WCCCC Provider Assistance

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS

Who Is Eligible To Apply?
Licensed family child care providers listed on our database (or those in the process of licensing). License exempt family child care providers listed on our database. Personnel from licensed center-based early childhood programs listed on our database. Personnel from license-exempt child care programs listed on our database.
(Applicants must work in Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Hancock, Jersey, Pike or Schuyler counties.)

What Expenses Can You Apply To Have Reimbursed?
Professional development funds may be accessed to cover expenses related to professional training experiences. Application for reimbursement can be made for expenses associated with attending an Illinois conference related to the field of early care and education, school-age care, or management (see the last page of the Training Calendar for some examples). Expenses of registration fees, lodging, and travel costs to attend an off-site workshop or conference qualify for consideration. Fees for approved National and State credentials may also be applied for.

All Tuition reimbursement for college courses is now being handled by the Gateways To Opportunity Program administered by INCCRRA. Please see the next section on this page for more information.

For Accreditation Fee reimbursement please contact our office at 217-222-2550 or 800-782-7318 to receive an application.

How Much Funding Can You Apply For?
Individuals may apply for up to $300 for professional development expenses incurred or anticipated between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013. (One application is necessary for each request.) The instructions are attached at the beginning of the application for further clarification.

When Should You Apply?
Funds are limited and are granted on a first come, first served basis. Priority will be given to providers who work with publicly funded children. You must apply before the workshop date and receive a pre-approval notice in order to be guaranteed reimbursement for your expenses.

What Happens To Your PDF Application?
The applications are reviewed and approved or denied within 2 weeks of receipt. A letter is sent to you regarding your applicant status. To document your request for reimbursement, send copies of the following; 1) a receipt of payment, 2) and the attendance certificate for workshops and conferences 3) the credential certificate. All documentation must be turned in within 30 days of the completion date of the class, conference or training. Failure to do so will void the $ PDF $ approval.

How Do You Apply?
Fill out the application and return it to the address listed. (If you already have the necessary documentation, please include all photocopies and indicate who payment should be made out to and where it should be sent.)

GATEWAYS TO OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM...

The Gateways To Opportunity Scholarship Program has replaced the program previously known as T.E.A.C.H. This program is an individual-based scholarship opportunity for practitioners working in the field of Early Care and Education. Practitioners working in Illinois Department of Children and Family Services licensed centers and homes can apply for a Gateways Scholarship. The Gateways Scholarship Program will pay a percentage of the cost of tuition, fees and books based on an eligible participant's child care position income.

How can a Scholarship benefit me?

Financial scholarship makes education possible.
Gain a higher level of education and compensation.

To obtain more information about the Gateways To Opportunity Scholarship Program or to receive an application, please access the Gateways website, www.ilgateways.com or call toll free, (800) 649-1884.

Great START...

Great START (Strategies to Attract and Retain Teachers) is a wage supplement program that pays eligible early care and education practitioners a monetary amount for attaining steps along the early care and education career lattice (wage supplement scale). Supplements are paid semi-annually for those practitioners who remain dedicated to the field by being committed to their child care center or home.

To be eligible for a Great START wage supplement, an individual must:

Be employed in licensed, full-day, full-year child care program, including family child care providers and assistants, center directors, teachers and teacher assistants;
Have completed college coursework in early childhood education, credentials or degrees as outlined on the Great START wage supplement scale; and
Work year round, at least 15 hours per week for at least 12 consecutive months.

How can I receive a wage supplement payment?

Submit a completed application, along with official college transcripts, pay stubs and documentation of work experience.
Applicants will be reviewed and eligibility determined.
Approved applicants will be paid every six months, with commitment to field.
The wage supplement payment will increase as the educational level increases.

How can a Great START wage supplement benefit me?

Monetary wage supplement every 6 months.
Recognition through local CCR&R events for education and retention.
Improve program quality.

To obtain more information about the Great START program or receive an application, please access the Gateways website www.ilgateways.com or call toll free, (866) MYSTART.