Child Care Resource and Referral Network

As a parent, what do you need to know about quality child care?
The Child Care Resource and Referral Network offers a variety of services for parents and families.

Referrals to child care programs are not intended to serve as any type of recommendation.  The CCRRN does not endorse or recommend any child care providers.  You are encouraged to visit several facilities before making your final child care arrangement.  It is a good idea to ask the child care provider for references and check them.  Only you can determine the quality of care for your child.

Any information you give to the CCRRN to do your child care search is private and is not shared.  CCRRN is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of its consumers.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) operate a Day Care Information Line that provides parents with licensing compliance information about licensed programs.  We encourage you to call the information line at 1-800-746-0829.

Clients with concerns regarding the quality of the child care referral process or about referred providers should contact the Parent Services Manager at 309-828-1892 or 800-437-8256.

The State of Illinois has one of the best subsidized child care programs in the country. Eligibility guidelines are based on criteria such as income, family size, etc. Parents are required to make a monthly co-payment to the provider to help in the cost of care. If you need help paying for child care, please click on this link for more information on the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).

For policies regarding these services, see our Policy Page.

Helpful Links for Parents and Families:

Child Care Aware - Is a non-profit initiative committed to helping parents find the best information on locating quality child care and child care resources in their community.

Council for Exceptional Children - The CEC is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted.

National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies - Is the national network of more than 850 child care resource and referral centers located in every state and most communities across the US. CCR&R centers help families, child care providers, and communities find, provide, and plan for affordable, quality child care

National Network for Child Care - NNCC unites the expertise of many of the nation's leading universities through the outreach system of Cooperative Extension. The goal is to share knowledge about children and child care from the vast resources of the landgrant universities with parents, professionals, practitioners, and the general public.

Parenting Newsletter - This website lists past issues of the University of Illinois Extension Parenting Again Newsletter.

University of Illinois Extension-McLean County - Thousands of McLean County residents take advantage of research-based educational programming every year to enable them to make practical decisions to improve their quality of life. No matter what your age or occupation, or where you live, University of Illinois Extension-McLean County has something for you. Programming in leadership, agriculture, food and nutrition, work force preparedness and more is offered. The McLean County 4-H program reaches over 3,100 youth through 4-H community clubs or 4-H school enrichment activities.