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.
Licensed Child Care Centers, please review the pdf Child Care Standards Overview (404 KB) .
Please use the checklists available to help you prepare for application and assessment.
Click the ExceleRate Application Instructions video for detailed instructions. All licensed programs must complete this application and the appropriate supplement below.
Licensed Child Care Center Application
Bronze
The Bronze Circle of Quality recognizes qualifications and professional development, with the completion of a robust series of trainings to prepare programs for success. No supplement is needed. Complete and mail the Licensed Child Care Center Application only.
Silver
The Silver Circle of Quality recognizes the completion of self-assessment and implementation of a continuous quality improvement process, as verified by an independent assessor.
- pdf Silver Circle of Quality Accreditation Path Supplement (418 KB)
- pdf Silver Circle of Quality Assessment Path Supplement (494 KB)
- pdf Head Start Enrollment Application (284 KB)
Gold
The Gold Circle of Quality recognizes programs which have demonstrated instructional quality on all administrative standards, as verified by an independent assessor.
- pdf Gold Circle of Quality AMS Accreditation Path Supplement (407 KB)
- pdf Gold Circle of Quality COA Accreditation Path Supplement (446 KB)
- pdf Gold Circle of Quality Cognia Accreditation Path Supplement (412 KB)
- pdf Gold Circle of Quality NAC Accreditation Path Supplement (463 KB)
- pdf Gold Circle of Quality NAEYC Accreditation Path Supplement (498 KB)
- pdf Gold Circle of Quality NECPA Accreditation Path Supplement (443 KB)
- pdf Gold Circle of Quality Assessment Path Supplement (482 KB)
- pdf Gold Circle of Quality Head Start Supplement (342 KB)