Funds for Professional Development and Program Improvement
IMPORTANT: Funding for Fiscal Year 2020 (July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020) is not yet available. This page will be updated once funding for FY 2020 and Applications become available. Once funding is released, links will be activated and providers will be able to apply for professional development and program improvement funding.
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 815-344-5510 x16 or Email.
QI Funds Instructions and Application
License Exempt Health and Safety Improvement Grant (LE Grant)
Health and Safety Improvement grants are available to Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Licensed Exempt Child Care providers to fund materials and equipment needed to address health and safety needs.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
- License Exempt Family Child Care Providers (LEFCC). A provider who is not licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) who can care for no more than three (3) children including their own children, unless all the children are from the same household.
- License Exempt Child Care Center (LECCC). A center who is not licensed by the (IDCFS), and who meets one of the allowable exemptions found in CCAP Policy 05.02.03, VIIIA.
- Provider currently cares for at least one child receiving assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) (CCAP).
- Provider agrees to a minimum of one (1) scheduled on-site visit by 4-C staff member.
- Provider is fully or provisionally qualified as a CCAP provider (with regards to CCAP Health and Safety requirements.)
- Provider has a Corrective Acton Plan from a Health and Safety visit OR has completed a Health and Safety Self-Assessment.
- Provider is a member of the Gateways Registry.
- Provider provides care in one of the following counties: DeKalb, Ogle, Carroll, Whiteside, Lee, or McHenry.
- Provider has no unpaid financial obligations to the CCR&R or to IDHS Office of Early Childhood-Bureau of Subsidy Management/Quality Initiatives.
What can funds be used for?
- Items requested must relate to the results of the LE Health & Safety Monitoring Visit or the self-assessment.
- Allowable items include, but are not limited to: First Aid Kits, Fire Extinguishers, Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors, safety gates, electrical safety plugs, cribs that meet standards, pack & play, safety locked cabinets, safety locks, and lead free paint.
If I am eligible to apply for this grant, how much may I apply for?
- Licensed Exempt Child Care Centers: up to $500.00.
- License Exempt Family Child Care providing care in their own home: up to $300.00.
- License Exempt Family Child Care providing care in the child’s home: up to $150.00.
- Partial funding may be awarded.
How do check my eligibility and apply?
- To see if you qualify to apply, please complete the Questionnaire below.
- Once your Questionnaire is submitted, if you meet qualifications, you will be mailed an Application Packet. This packet will include: an instruction letter, a Health and Safety Self-Assessment, and a Health and Safety Improvement Funds Application.
- If the Questionnaire shows that you do not meet qualifications, you will have the opportunity to be called by a 4-C staff member to discuss IDHS grant qualifications.
- Providers who qualify to apply for this grant will be contacted by a 4-C staff member to arrange for an on-site visit at your home or center.
- Prior to your visit by 4-C, you will complete the Health and Safety Self-Assessment and identify any needed item(s) that will help you strengthen the health and safety of your home or center. You will then complete the Health and Safety Improvement Funds Application. You are asked to have both the Self-Assessment and Application completed prior to your scheduled visit.
- During your visit, the 4-C staff member will also assess your home or center and review your Application with you.
- Following your visit, 4-C will review your application. If your application is approved, you will receive an approval letter and 4-C will purchase approved materials which will be delivered to you. If you are not approved, you will receive a denial letter.
- If you have any questions or would like assistance with applying, please contact Nicole, Recruitment and Retention Coordinator, at nicoled@four-c.org or 815-344-5510, ext. 12.
- Ready to get started? Please click on Health and Safety Grant Eligibility Questionnaire below!
Health and Safety Grant Eligibility Questionnaire
