The Quality Counts literacy program is designed to introduce child care providers to the various ways literacy activities can be included in their daily routines. The literacy coordinator makes on-site visits to programs and through a story time format introduces an age appropriate book to the children.
In addition, the coordinator is able to assess the reading and literacy environment, as well as offer suggestions on how to optimize group story time. Ideas with an emphasis on literacy can be shared to help extend the learning opportunities that are offered by incorporating books and reading in a program.
If you would like more information on the literacy program, please contact us.
The Quality Rating System (QRS) assists Illinois child care programs in providing quality care for children and their families. This initiative is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). This voluntary System is available to License-Exempt Family Child Care Providers, Licensed Family/Group Home Child Care Providers, and Licensed Centers. License-Exempt Centers will need to become licensed to participate in QRS. Providers do not need to be serving children eligible for the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) in order to participate in QRS.
The system offers progressive levels which providers can achieve depending on the type of care they provide. Specific quality criteria must be met to achieve a level. Once a child care provider has met the required criteria for a level, they will be recognized for their achievement and will receive a quality add-on rate to the CCAP standard daily reimbursement rate for any approved CCAP children they are caring for.
Interested providers can attend a QRS Orientation offered by West Central Child Care Connection. Attendance at an Orientation is required for any provider who applies to QRS. Please check our training calendar for training dates, times, and locations. You may also contact our QRS specialist for more information or assistance with the process at sharon@wcccc.com.
The application process for QRS is administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA). For more details and the application please contact INCCRRA at 1-800-649-1884 or access their website at www.ilqualitycounts.com.
The Quality Counts Grant Program is offered through the Department of Human Services to child care providers in Illinois. These dollars are to be used to enhance the quality of care in family child care homes and centers, as well as increase the slots available in child care facilities. All homes and centers listed on the West Central Child Care Connection database are eligible to apply. The application process for this fiscal year (June 2012 - July 2013) has ended. If new grant funds become available in the Fall of 2013 we will post it on this website and will notify all child care providers on the database by mail.
Fiscal Year 2013 Grant Recipients:
Competitive Grant Option (8 Counties Represented)
Krista Artman
Theresa Buchanan
Cheerful Home Child Care & Learning Center
Amanda Dodson
Christina Collins
Shelly Collins
Joan Dougherty
Kathy Glore
Early Beginnings Inc
Michelle Hart
Amy Jilg
Trudy Kellett
Lora Llewellyn
Deane Neastea
Stacey Martin
Tina Lionberger
Julie Melcher
Debbie Murray
Beardstown PACT
Pittsfield PACT
Jennifer Post
Jessica Schrapf
Sonshine Kids Day Care
Denise Taylor
Cindy Tefertiller
Sharon Springer
Renda Wallace
Stefanie Thompson
Training Option (5 Counties Represented)
Drenda Curtis
Kim Doellman
Holly Reinold
Vicki Feldman
Lori Benson
Jessica Ham
Brandy Dooley
St John the Evangelist Church Daycare
Jennifer Smith
Misty Moore
Lacey Kamphaus
Ivetta Cooper
Annie Kehler
Sara Dieker
Jessica Lister
Lori McClean
Dora McGahan
Melaney Piles
Donna McKay
Dorina Heiden
Silvia McMeins
Kathy Mitchell
Jane Moore
Lorratta Myers
Renee Stucker
Melissa Washburn
Wee-Play Wee-Learn
Brenda Williamson
Renee Wolf
Sylvia Wolf
Jill Wuestenberg
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