Provider FAQs
How can I earn my professional development hours?
We offer training workshops virtually and on site throughout the month. Registration for any of the sessions can be found on the CCR&R Training Calendar.
What grant opportunities are available?
We offer funding for eligible programs for Professional Development funds (reimbursed), Licensed-exempt childcare centers, First Aid/CPR reimbursement and Quality Improvement funds which include the QI cohort, as well as training stipend funds and accreditation assistance.
How do I become a provider?
To become a licensed childcare center or family childcare provider, the first step is to apply through the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Additional information can be found Illinois DCFS site.
How can I attend a CPR/FA class?
We offer CPR/FA classes 3-4x a month at both our Joliet and Kankakee locations. Classes are free to participants who are currently providing care to children and are Gateways registry members
How do I register for Gateways?
The Gateways to Opportunity Registry is an early care and education workforce registry for individuals who work with or on behalf of children and families in Illinois. Joining the Gateways Registry is a requirement for many groups, including those in licensed child care centers and family child care homes, paraprofessionals working in Preschool for All sites that do not have a professional educator license, home visitors and supervisors funded through MIECHV, and more. Joining the Gateways Registry also gives you access to the online trainings offered through the Gateways i-learning site.
Follow these steps to join the Gateways Registry:
- Get an online user account by following these steps: From the home page, click “Join Now” to request a user account. Online applications can be completed here for a User Account Request.
- Once your account has been approved, go to Registry page and click the “Dashboard Login” menu option.
- Enter your username and password to log in.
- You will be prompted to complete the Gateways Registry application, step-by-step. If you have participated in Gateways programs or trainings through your CCR&R, you may find that we already have some information filled in for you.