CPR and First Aid Reimbursement Guidelines

Based on available funding, Child Care Resource & Referral of Midwestern Illinois is offering funds to assist child care programs by reimbursing for CPR and First Aid certifications. Funds are provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). For the purposes of this document the term “child care program” includes child care centers and family child care.

At this time, reimbursement is available for CPR and First Aid training activities taking place between July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025.

1. WHO CAN APPLY?

Individuals currently employed by licensed or license-exempt center based programs who are required to complete IDHS CCAP training requirements may apply for reimbursement. This includes:

Directors – includes individuals whose primary responsibility is the daily operation and management of the child care center.
Teachers – includes lead teachers, teachers, teacher assistants or teacher aides who are employed by a child care center for compensation on a regular basis.
Support Staff – includes individuals who have responsibilities in a classroom, working directly with children on a regular basis.
Other Staff - includes student workers, part time employees, substitutes, and migrant/seasonal/summer camp providers.

Individuals currently employed by licensed or license-exempt home based programs who are required to complete IDHS CCAP training requirements.

Individuals currently working as licensed-exempt providers who signed the CCAP application asking to be an approved provider. This applies to both relative and non-relative providers.

In order to be eligible for reimbursement, an individual must:

be a current member of the Gateways to Opportunities Registry (registry membership is free and individuals may sign up for the registry at www.ilgateways.com).
be providing care in an eligible county in Illinois (Henderson, Henry, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, Rock Island, or Warren).
have no unpaid financial obligations to the CCR&R agency or the IDHS Bureau of Child Care and Development.
currently be caring for children whose care is paid for by the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) during the time period of the CPR and First Aid training activity.

2. WHAT CAN FUNDS BE REQUESTED FOR?

Funds for an individual's registration fees can be requested if they are associated with CPR and First Aid certifications from one of the following entities:

American Heart Association.
American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI).
American Red Cross.
American Trauma Event Management (ATEM).
Emergency Care and Safety Institute (ECSI).
Edward Atkinson/Emergency Response Health Network.
EMS Safety Services.
MEDIC FIRST AID.
National Safety Council.

Only in person certification training reinbursements will be approved.

3. WHAT CAN’T FUNDS BE REQUESTED FOR?

Funds can't be requested for the following expenses:

Incomplete or failed training and/or certification.
Registrations and/or certifications from an entity not listed above (see section 2).
Staff who are not required to complete IDHS CCAP training requirements (see section 1).
Abbreviated CPR and First Aid Renewal classes.
Online only learning CPR and First Aid training.
Adult only or pediatric only CPR and First Aid training.
Travel to/from training.
The cost of meals (unless included in basic registration fee).
Out of state training.
License-exempt relative providers caring for school-age only children (this provider type is exempt from IDHS CCAP requirements).
Training that does not occur between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.

4. WHAT ARE FUNDING MINIMUMS/MAXIMUMS?

The minimum request is $15. The maximum reimbursement is $120.

5. WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS?

Individuals complete and submit a First Aid and CPR Reimbursement application along with the required supporting documentation.
The CCR&R will notify you in writing if your application has been approved or denied. If approved, the notification will include the amount in which your request was funded.

6. WHAT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION IS NEEDED?

Proof of Gateways Registry membership (i.e., copy of membership ID, or Professional Development Record).
Receipt/proof of payment for registration and/or certification.
Documentation of completion.
W-9 form (the form is available at www.irs.gov).

7. HOW IS PAYMENT MADE?

Payments will be mailed directly to the individual or the child care program named on page 4 of the CPR and First Aid Reimbursement application.
Individuals/programs that receive payment will be responsible for W-9 documentation and taxes.
Payment cannot be made until a complete CPR and First Aid Reimbursement application and required documentation is received.

8. WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING MY APPLICATION?

Ongoing as funds allow.
CPR and First Aid Reimbursement applications and all supporting documentation must be received at Child Care Resource & Referral of Midwestern Illinois by 5:00 PM on June 20, 2025. Late submissions may not be accepted.

9. WHERE ARE APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED?

Child Care Resource & Referral of Midwestern Illinois located at 3800 Avenue of the Cities, Suite #102 in Moline, IL 61265 Fax: (309) 517-6869 or E-mail: mbrotherton@salcommunityservices.org

11. DO THE FUNDS NEED TO BE REPAID?

This is a grant program, which means funds do not generally need to be paid back. However, the grant funds come from the State of Illinois Department of Human Services, and certain policies and procedures must be followed.

For more information, please contact the Training & Technical Assistance Coordinator, McKenzie Brotherton, by phone (309) 205-3070, ext. 4010 or email mbrotherton@salcommunityservices.org

First Aid and CPR Reimbursement Guidelines and Application