What is CCR&R?

Learn About Child Care Resource & Referral

Child Care Resource & Referral of Midwestern Illinois is a program of SAL Family and Community Services, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 social service agency. The program is part of a statewide network of child care resource and referral agencies funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), as well as a part of the Child Care Aware National Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. Our services cover the Illinois counties of Henderson, Henry, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, Rock Island, and Warren. Our focus is on locating child care that is tailored to meet the needs of each family, helping families determine if they qualify for help to pay for child care, providing training for those who work with children, recruiting additional child care providers and providing relevant consultations in child care programs.  The agency is also proud to advocate on behalf of children, families and early care and education professionals.

Mission Statement

Our program’s mission is to actively respond to community needs for affordable and accessible quality child care by providing resources, education, and advocacy for children, parents, child care providers and employers.

It is our goal that all children will be cared for in safe, nurturing, and healthy environments growing to become contributing members of their communities and capable of nurturing their own children.

For Families

Families can contact the CCR&R for help finding the right early care and education program to meet their needs, and can learn about what questions to ask to make sure their child learns and grows in a quality care setting. Families can connect to support services by visiting the CCR&R office. Talk with a Specialist to determine if your family qualifies for help to pay for child care through the Child Care Assistance Program, and apply online or in person for CCAP.

For Child Care Providers

Licensed and license-exempt child care centers and family child care providers can access a variety of free and low-cost resources through the CCR&R to support their businesses and the families they serve. CCR&R offers  training sessions and workshops on child development and child care business topics. Providers can consult for free with the Quality Team staff, to get support with the ExceleRate Illinois quality rating system process, enhancing their programs for families, or to answer questions on child development issues.