Quality Improvement
Success starts at the beginning in quality early learning and development programs. To increase the number of state residents with high quality, industry recognized degrees and credentials, Illinois has launched a new Quality and Improvement Rating System called ExceleRate Illinois.
Click below to learn more:
ExceleRate Illinois
for All programs, Head Start programs, and licensed family child care homes (in 2015). It is administered through Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies under the joint direction of the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development, the Illinois Department of Human Services, and the Illinois State Board of Education. To be eligible, DCFS-licensed childcare programs will need to be licensed for one year and have attended an ExceleRate Illinois orientation (other eligibility may be required). Please check
our training calendar for the next available ExceleRate orientation.
The Quality Rating System
Quality Improvement Funds
The Quality Improvement Funds grant program is offered through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to offer continued quality improvement for childcare programs. Quality Improvement Funds are designed to assist childcare programs to improve program quality and achieve or advance an ExceleRate Illinois Circle of Quality.
The deadline to apply for FY21 ExceleRate IL Training Stipends is: May 28, 2021.
To download the required W9 form, please click here.
For more information about quality control for childcare providers, contact Community Child Care Connection