)

Quality Improvement Funds (QRIS Cohorts, Training Stipends, Accreditation Assistance) is sponsored by Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) via Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R). These funds are designed to assist child care programs in Illinois to improve program quality and achieve/advance an ExceleRate Illinois Circle of Quality.

The following systems are currently approved for assistance: * COA—Council on Accreditation (School Age Credential) * NAC—National Association of Child Care Professionals (National Accreditation Commission) * NAFCC—National Association of Family Child Care * NAEYC—National Association for the Education of Young Children **For information, or to apply, please download the application here: Coming Soon** **Cohort Session Dates** (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): 801 N Larkin Ave, Joliet, IL 60435 Cohort Applications 2026– Deadline Dec 11, 2025 @ 4PM Training Stipends/Accreditation Applications are due by **May 30, 2026** ### Individual Professional Development Funds Illinois supports the continuing professional development of child care practitioners.

In partnership with the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies, the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Early Childhood (IDHS-DEC) is providing funds to assist an individual in pursuit of professional development in early care and education and school-age care. Click the link below for more information.

Child Care Start-Up Grants assist child care home and center providers (also referenced as “program”) who are in the process of becoming licensed with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). These grants provide financial supports to offset start-up costs for child care programs. The Child Care Start-up Grants are offered through participating Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (CCR&R).

Click the link for more information **FY26 Child Care Start Up** DHS is approving the use of the First Aid/CPR hybrid (on-line/in-person) course. In order to qualify, there must be at least one in-person session to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to apply CPR correctly and safely. If in-person classes are not offered at this time by an approved provider, it will need to be done when COVID is no longer a factor in those decisions.

Certification must be from one of the approved entities below (as of 6/4/2020): * American Heart Association * American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) * American Trauma Event Management (ATEM) * Emergency Care and Safety Institute (ECSI) * Edward Atkinson/Emergency Response Health Network * Ellis & Associates, Inc.– Orlando FL * National Safety Council * R. H.

Sanders & Associates In partnership with CCR&R, IDHS is providing funds to assist child care practitioners to achieve First Aid (FA)/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification. Please see the below application for more details. **For questions or additional information, please feel free to contact: Alexandria Smith**, Assistant Director/Training Coordinator of SDA5 815-741-1163 x250 College tuition assistance.

Tuition assistance is available through the Illinois Gateways Scholarship Program. For information on Gateways tuitions assistance visit ilgateways. com or call 866-697-8278 **Applications can be submitted to:** Child Care Resource & Referral 801 N.

Larkin Ave. , Suite 202 Joliet, IL 60435