Effective Date: 05.01.2025
Revised:
Reference: 89 Ill. Adm. Code, Chapter IV, §50.
ExceleRate Illinois
ExceleRate Illinois Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS) is administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) on behalf of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). ExceleRate Illinois is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate progressive quality in early care and education programs statewide. This is shown across four Circles of Quality- Licensed, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Support, resources, and information are available to programs that choose to participate in higher Circles of Quality.
The Illinois QRIS is a system that includes Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) licensed family child care homes and child care centers, ISBE Preschool for All (PFA) and Preschool Expansion programs, Early Head Start and Head Start programs. The goal of ExceleRate Illinois is to ensure that all young children have access to high-quality early care and education programs.
Eligible ExceleRate programs may receive an IDHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) quality add-on, dependent on Circle of Quality and availability of funding. Add-ons are effective beginning the service month after eligibility (for example, a program is found eligible for the Silver Circle in June, a 10% add-on takes effective on July services). Current add-on rates available are:
- Silver: 10% will be calculated for each CCAP child per day
- Gold: 15% will be calculated for each CCAP child per day
Retroactive payments will not be issued to eligible programs, including those programs who have had a Circle re-instated due to a Reformation Plan with the IDCFS. It is imperative that programs review their billing certificates for accuracy each month and report any issue to their local Child Care Resource and Referral CCAP staff and INCCRRA immediately at 866-697-8278 or info@excelerateillinois.com. Add-ons could be affected within the CCAP payment system if not reported timely.
*CCR&R CCAP staff can verify QRIS eligibility through HSCCMS, F12 screen, Q (Quality status)*.
For information on ExceleRate Illinois- www.excelerateillinois.com.
Gateways Training Tiers
Gateways Training Tiers assist child care practitioners in providing quality care for children and their families. Participation in the training tiers means an individual has taken additional training to help ensure children in their care are receiving an enhanced learning and care experience. Quality care can help children succeed in school and in life. Any Illinois child care practitioner, teacher, assistant, etc., can complete the Gateways Training Tiers. However, Gateways Training Tiers represent a quality improvement system for Illinois license-exempt family child care providers. After completion of an Orientation and all 3 Training Tiers, the practitioner will earn the Gateways to Opportunity ECE Credential Level 1 Credential. This Credential attainment recognizes an achievement above State minimum standards for the license-exempt population.
License-exempt family child care providers that complete the specified training within each Tier are eligible to receive additional compensation if caring for children eligible for the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). If the license-exempt provider cares for children eligible for CCAP, an add-on of 10%-20% (depending on Training Tier completed) takes effect on the following months' child care services.
Any program changes (for example, care provided in the child's home vs the provider's home) must be reported to INCCRRA at 866-697-8278 or email to gatewaystiers@ilgateways.com, as well as your local CCR&R CCAP staff. Add-ons could be affected within the CCAP payment system if not reported timely. Retroactive payments will not be issued.
*CCR&R CCAP staff can verify QRIS eligibility through HSCCMS, F12 screen, Q (Quality status)*
For information and program requirements in Gateways Training Tiers, please visit www.ilgateways.com/credentials/gateways-training-tiers.
