For license-exempt family child care providers, there are three tiers of training to achieve for the Illinois Quality Counts Quality Rating System (QRS). Providers completing Training Tiers receive a QRS Training Tier certificate. Providers caring for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) children receive a quality bonus of 10%, 15%, or 20% to the standard payment for CCAP children in care.

What does this training consist of?

Training at each Tier includes modules from the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity ECE Credential Level 1, and covers health, safety, nutrition, child development, and much more. Your local CCR&R Agency offers all the training modules. By completing all three QRS Training Tiers, a provider receives a Gateways ECE Credential Level 1.

How many training sessions are there to attend?

QRS Training Tiers 1 & 2 each have 4 modules, Tier 3 has 8 modules.  Each module consists of approximately 3 hours of training.

Training Tier Chart

Training Tier Chart (Spanish)

When do I apply to the Quality Counts QRS if I am a License-Exempt Family Child Care Provider?

You, as the primary caregiver, must attend a free QRS Orientation offered by your local CCR&R Agency. Please check with your local CCR&R for training times and dates.

QRS has three Training Tiers for license-exempt family child care providers to complete. Before a provider can apply for QRS, the first Training Tier must be completed.

Eligible providers receive a QRS Training Tier certificate for the Tier achieved. Providers caring for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) children receive a quality bonus of 10%, 15%, or 20% to the payment rate for CCAP children in care.

How do I apply for the Quality Counts QRS?

You submit a Quality Counts QRS application to the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA). There is no fee to apply for QRS. Applications may be obtained by downloading the form below or calling 1-866-697-8278. Once your application has been received and documentation approved, you will receive a QRS Training Tier certificate and an add-on bonus for any CCAP children in care.

QRS Application for License-Exempt Family Homes

QRS Application for License-Exempt Family Homes (Spanish)