Child Care Resource & Referral, John A. Logan College, Carterville, IL: Provider Services

Research continues to link the quality of care and education provided to the education and preparation of those who provide the services. CCR&R conducts regular assessments of the training and professional development needs of early childhood professionals in southern Illinois and plans opportunities to address those needs.

CCR&R’s annual training plan includes a variety of professional development opportunities that addresses the diverse learning needs of the many child care providers and other early childhood professionals in the region. Information about available opportunities is regularly publicized through this website, at CCR&R sponsored trainings and events, in the statewide online training calendar and in a regional training calendar which lists not only CCRR’s workshops, but may also list workshops and opportunities offered by other organizations in our local communities.

CCR&R offers a number of training workshops and training series on a variety of different topics throughout the year. Topics chosen are based on the responses received during the annual training needs assessment and ongoing feedback received from professionals in the region. In addition, per its contract with IDHS, CCR&R is required to schedule and provide the following training workshops each year.

What is CCAP?” an overview of the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program

QRS Orientations – an introduction to the state’s Quality Rating System

Level 1 Credential training modules - a basic “how to” for providing child care

Business Administration Scale training (BAS), in collaboration with National Louis University

Program Administration Scale training (PAS), in collaboration with National Louis University

Illinois Early Learning Standards training – an overview of the state’s early learning standards

Training workshops vary in length dependent upon topic. Fees may be charged and the cost of training will be included in all promotional and marketing materials. Certificates are provided to all participants who satisfactorily complete the training.

CCR&R cosponsors an annual conference each Fall .This conference offers opportunities for professionals to attend a variety of training workshops in one day and one location, as well as network with their colleagues. Presenters range from local experienced professionals and experts to nationally acclaimed speakers. For more information and dates on the annual conferences contact the CCR&R Training Coordinator at 1-800-548-5563.

With the increasing everyday demands on early childhood professionals and their families, and the vast rural nature of southern Illinois, it can sometimes be difficult to travel and attend the CCR&R sponsored workshops and trainings. In order to overcome potential barriers to participation and to provide quality, accessible educational opportunities for people who care for children, CCR&R offers a variety of electronic (E) distance learning opportunities. Child care providers, other early childhood and school-age professionals can enjoy learning valuable information from the comfort and convenience of home. E-Learning opportunities are offered in two distinct formats: webinars and online training workshops.

Registration for CCR&R sponsored webinars and online workshops can be completed using the registration form provided in the forms section of this website, via email to ccrr@jalc.edu, or by calling CCR&R at 1-800-548-5563. When registering for a webinar or online workshop, make sure you know the name (and course number if applicable) of the training you wish to complete.

Additionally, CCR&R can provide professionals with information about other E-Learning opportunities provided by area community colleges and other higher education institutions.

A webinar is a way for people to conference or train together over the Internet. Webinars are beneficial in that they are both a visual and audio presentation. Training is provided by a qualified trainer through the computer using a power point presentation. Participants can see the presentation on their own computer and hear the trainer through the computer speakers at the same time. To participate in a webinar, an individual must have a computer with internet connection and working speakers.

CCR&R offers both “live” and “on demand” webinars. Live webinars are offered at a specific time and the trainer is actually presenting the information at the same time the participants are on the computer. This offers participants an opportunity to interact with the trainer using an online “chat feature.” Participants must participate in the entire webinar to receive a certificate.

"On demand" webinars are recorded trainings and can be taken at any time. They offer the same content, but there is no opportunity for interaction or to have questions answered. On demand webinars include a small questionnaire / assignment that must be completed and returned to CCR&R before a certification of completion is mailed.

Fees may be charged for CCR&R sponsored webinars. To review a complete list of current webinar offerings, corresponding fees and instructions, click the link below.

CCR&R Webinars

CCR&R is pleased to partner with the Child Care Education Institute to offer online professional development courses that meet DCFS licensing training requirements. Online training opportunities offered include both one and two hour in service credit course. All courses offered have been reviewed by CCR&R staff. Some classes are available in Spanish. Professional development coursework is delivered through an online learning management system that provides user-friendly enrollment, easy access to courses, and a self-paced engaging online learning environment for students. Professionals can take courses from any computer with Internet access, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Certificates can be printed immediately upon completion of the training module. Individuals may complete up to five workshops free of charge. A small fee is charged for any additional workshops for which they register.

A list of internet workshops currently provided by CCR&R, as well as instructions for how to register for the workshops can be accessed below.

CCR&R Online Training Workshop Listing

Self-study modules can be a convenient, affordable and effective way for individuals and groups to learn more about the field of early childhood and develop new skills. CCR&R has a number of self-study modules available for check out. At the present time, most of the self studies are in VHS format.

After viewing a video / DVD, the participant must complete an assignment which is then returned to CCR&R staff for review. If the assignment is completed in a satisfactory manner and demonstrates the participant’s knowledge of the video topic, a certificate of completion will be provided. There is a $5 fee for the use of individual self study materials which covers the cost of postage and handouts. The fee for group self study is $10.

View a complete list of currently available self study modules here:

CCR&R Self Study Modules

Self study modules can be checked out at the CCR&R main office, or can be requested by phone or emailing ccrr@jalc.edu . If requesting by email, please include a complete mailing address. A certificate will not be provided until the fee is paid in full.

Child Care Resource and Referral provides college credit for several of its professional development offerings.

The following college credit trainings are offered throughout the year. The contact hours count as in-service hours required by DCFS Licensing and college credit hours are also provided. These credit hours .are considered to be in the early childhood field, most credits will not transfer to a college degree.

The course syllabus for the following trainings have been approved by the Illinois Community College Board and these trainings are offered on a rotating and on demand basis.