Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R)

In partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), CCR&R operates the Child Care Assistance Program, providing financial support to families seeking childcare. Families working or going to school may qualify for assistance based on income. For more information, please contact the CCAP department at assistance@childcarehelp.com or 815-741-4622.

A partnership between Early Head Start and Child Care Providers to expand the availability of high-quality infant and toddler care and education for children, ages 6 weeks through age 3. Early Head Start provides high-quality early, continuous, intensive, and comprehensive childhood development and support services to low-income infants and toddlers, and their families, in Kankakee County. Free formula, diapers and wipes are provided while the child is in care. For more information, contact Marquita Cox (Director of Early Learning Programs) at: mcox@childcarehelp.com, call 815-523-7609 ext. 602.

CCR&R's Referral Specialist assist families looking for childcare options. As part of the process the Specialist will make referrals based on individual information; provide indicators of quality and consumer education specific to childcare; and work to connect families with other resources within the community. For more information or a childcare referral, contact Corey McKnight, email: cmcknight@childcarehelp.com, phone: 815-741-1163 ext. 227.

A partnership between Preschool for All and Child Care Resource & Referral to expand the availability of high-quality care and education for children ages 3 to 5. The program serves children who are at risk of academic failure. The goal is to create a foundation for kindergarten readiness. All children who have completed Preschool for All or Preschool for All Expansion programs to enter kindergarten moved forward with the skills and social-emotional confidence needed to be successful in school and in life. For more information, contact Shari Sodman, Assistant Director of Early Learning Programs at: mcox@childcarehelp.com, ssodman@childcarehelp.com or call 815-523-7609 ext. 602 or 600.

CCR&R's team of Quality Specialists assist programs in achieving ExceleRate Illinois Circles of Quality. The Specialists work to offer technical assistance and on-site consultations to develop and implement quality improvement plans. The Infant Toddler Specialist works directly with program staff to provide specific supports for those who work with infants and toddlers. Additionally, CCR&R offers a wide array of professional development opportunities, including provider trainings and CPR/FA certification. For more information contact Sherry Coe, email: scoe@childcarehelp.com, phone: 815-741-1163 ext. 250

Through funding provided by the United Way, the Social Emotional Learning Facilitation (SELF) program implements imbedded mental health best practices into early childhood education as a core component to support all other developmental domains for young children and their families. Using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and Ages and Stages Social Emotional Screening Tool, family engagement communities of practice, and practice-based coaching, SELF consultants work with providers to support children and families as they prepare for school, work, and life. For more information, contact Rebecca Kroiss at rkroiss@childcarehelp.com or 815-741-1163 Ext. 281.