Professional Development & Training
Professional Development & Training
The goals of the professional development support programs are to increase the education, compensation, retention, and recognition of early care and education professionals in the field. These programs may assist with individual higher education, training, and credentialing costs. The professional development support programs also assist in providing career goals and growth in the field of early care and education.
Professional Development Training
The training calendars include workshops, conferences, and health & safety topics.
Smart Start Workforce Grants
Smart Start Workforce Grants provide child care programs with stable, ongoing funding to cover costs and invest in quality staff, all without burdening families with increased tuition or CCAP co-pays.
The second round is open from October 1st through October 31st, 2024. Click here to learn more.
Professional Development Funds
Based on available funding, YWCA Child Care Solutions offers funds for professional development. Eligible applicants include individuals employed by center based programs and family home programs, including child care center directors, early childhood teachers/assistant teachers, school-age teachers/assistant teachers, family home providers and their assistants, who currently provide care as defined by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) and are listed on the YWCA Child Care Solutions database.
Download the FY25 Individual Professional Development Fund Application (PDF).
CPR/First Aid Reimbursement
Download the FY25 CPR Application (PDF).
License-Exempt Health & Safety Application
Download the FY25 License Exempt Child Care Grant Application (PDF).
Quality Improvement Funds Application (Cohort, Training Stipend, Accreditation Assistance)
Download the FY25 Quality Improvement Funds Application (PDF). Note: Tuition requests are to be submitted to the Illinois Gateways Scholarship Program. Review guidelines carefully.
Gateways Scholarship Program
The Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship Program is an individual-based scholarship opportunity for practitioners working in the field of Early Care and Education (ECE). Learn more about this program administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) at IL Gateways to Opportunity website.
Great Start Wage Supplement Program
Great Start supports the professional preparation and stability of the early childhood workforce through wage supplements awarded every six months. Wage supplements are paid to eligible early care and education professionals who have education above minimum DCFS licensing requirements and who retain employment in their current child care program. Learn more about the Great Start Wage Supplement Program administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA).
Smart Start Workforce Grants
The second round is open from October 1st through October 31st, 2024. Click here to learn more.
Questions? Contact the Training Coordinator at 815-484-9442 ext 211
Family Child Care Associations
Family child care providers are independent business owners out of their homes. Operating independently can result in feelings of isolation and frustration. By joining an association, providers find that they can work together on issues of concern and provide support for one another. Associations are often defined by location, and can be very structured or quite informal.
Professional Child Care Providers Network
Aldergate United Methodist Church
4055 N. Rockton Ave.
Rockford, IL 61103
Monthly, 2nd Tuesday
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Contacts:
Lisa: 815-713-1916
Pat: 815-874-5666
Early Childhood Providers
Coaches Bar and Grill
621 West Lena St.
Lena, IL 60148