Professional Development Funding Opportunities

Funding Type 

Eligibility 

Application 

Individual Professional Development Funds 

• Funding  

• Minimum request $15 

• Max per person/per year $500 

• Max funding per event 80%, as funding allows 

• Last day to submit funding request June 13, 2025 

• For more information or to submit an application: email 

• Individual practitioners currently employed by center-based programs or family home programs (licensed or license exempt) that provide care as defined by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Individual practitioners include child care center directors, early childhood teachers/assistant teachers, school age teachers/assistant teachers, family home providers and assistants. In addition, child care center support staff (e.g., cook, driver) when appropriate. 

• Applicant must be a current member of the Gateways to Opportunity Registry (Registry). Registry membership is free. Practitioners may sign up for the registry at www.ilgateways.com. 

• The child care program must be listed on the CCR&R provider referral database and must currently be providing care in one of the following Illinois counties: McHenry, DeKalb, Lee, Ogle, Whiteside, or Carroll. 

• The child care program must have no unpaid financial obligation to the CCR&R agency or the IDHS-DEC Bureau of Subsidy Management or Bureau of Quality Initiatives 

• See application for allowable/unallowable uses of funding 

Individual Professional Development Fund Application 

W-9 

FA/CPR Reimbursement 

• Reimbursement 100% up to $100 per person 

• Last day to submit funding request June 20, 2025 

• Submit questions and applications to: email 

• Provider must be employed by a program that is actively providing child care at the time of application.  

• Program may be licensed or license exempt.  

• Provider must be a current member of the Gateways to Opportunity Registry (applies to individual and group).  

• The child care program must be listed on the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency’s referral database and must currently be providing care in one of the following Illinois counties: Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, and Whiteside counties.  

• The child care program must have no unpaid financial obligation to the CCR&R agency or the IDHS-DEC.  

• Priority is given to programs currently caring for 50% or more children whose care is paid for by the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). 

• Funding is limited and will be approved on a first come, first serve basis until all funds have been exhausted 

FA/CPR reimbursement application 

W-9 

Other Funding Opportunities 

• Contact our Higher Education and Workforce Development Navigator for support 

• Dina (815)344-5510 ext.190 email 

• Kendra (815)758-8149 ext.301 email 

• ECACE 

• Gateways Scholarship Program 

• GreatStart Wage Supplement 

• Child Development Associate (CDA)