University of Illinois System

Child Care Resources

Statewide Resources

The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies promotes and facilitates quality early care and education for children, families, child care providers, employers, and communities in Illinois. As a service, it offers a regional referral service which can help you locate appropriate child care near your home or office.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Child Care Resource Service (CCRS) assists families in Champaign, Douglas, Iroquois, Macon, Piatt, and Vermilion counties with child care issues. Contact the CCRS office at (217) 333-3252 (Champaign County) or at (800) 325-5516.

Services CCRS offers:

  • Administer the child care assistance program for low income parents needing help paying for their child care.
  • Provide training and technical assistance to providers and parents on child care issues.
  • Resource center for finding child care providers. Child care resource specialists will help develop a child care search or action plan as well as provide information on identifying quality care. These services are offered to parents for a fee.
  • Personal counseling referrals. Assists parents in evaluating their child care needs and in finding quality child care by searching a database of legal care in the area. There may be a fee for the referrals depending on income - fee ranges from free to $30.
  • Provide a referral list including back up care and after school needs.
  • Babysitting referrals, which include University students who provide child care.

University of Illinois Chicago

The Children's Center, located on both the east and west campuses, provides service for UIC students, faculty, and staff. It is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Contact the Children's Center at (312) 413-5326.

The Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) provides information, referrals and financial assistance to families.  They also provide resources and support for child care and early education programs.  CCR&R serves the counties of Alexander, Gallatin, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, White and Williamson.

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield agencies providing child care service or referrals include:

  • Cox Children's Center is located on campus at UIS and provides service for student and employee's child care needs. Priority is given to students on campus. Contact Cox Children's Center at (217) 206-6610. Cox Children's Center offers:
    • Education and care for children 15 months to 12 years.
    • After school care for children ages 6-12.
    • Summer programs.
    • Referral to Community Child Care Connection if they cannot accommodate a family's need.
  • Community Child Care Connection, Inc. which serves Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Sangamon and Scott counties. It is located at 919 South Spring St., Springfield, IL 62704. Parents may telephone 217-525-2805 (V/TTY) or 800-676-2805 (V/TTY).