Accessible, affordable, and quality early childhood options for families.

Child Care Resource & Referral strengthens families, supports children, and fuels the local economy. Annually, we serve 4,680 families and 8,322 children while helping generate more than $3.5 million in monthly revenue for 1,141 child care providers. For the families we serve, child care is a pathway to opportunity: 73% use assistance to remain employed, and 27% use it to attend school or job training programs.

Quality improvement support is available for both individuals and child care programs. Whether you are just getting started or striving for higher quality, we can help you reach your goals. Services include assistance starting a child care business, navigating licensing and health and safety requirements, achieving National Accreditation and ExceleRate Illinois Circles of Quality, and accessing grant and other funding opportunities.

Child Care Resource & Referral Program (CCR&R)

The CCR&R serves as a regional hub, ensuring that families receive the support they need, early education and care providers have the tools to succeed, and communities benefit from strong partnerships and economic investment. CCR&Rs are local and adaptable, bringing together public and private partners to increase accessibility, affordability, and quality of care to ensure children have the early experiences they need to reach their optimal development.

We help families find and select an early learning program that meets their family’s unique needs. Our team can also provide referrals to additional community resources for families with young children using Brightpoint CARA.

Early care and education providers can access professional development, coaching, technical assistance, licensing guidance, and access to quality funding opportunities.

With employers and community organizations, CCR&Rs share data and community needs assessments to identify child care gaps, inform strategic decision-making, and expand services where they are needed most. Local and statewide data, supports workforce development, increase access to high-quality child care, and improve outcomes for children and families. CCR&R’s are available in every county in IL.

Find Your Local CCR&R

We offer this program in the following areas:

Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St Clair, and Washington

Get started by contacting our Granite City office at:

ccrr@brightpoint.org

(800) 467-9200 Ext. 390

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

We provide financial support to families who are looking for child care for children from birth through age 12.

Families must live in Illinois and be working and/or enrolled in an education or training program. Some families may qualify for eligibility exemptions if they are unhoused, receiving Extended Family Support services, exiting Intact Family Services, or serving on active military duty.

Need help paying for child care? Families can check their eligibility and submit an application online through the Get Help Paying for Child Care program.

CCR&Rs provide the foundational infrastructure for a stronger workforce, thriving businesses, and brighter futures for Illinois children.

Check your eligibility using the Online Child Care Eligibility Calculator and then download and complete your CCAP Application (English) (Spanish) and attach your Wage Verification Form. Mail your completed documents to our Granite City or East St. Louis office. You can also request that CCAP forms be mailed to your address within 1-3 business days.