Ongoing Training and Professional Development

6.3.1 Required hours of ongoing training

Provide the number of hours of ongoing training required annually for CCDF-eligible providers in the following settings:

a. Licensed child care centers: 15

b. License-exempt child care centers 6

c. Licensed family child care homes: 15

d. License-exempt family child care homes 6

e. Regulated or registered in-home child care: 6

f. Non-regulated or registered in-home child care: NA

6.3.2 Accessibility of professional development for Tribal organizations

Describe how the Lead Agency's training and professional development are accessible to providers supported through Indian tribes or Tribal organizations receiving CCDF funds (as applicable). Illinois' first tribe was recognized in April 2024. The lead agency will reach out to the TA center to determine the best ways to collaborate.

6.3.3 Professional development appropriate for the diversity of children, families, and child care providers

Describe how the Lead Agency's training and professional development requirements reflect the diversity of children, families, and child care providers participating in CCDF. To the extent practicable, how does professional development include specialized training or credentials for providers who care for infants or school-age children; individuals with limited English proficiency; children who are bilingual; children with developmental delays or disabilities; and/or Native Americans, including Indians, as the term is defined in Section 900.6 in subpart B of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (including Alaska Natives) and Native Hawaiians?

The Lead agency contracts with the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) and the Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&Rs) to provide statewide training opportunities to support providers ' professional development. INCCRRA supports training efforts with a library of online trainings through the ilearning website. Additionally, they support with administering the Illinois Trainers Network that has standardized curriculum offerings for providers. These training curriculums cover social emotional, trauma informed care, developmental screening, quality care and improvement, Pyramid Model, business practices in child care settings, nutrition and healthy habits, and care environments for children with special needs. In addition to the standardized curriculum through the Trainer's Network, the CCR&Rs provide training opportunities statewide. These training offerings vary based on the service delivery area's identified needs. To assess this, t diverse, and impactful training opportunities for their provider types. This allows a wide variety of training opportunities across the state specific to the diversity of the provider and the type of care setting. INCCRRA and the CCR&Rs work to offer trainings in English and Spanish. Training materials for professional development opportunities in Spanish are provided as available and applicable. Lastly the Gateways to Opportunity Professional Development System offers Credentials for individuals to access that includes but is not limited to Early Childhood, School Age Youth Development, ESL/Bilingual, and Infant and Toddler.

The Illinois Early Learning Project has Early Learning Standards tip sheets in eight different languages. The state has developed a system to identify and support multilingual providers through the use of a State Seal of Bi-literacy. Providers can add this designation to the Gateways Registry. Illinois supports providers, including those with disabilities, that demonstrate they have the physical and mental health capacity that does not interfere with child care responsibilities. For licensed providers, this is verified through the physical examination report.

6.3.4 Child developmental screening

Describe how all providers receive, through training and professional development, information about: (1) existing resources and services the State/Territory can make available in conducting developmental screenings and providing referrals to services when appropriate for children who receive assistance under this part, including the coordinated use of the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment program (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) and developmental screening services available under section 619 and part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.); and (2) how child care providers may utilize these resources and services to obtain developmental screenings for children who receive assistance and who may be at risk for cognitive or other developmental delays, which may include social, emotional, physical, or linguistic delays:

Illinois Department of Children & Family Services and ExceleRate Illinois require training on developmental screenings; child care providers receive this information through three ITN trainings: 1) Early Childhood Developmental Screening-this training reviews child growth and development in early childhood environments. A review of several commercial screening tools is discussed to allow child care practitioners more options on monitoring a child's typical development. Case studies provide hands-on learning for the participant on use of a developmental screening tool and guidelines for referral to an Early Intervention (IDEA Part C) program, 2) Introduction to Developmental Screening Tools - the process of developmental screening in the early childhood setting is introduced to practitioners. A review of several commercial screening tools is discussed to provide child care practitioners options in monitoring a child's typical development, and 3) Welcoming Each & Every Child - this training provides information on caring for children with special needs in typical child care settings. The training helps increase the knowledge and comfort level of participants to enhance their ability to care for young children with disabilities in early childhood environments. Adaptations and modifications that will assist all children to participate in activities will be discussed. This meets the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services requirement for early childhood providers in special care inclusion training.