Quality Rating System

The Quality Counts: 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 in Fiscal Year 08 (July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008). License-Exempt Centers will need to become licensed to participate in QRS. Providers must serve children eligible for the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) in order to participate in QRS. Technical assistance, training and supports will be offered to all types of providers through their local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency.

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.

Interested providers can attend a QRS Orientation offered by Community Child Care Connection, Inc. Attendance at an Orientation is required for any provider who applies to QRS. Please check the training calendar for training times and dates. The application process for QRS will be administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA).