The Quality Counts- Quality Rating System (QRS) assists Illinois child care programs in providing quality care for children and their families. This voluntary System is available to License-Exempt Family Child Care Providers, Licensed Family/Group Home Child Care Providers, Licensed Centers, and Licensed School-Age Programs. License-Exempt Centers need to become licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) to participate in QRS. Technical assistance, training and supports are offered to all types of providers through their local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency. This initiative is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).
A QRS rating shows a providers’ effort to go beyond minimum state standards. A QRS award recognizes a provider for meeting specific indicators of quality and is an accomplishment to be shared with families served and the community.
The System offers 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 are awarded a QRS certificate. Providers caring for children eligible for the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) also receive a quality add-on to the standard reimbursement rate. As of November 2009, providers no longer have to be caring for children eligible for the CCAP in order to apply to QRS.
Interested providers can attend a free QRS Orientation offered by the local CCR&R. Attendance at an Orientation is required for any provider who applies to QRS. Please check with your local CCR&R for training times and dates. The application process for QRS is administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA).
Click on your type of child care program for more information on participating in QRS.
License-Exempt Family Homes
Licensed Family/Group Homes
Licensed Child Care Centers and School-Age Programs
Read about QRS en español.