Accreditation Assistance

Take the Next Step

Are you interested in achieving the next level of quality in your home or center? You may be eligible to receive funds to assist with the attainment of national accreditation.

Accreditation Assistance funds can support family child care providers and center-based programs as they achieve national accreditation. Financial assistance is available for:

• Accreditation and annual renewal fees

Do You Need Assistance Paying for Professional Development?

You may qualify for career or professional development mini-grants that can be used towards early care and school-age activities such as conferences, training, and expenses associated with the attainment of credentials.

Effective July 1, 2010 tuition is NO LONGER covered under Professional Development Funds.  Contact "Gateways Scholarship" at 866.697.8278 and ask to speak with a counselor, or visit their website and click on “Gateways Scholarship Program”.

This program is available to providers and programs operating in Cook County. Programs outside of Cook County must contact the Illinois Network of Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRA) at 1.800.649.1884 or online at www.inccrra.org to find your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCR&R).

For more information on this program or to find out if you qualify, please contact:

• Jacqueline Melendez, Program Generalist: 773.564.8756 
• Xochitl Mendez, Professional Development Associate:  773.564.8713
• Monique Draper, Director Provider Programs:  773.564.8730