Early Care and Education

Early childhood research supports the importance of early childhood education and care in the lives of children. The early childhood years (through 5 years old) set the stage for success throughout a child’s school-age years and later life. As a parent/caregiver, the choices you make in early care and education for your child are foundational to their healthy growth and development.

A male teacher helping students at their desks

Types of Care

No two families are the same, so early care and education needs must be more than “one-size-fits-all”.

What is Quality and Why it Matters

The quality of interaction and engagement received during the first five years of a child’s life shapes their ability to succeed.

Four students and a teacher sitting on an outdoor play set

CCR&R Agencies

Some families may need help finding a quality early care and education program or navigating the resources available in their region.

Child Care Assistance Program

Child care can be costly, the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can help you pay for it!

Two female students sitting and writing at a table

Early Learning Standards

Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS)

IDHS Contact Information as Lead Agency

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) partners with child care providers throughout Illinois and the Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies to help families access affordable, quality child care.

A female child care provider laying on the floor reading with a child

Quality Rating ExceleRate Illinois

ExceleRate Illinois helps you find an early learning provider who makes quality a priority.

Five students, one in a wheelchair, sitting at a table while coloring

Licensing and Monitoring Process

Child care programs licensed by the state of Illinois’ Department of Family and Child Services (IDCFS) must meet foundational requirements for quality established by state licensing guidelines.