Licensed Child Care Centers
The ExceleRate Illinois requirements for Licensed Child Care Centers are demonstrated across four Domains: Teaching and Learning; Family and Community Engagement; Leadership and Management; Qualifications and Continuing Education. These domains display progressive standards of quality that are evidenced by the attainment of a Circle of Quality.
For a Licensed Child Care Center to prepare for application to ExceleRate Illinois, there are some basic requirements to be aware of:
- No application is needed for the Licensed Circle of Quality. All Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) licensed child care centers that hold a valid and current IDCFS issued license are recognized at this Circle of Quality.
- Centers must prepare for and apply to ExceleRate Illinois to be considered for a Circle of Quality above the Licensed Circle of Quality and be IDCFS licensed for a minimum of one full year.
- Programs should work with their licensing representative to clear pending and substantiated violations from the previous 12 months prior to application. Programs can verify violations by going to the IDCFS Sunshine website or calling the IDCFS information line at (877) 746-0829.
- Bronze, Silver, and Gold Circles each have training requirements for the site administrator &/or teaching staff.
- Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Specialists are available to provide technical assistance and consultation when helping licensed child care centers prepare.
Where Should a Program Start?
The first step is to review the pdf Licensed Child Care Centers Standards Chart (404 KB) and review each of the Circles to see where your program would like to apply. It is also important for the program administrator (per IDCFS licensed physical site) to complete the ExceleRate Illinois Orientation to learn more about the specifics of each Circle of Quality. ExceleRate Illinois Orientation Sessions are offered online and through local CCR&Rs.
Once you have chosen which Circle of Quality is best for your program, you can review the individual in-depth requirements of that Circle via Bronze, Silver, and Gold drop downs.
How are Staff defined by ExceleRate Illinois?
For ExceleRate Illinois Standards and Applications the below staff definitions can be used.
- Program Administrator- Director, Assistant Director, Director/Teacher (when spending 50% or more time in an administration role)
- Teaching Staff- Teacher, Assistant Teacher, School-Age Worker or School-Age Assistant
- Teacher - Lead Teacher, Teacher, Director/Teacher (when spending 50% or more time in a teaching role)
Below are additional Helpful Tips to assist you when planning for the application process, as well as General Frequently Asked Questions to help your program along the way.
To apply to ExceleRate Illinois complete the Licensed Child Care Center Application and appropriate supplement based on the Circle of Quality and path you choose.