INCCRRA Overview

What is INCCRRA?

The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) is a statewide organization which -- in partnership with its 16 member Child Care Resources and Referral (CCR&R) agencies -- is a recognized leader, catalyst and resource for making high quality, affordable early care and education options available for children and families in Illinois.

What statewide systems and services does INCCRRA provide?

Gateways to Opportunity

Gateways to Opportunity is the single statewide professional development support system designed to provide guidance, encouragement and recognition to individuals and programs who serve young children and their families.  Resources and services provided by Gateways to Opportunity include Credentials, Professional Development Advisors, Great START and T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship. 

Quality Counts – Quality Rating System

The Quality Counts – Quality Rating System (QRS) assists child care programs in providing quality care for children and their families.  Once a child care program has met criteria required, they will be recognized for their achievement and will receive a quality add-on rate to the Child Care Assistance Program standard daily rate paid for eligible children in their care. 

Illinois Trainers Network

The Illinois Trainers Network (ITN) is a group of trainers providing quality and accessible early childhood professional development opportunities for child care practitioners. 

Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)

INCCRRA provides professional development, technical assistance and training opportunities to the 900 CCR&R staff across the state. 

Child Care Data & Research

INCCRRA collects, maintains and reports statistical information related to child care supply, demand and quality across the state.  Information is provided to state government, community planners, policy makers and human service organizations to help identify and address the child care needs of Illinois children and families.