The Individual Professional Development Funds (IPDF) are designed to support individual pursuit of professional development in early care and education.

Based on available funding, 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) may apply for these funds
Covers the cost of individual registration fees associated with conferences/workshops not required by ExceleRate Illinois and fees associated with webinars/online training that is Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Registry-approved
Covers costs associated with the following credentials:
Child Development Associate (CDA)
Certified Child Care Professional (CCP)
Gateways Credentials
Upon approval, payment will be made as a reimbursement up to 80% of associated costs with an annual (July 1 – June 30) limit of $500 per person
Must live in one of the following counties: Champaign, Douglas, Iroquois, Macon, Piatt, or Vermilion.

Please complete the IPDF Application and the Vendor Information Form and return to CCRS.