Providers
Training, Professional Development, and Career Supports
The Illinois Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) system supports child care providers at every stage of their career by offering access to training, professional development, and career pathway guidance. This includes hands-on learning opportunities, small group sessions, and individualized guidance delivered directly in programs or within the local community. Topics often focus on practical application, including health and safety practices, classroom management, child development, and program operations. CCR&R staff also support providers in working toward credentials and degree completion by offering guidance on education pathways, goal setting, and connecting learning to career advancement. This personalized approach builds confidence, strengthens relationships, and supports long-term workforce development.
For information on health and safety training requirements for the Child Care Assistance Program, click here or the guide below.
To learn how to navigate the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Eligibility as a license-exempt provider, click here or the guide below.
For a step-by-step guide on becoming a child care provider, click here or the guide below.
Technical Assistance, Child Care Provider Resources, and Funding Opportunities
CCR&Rs offer individualized technical assistance to help providers manage and grow their programs, including guidance on licensing-exempt requirements, Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) participation, health and safety standards, and business practices. Providers have access to a range of resources such as templates, toolkits, and referrals to community supports. CCR&Rs also help providers identify and apply for funding opportunities, including grants for start-up, quality improvement, and professional development. This hands-on support helps providers maintain compliance, improve operations, and sustain their programs.
Quality Consultations, Coaching, and Educational Sessions
CCR&Rs provide ongoing quality consultations and coaching to support providers in strengthening their programs and enhancing outcomes for children. Through individualized coaching, group learning sessions, and on-site or virtual visits, CCR&R staff work alongside providers to set goals, address challenges, and implement best practices. Support is aligned with Illinois quality frameworks, including ExceleRate Illinois, helping providers understand and advance through quality levels. These services focus on continuous improvement, relationship-building, and practical strategies that can be applied in real-time within child care settings.
How CCR&Rs Support Providers Across Illinois
- 2,400 professional development opportunities were delivered by the CCR&Rs to 23,762 early learning providers, generating 60,927 hours of training to strengthen the workforce
- 8,365 early learning providers completed ExceleRate Illinois training to advance program quality from good to great
- 2,633 license-exempt providers completed Health & Safety training
- 2,628 individualized program Quality Consultations and 688 Career Pathways consultations
- $2.2 million was invested in program operations through 657 CCR&R Quality grant awards, including $629,406 for Infant & Toddler spaces across Illinois