Resources for Starting a Child Care Business
Emergency Preparedness Resources
A resource to help providers develop an emergency preparedness plan for their staff and families.
Financial Resources
A resource that provides education and reimbursement for healthy meals and snacks.
https://www.daycareresources.org
Grant Opportunities
Grant opportunities available for child care programs.
https://salccc.org/provider-services/grant-opportunities
For License-exempt Programs
Navigating CCAP for License-exempt Center Directors
A step-by-step guide for license-exempt centers accepting CCAP.
Link to Guide Coming Soon
CCAP Health & Safety Training Requirements for License-exempt Child Care
A step-by-step guide on the health and safety requirements for a license-exempt home or center to receive payments through the Child Care Assistance Program.
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Health and Safety Training Requirements Guide for Providers
Training Opportunities
Gateways to Opportunity Registry
The Registry provides a Professional Development Record (PDR) to track your education and training. Registry membership is free. Free training is available!
https://registry.ilgateways.com
Training with SAL Child Care Connection
SAL Child Care Connection provides regular training sessions to fulfill the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) requirements for child care providers, including CPR/First Aid training. The calendar provides descriptions, locations, and topics of upcoming training. You can register online for the training through the calendar.
https://salccc.org/provider-services/training
DCFS Mandated Reporter Training
Complete the required DCFS Mandated Reporter training by registering on their Learning & Development Center Mandated Reporter Portal. Past certificates for completion of the Mandated Reporter Training can also be printed from this site.
https://mandatedreporter.dcfs.illinois.gov/en/index-man
Trainings Needed for Licensing Checklist
A resource that shows all the trainings and requirements to become a licensed child care home.
Become a Licensed Family Child Care Provider and Training Checklist
Helpful Business Links
Child Care Aware
Business guides on opening a family child care business or a child care center from Child Care Aware of America
https://www.childcareaware.org/opening-a-child-care-program
Women's Business Development Center (WBDC)
WBDC offers professional advice, workshops, consultation, and community through cohorts to women looking to open their own child care business.
https://www.wbdc.org/en/programs-and-services/childcare-businesses
DCFS Licensing/License-exemption Information, Rules, and Policy
Everything needed in order to become informed on policy and procedure, as well as how to become connected to a child care licensing representative through DCFS.
https://sunshine.dcfs.illinois.gov/Content/Licensing/Welcome.aspx
Sign up for a one-on-one consultation or training for becoming a licensed child care provider.
Contact Dawn Wiles, Recruitment & Retention Coordinator, at dwiles@salccc.org
Click below for a step-by-step guide
