During the declared COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the children of Prioritized Essential Workers are eligible to receive child care through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). The state will cover most if not all of the cost of care with emergency childcare providers.
Prioritized Essential Workers include those working in Health Care, Human Services, essential Government services (e.g. Corrections, law enforcement, fire department), and essential Infrastructure. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact your Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCR&R).
IDHS is offering child care assistance as a support to the priority essential workers that do not have the option to work remotely. This service should be treated as an option of last resort. If at all possible, it is best for your children to remain at home and practice social distancing during the COVID pandemic.
In a 2-parent family, both parents must be employed and working outside of the home. The parent listed as the first parent on the application must be as Prioritized Essential Worker working outside of the home during the time care is requested to be approved for CCAP. Both parents must supply documentation that verifies their worker status i.e. pay stub, letter from employer.
Apply here: COVID-19 Prioritized Essential Workers Child Care Application
Important information: