CCAP Updates and Forms
Child Care Assistance Program
As a child care provider, your participation in the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) opens the door to quality, affordable child care for working families.
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), assists low-income working families with paying for child care services.
Any legally operating child care provider or program (this includes licensed and license-exempt family child care homes and center-based programs) may choose to accept reimbursement payments from the CCAP for child care services provided. By accepting CCAP payments you allow more children and families to have access to your services.
View CCAP Forms
Initial Activity Search (IAS):
Effective October 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022, parents who are unemployed and engaged in a job search or attempting to enroll in an education/training activity are eligible for three months of Child Care Assistance, provided they meet all other CCAP eligibility requirements. If parents become employed or enroll in an educational activity before the end of the 3 months and meet all other CCAP eligibility requirements, their eligibility will continue for the remaining 9 months of the initial 12-month eligibility period. Parents need to submit documentation showing they are working or enrolled in school to extend their initial 3-month eligibility period.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for Initial Activity Search?
- Initial Activity Search can be requested for one, both parents and guardians.
- What supporting documentation is needed to be eligible for Initial Activity Search?
- No documentation is needed.
- However, clients need to state on the application that they are applying for childcare for activity search.
- Parents can notify with written documentation or verbally.
- What is a client’s eligibility for Initial Activity Search?
- Parents are eligible for 5 days a week.
- Non-School aged children who are not enrolled in school: 5 Full-Time days.
- School-Aged Child: 5 Part-time days from September through May. Full Time during the summer months.
- How many times can this activity search be granted in a rolling calendar?
- Parents are eligible for one Initial Activity Search during a 12-month period.
- When can a parent request an Initial Activity Search?
- The start date for the activity search cannot be before 10/1/2021.
- Applications received before 10/1/2021 can be processed effective 10/1/2021.
- Does the parent need to report an activity after being approved for Initial Activity Search?
- Yes, Parents must report an activity after being approved for Initial Activity Search to continue for the remaining 9 months of the initial 12-month eligibility period.
- Will Initial Activity Search be extended to 12 months automatically?
- Parents must report an activity after the initial 3-month approval to be eligible for the remaining 9 months of the initial 12-month eligibility period.
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): Initial Activity Search (IAS)
Child Care Workforce Bonuses:
INCCRRA will be launching a Child Care Workforce Bonus program. All staff at Licensed and License-Exempt Child Care centers and Licensed Homes will be eligible to receive a bonus of up to $1,000
- Licensed Centers and Licensed Homes will have to apply through INCCRRA.
Providers can get more information at https://www.ilgateways.com/financial-opportunities/child-care-workforce-bonus
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): Child Care Workforce Bonuses
Child Care Restoration Grant Round 4 and 2022 Stabilization Grants:
Round 4 of the Child Care Restoration Grant will open through INCCRRA on October 18th and the Childcare Stabilization Grants will continue into 2022. The continuation of the Child Care Restoration Grants is designed to help sustain childcare as the economy continues to reopen.
Providers can get more information at https://www.ilgateways.com/financial-opportunities/restoration-grants