Proposed Rule Changes to Licensing Standards and Child Care

DCFS has proposed rule changes to the licensing standards for homes, centers, and group homes and DHS has proposed rule changes to the child care program. The proposed amendments make changes to the state's Quality Rating and Improvement System (Quality Counts) and Gateways to Opportunity Program. Please take a moment to read about these proposed changes and offer comments to each Department.  In the links below, we have provided talking points to help you craft a comment letter. Comments are due by Monday, December 19th and can be emailed, faxed or mailed (postmarked by Monday, December 19th). DCFS Proposed Rule Changes: The proposed amendments make two primary changes: 1.     It implements PA 96-864, which created the Gateways to Opportunity Program (the Illinois professional development system).  Along with the implementation of the public act, the rule change requires new and existing home child care providers and assistants, child care center providers and staff, and group child care providers and assistants to register and establish profiles in the Gateway to Opportunity Registry, effective 7/1/12; 2.     It mandates that DCFS enroll child care providers in the Tiered Quality Rating and Improvements System at the time of initial licensure or renewal. Submit comments to: Jeff Osowski Office of Child and Family Policy Department of Children and Family Services 406 E. Monroe, Station #65 Springfield, Illinois 62701-1498 Fax: 217/557-0692 E-Mail: CFPolicy@idcfs.state.il.us DHS Proposed Rule Changes: The proposed amendment implements the Gateways to Opportunity Program, the Illinois Professional Development System. This rulemaking outlines the framework for awarding the Gateways to Opportunity Credentials. DHS will award Gateways to Opportunity credentials to early care and education, school-age, youth development, and family support practitioners. The Gateways to Opportunity program will also identify professional knowledge guidelines to indicate what all adults who work with children, youth and families need to know, understand and be able to demonstrate to support children's and youth's development, school readiness, school success, families' development, self-sufficiency and well-being. The Gateways to Opportunity Credentials will be available through the Direct Route Application Process or the Entitled Route Program. Submit comments to: Tracie Drew, Chief Bureau of Administrative Rules and Procedures Department of Human Services 100 South Grand Avenue East Harris Building, 3rd Floor Springfield, Illinois 62762 FAX: (217) 557-1649 For talking points and assistance creating your comment letter, please click on the links below. Link to talking points on DCFS rule changes Link to talking points on DHS rule changes