Funds for Professional Development and Program Improvement
Funding is available for individual child care providers to meet their professional development goals, and for programs to improve the quality of care they provide. Once the funds become available after the beginning of our fiscal year (July 1–June 30) we send an email notifying programs in our referral database that the application forms have been posted to the 4-C website.
Reimbursement is currently available for CCAP providers who take CPR and First Aid classes outside of 4-C.
Individual Professional Development Funds (IPDF)
Individual Professional Development Funds (IPDF) support center based and family child care providers to pursue professional development (i.e. conference/workshop registration fees, transportation/mileage, and fees associated with credentialing processes).
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
- Child care providers working in centers and homes listed in our referral database, and
- Currently providing care to child(ren) whose care is paid for by the Illinois Department of Human Services Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
Funds are allocated on a first come first served basis until all funds are allocated. Applications are due Monday, June 3, 2019.
Contact our Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator at the McHenry Office at 815-344-5510 x16 or Email.
IPDF Instructions and Application
Quality Improvement Funds (QI Funds)
Quality Improvement Funds (QI Funds) support continuous quality improvement of child care programs. These funds assist programs to achieve an ExceleRate® Illinois Circle of Quality.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
- Licensed child care centers and family child care homes listed in our referral database, and
- Pursuing or maintaining an ExceleRate® Illinois Circle of Quality, and
- Currently providing care to child(ren) whose care is paid for by the Illinois Department of Human Services Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
There are 3 types of QI Funds:
- ExceleRate® Illinois Cohorts
- Center program administrators and family child care providers working towards or maintaining an ExceleRate® Illinois Silver or Gold Circle of Quality participate in trainings planned and facilitated by our Quality Specialists. Supported by the Specialists, they complete a program self-assessment and Continuous Quality Improvement Plan (CQIP). After completing all required steps programs may apply for funds to help achieve objectives on the CQIP.
- The application deadline for the current funding cycle has passed.
- Training Stipend
- Licensed child care programs working towards or maintaining an ExceleRate® Illinois Bronze, Silver or Gold Circle of Quality may apply for a training stipend. The stipend applies only to the required trainings within an ExceleRate® Illinois Circle of Quality and is available only to the minimum staff required to attend the training.
- Funds are allocated on a first come first served basis until all funds are allocated. Applications for the current funding cycle are due by Monday, June 3, 2019.
- Accreditation Assistance
- The Accreditation Assistance option is for licensed child care centers or homes applying for or maintaining an ExceleRate® Illinois Silver or Gold Circle of Quality. Funds cover part of the cost of accreditation fees.
- Funds are allocated on a first come first served basis until all funds are allocated. Applications for the current funding cycle are due by Monday, June 3, 2019.
Contact our Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator at the McHenry Office at 815-758-8149 x226 or Email.
QI Funds Instructions and Application
