The Illinois Department of Human Services works hand-in-hand with local communities throughout Illinois to provide low-income, working families with access to quality, affordable child care. DHS contracts with over 100 child care providers to give quality care for your child(ren) in a safe and healthy environment.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is responsible for setting standards and licensing day care centers, homes, group homes and day care agencies in the state.
For Parents
Your local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Agency will help you locate a child care center for your family.
Cook County Child Care Search
This program provides low-income, working families with access to quality, affordable child care that allows them to continue working and contributes to the healthy, emotional and social development of the child. Families are required to cost-share on a sliding scale based on family size, income, and number of children in care. Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Eligibility Calculator
Quality Counts Quality Rating System (QRS)
This program assists Illinois child care programs in providing quality care for children and their families. A provider's voluntary participation in QRS means they have gone the extra mile to help make sure children are receiving an enhanced learning and care experience, which can help children succeed in school and in life. Providers caring for children eligible for the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) also receive a quality bonus above the standard payment rate.
http://www.inccrra.org/parent-information
Click here to view a listing of Quality Counts QRS Star Awarded Centers.
Click here to view a listing of Quality Counts QRS Star Awarded Family/Group Homes.
For Providers
Licensing
Become a licensed child care provider
Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers
Licensing Standards for Day Care Homes
DCFS Day Care Information Hotline: 877-746-0829
CCAP Billing
IDHS Child Care Telephone Billing System for Providers: The IDHS Child Care Telephone Billing system is an alternative to mailing the Child Care certificate to the local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency at the end of the each month.
The Telephone Billing system will help you get your payments quicker.
Child Care Payment Inquiries: Call (800) 804-3833
Quality Counts Quality Rating System (QRS)
The Quality Counts Quality Rating System (QRS) assists Illinois child care programs in providing quality care for children and their families. A provider’s participation in QRS means they have gone the extra mile to help make sure children are receiving an enhanced learning and care experience. Quality care can help children succeed in school and in life. A QRS Award recognizes a provider for meeting specific indicators of quality. It is an accomplishment to be shared with families served and the community.
The Quality Counts QRS offers levels which providers can achieve depending on the type of care they provide. Specific quality criteria must be met to achieve a level. Once a child care provider has met the required criteria for a level, they are awarded a QRS certificate. All QRS Awards recognize achievement above State minimum standards. Providers caring for children eligible for the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) also receive a quality bonus above the standard payment rate.
http://www.inccrra.org/quality-rating-system
Provider Assistance
For Teachers
Gateways to Opportunities Scholarship
INCCRRA Statewide Programs through local CCR&Rs
Early Childhood Block Grant Profession Development