Quality Improvement Grants
Quality Improvement Funds (QI Funds) support continuous quality improvement of child care programs. These funds assist programs to achieve and/or maintain an ExceleRate® Illinois Circle of Quality.
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.
- Applications must be received before 5:00 PM October 4, 2023 for the FY24 funding cycle.
- 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 FY24 funding cycle are due by June 1, 2024.
- 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 FY24 funding cycle are due by June 1, 2024.
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.
How Do I Apply?
- FY24 Application materials may be accessed here. When submitting applications please include a completed, up to date W-9 along with the application.
- W-9 forms can be accessed here. W-9 Form
- All forms must be mailed or dropped off to our DeKalb Office at 444 E. Hillcrest Dr. Suite 300, DeKalb IL 60115
Who can I contact for more information?
Contact our Child Care Resource and Referral Director at 815.758.8149, ext. 224 or 4CCohorts@four-c.org.
Health and Safety Improvement Funds for License Exempt Child Care
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.
Funds Can 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, health and safety items (e.g., First Aid Kits, Fire Extinguishers, Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors), safety gates, cribs that meet standards, pack & play, lead free paint, children’s books, age-appropriate toys, gross motor materials (e.g., balls, riding toys, etc.), science materials.
To apply for the Health and Safety Improvement Funds, LE Child Care providers need to have completed their CCAP Provider Health, Safety and Child Development Training Requirements.
To See If You Qualify:
Complete the 2024 LE Grant Questionnaire. You can also call 815.758.8149 ext. 295 to request a questionnaire to be mailed or emailed to you.
You may also access it on the link below:
The deadline to complete the Questionnaire is Friday April 5, 2024.
Application and W-9 Forms:
The deadline to submit Grant Application & W-9 form is Friday May 3, 2024.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have any questions or would like assistance with applying, please contact Randi Olson, Health & Safety Coach, at RandiO@four-c.org or 815.758.8149, ext. 295.