FINDING CHILD CAREChoosing the right child care is an important decision for any family. CCR&R can provide parents and families with up to date information on a variety of child care programs in the southern fifteen counties. These include:
Program listings include information such as ages served, hours and days of operation, fees, provider qualifications and willingness to work with the Child Care Assistance program This, along with other information that is available, can assist families in making an informed decision. To receive information on programs in your area call Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) at 1-800-548-5563. |
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LICENSED CHILD CARE CENTERS
Child Care Centers serve more than eight (8) children in a facility. Children in child care centers are typically in rooms with other children near their own age. Centers can serve children from ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Hours and fees vary from center to center. Most child care centers in the area are licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) who sets minimum standards for health,safety, staff qualifications, programs, activity requirements, group size, and child to staff ratios. In addition to basic qualifications, center staff must complete fifteen (15) hours of in-service training each year. These facilities are also inspected by the Department of Public Health and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Inspections of licensed facilities happen at least once a year.
LICENSE-EXEMPT
CHILD CARE CENTERS
Some child care centers are exempt from licensing. These include programs operated by public or private elementary school system, churches, high school or institution of higher learning as well as programs conducted on federal premises. These also include programs recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education, if children in the program are over the age of three (3).
LICENSED FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES
Family Child Care Homes serve more than three (3), up to a maximum of fifteen (15) children under the age of thirteen in a home setting. This includes the provider's own and related children. Hours and fees vary. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) also licenses family child care using standards which are different than those for child care centers, set specifically for the smaller, home based environments. Family child care is designed to be less structured and provide children with more flexibility to play and rest on different schedules. Licensed family child care providers must complete fifteen(16) hours of in-service training each year to maintain their license.
LICENSE- EXEMPT
FAMILY CHILD CARE
Individuals caring for less than 3 children including their own under the age of thirteen) do not need to be licensed in Illinois. To be included on the CCR&R referral database, a license exempt provider must have completed the training required to receive payment through the IDHS Child Care Assistance programs, complete a successful home visit and have a completed health clearance on file.
SCHOOL-AGE CARE
Program’s listings include information such as ages served, hours and days of operation, fees, provider qualifications, special programming, and willingness to work with the child care assistance program (CCAP). This, along with other information that is available, can assist families in making an informed decision.
