Quality Improvement Funds

Accreditation Assistance

Accreditation is a voluntary process that provides child care programs with the opportunity to examine their services based on recognized standards of high quality. The Accreditation Assistance option is for child care programs that are applying for or maintaining an ExceleRate™ IL Silver or Gold Circle of Quality.

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Specific Requirements and Expectations

  1. Programs must be applying for or maintaining an ExceleRate™ IL Silver or Gold Circle of Quality.
  2. Must meet with a Quality and/or Infant Toddler Specialist at least two (2) times.
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How To Submit Your Application and Documents

Mail your application and all supporting documents to:

Illinois Action for Children
ATTN: Quality Improvement Funds
4753 N. Broadway St., 1st Floor
Chicago, IL 60640

Frequently Asked Questions

Fees associated with the accreditation process as outlined in the supplemental application packet.

In addition to a completed application and supplemental application E, the following documentation is required:

  • Proof of payment to the accrediting body (if paid by the child care program)
  • Copy of page 1 of the application packet for accreditation
  • W-9 form (included in the application packet)

Complete accreditation applications (including supporting documentation) may be submitted at any time during the funding cycle. However, for this funding period Illinois Action for Children must receive accreditation assistance applications by 5 p.m. on June 3, 2024.


Please note that the funding range is a combination of all three quality improvement funds areas.

Programs will be notified in writing if the application has been approved or denied, and if approved, the amount at which the request was funded

Checks will be made payable to the accrediting body. The child care program will submit a check to the CCR&R for the balance of accreditation costs, the application and all required documentation for the accreditation process. The CCR&R will be responsible to submit payment and documentation to the accrediting body.

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Have Questions? Get Answers!

For more information, contact our Quality Improvement Funds team:

VIA EMAIL

qualityfunds@actforchildren.org

VIA PHONE

773.564.8781
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