CCAP-Accepted Daycare Near Island Lake, IL — What You Need to Know Before You Apply
Quality childcare is one of the biggest expenses a working family faces. For many families in Island Lake and the surrounding communities of Wauconda, Cary, and McHenry, the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can make the difference between affording quality care and going without it. Yet many families who qualify have never heard of it — or don't know that a CCAP-accepted daycare in Island Lake even exists.
This guide explains exactly how CCAP works, who qualifies, and what to look for when choosing a provider that accepts it.
What Is CCAP?
The Illinois Child Care Assistance Program is a state-funded subsidy administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). It helps income-qualifying working families pay for licensed childcare while parents work, attend school, or participate in job training.
CCAP does not pay a flat dollar amount. Instead, it uses a sliding-scale co-pay system. The state pays a large portion of the childcare cost directly to the provider, and the family pays a co-pay based on their income and family size. The lower the household income relative to the state limit, the lower the co-pay.
Importantly, CCAP is not welfare — it is a working-family benefit. Almost all recipients are employed parents trying to cover childcare costs while they work.
Who Qualifies for CCAP in Lake County?
Eligibility is based on several factors. To qualify for CCAP in Illinois, you generally need to meet all of the following:
- Your child must be under 13 (or under 19 with a documented disability)
- You must be working, in school, or in an approved job training program
- Your household income must fall below the state income limit — for a family of four, the threshold is approximately $73,000 per year as of 2026
- You must be an Illinois resident
Teen parents still enrolled in high school, families experiencing housing instability, and families receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) may also qualify under additional provisions.
Not sure if you qualify? The Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) network provides free eligibility guidance by phone at 1-877-202-4453.
How to Find a CCAP-Accepted Daycare Near Island Lake
Not every licensed childcare center accepts CCAP. When searching for a CCAP daycare near Island Lake, IL, you need to confirm two things: the center is CCAP-certified by the state, and they currently have availability for CCAP-funded children.
The Learning Tree Center at 550 Newport Ct, Island Lake, IL 60042 accepts CCAP. Our Island Lake center serves families from Island Lake, Wauconda, Cary, McHenry, Fox River Grove, and Volo.
You can also search the state's provider database through the IDHS website or ask your CCR&R caseworker for a list of CCAP-certified providers in your ZIP code.
The CCAP Application Process — Step by Step
Illinois has made the application process significantly easier with the launch of a new online portal. Here is how it works:
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Use the eligibility calculator at getchildcareil.org before starting the full application. It takes about five minutes and will give you a clear sense of whether you're likely to qualify and what your estimated co-pay would be.
Step 2: Gather your documents
You'll need: proof of Illinois residency, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax return), proof of employment or school enrollment, your child's birth certificate, and your child's immunization records.
Step 3: Apply online
Visit getchildcareil.org to complete the application. The online process takes approximately 20 minutes and is mobile-friendly. You can also get free help applying by calling the CCR&R hotline at 1-877-202-4453.
Step 4: Select your provider
Once your application is approved, you choose your licensed childcare provider. You'll notify the provider directly. The state then issues a certificate authorizing payment, and the provider receives funds directly from IDHS.
Step 5: Begin enrollment
Contact your chosen center to confirm availability, tour the facility, and complete enrollment paperwork. At The Learning Tree Center Island Lake, we're happy to help you navigate the CCAP process from start to finish.
Will My Child Receive the Same Quality of Care?
Yes — completely. CCAP does not create a separate tier of care. At The Learning Tree Center, every child — regardless of how their enrollment is funded — receives the same curriculum, the same teachers, and the same enrichment activities.
Our Island Lake center holds the Silver Circle of Quality from ExceleRate Illinois — the state's independent quality rating system. In fact, ExceleRate-rated centers that accept CCAP are eligible for a Quality Add-On rate, meaning the state pays a higher reimbursement to centers that have achieved quality recognition. Your child benefits from a higher-quality environment, not a lesser one.
Every classroom follows The Creative Curriculum®. Every child participates in Mandarin immersion, STEM activities, karate, soccer, and our enrichment programs. The only difference is how the tuition is paid.
Common Questions About CCAP Daycare in Island Lake
How long does CCAP approval take?
Processing times vary, but most applications are processed within 30 days of submitting a complete application. Your CCR&R caseworker can give you a current estimate. In urgent situations, expedited processing may be available.
What if my income changes after I'm approved?
You are required to report significant income changes to IDHS. Your co-pay may be adjusted up or down accordingly. Your caseworker will walk you through the reporting requirements when you're approved.
Can I choose any licensed daycare, or is it restricted to certain providers?
You can choose any DCFS-licensed provider that is also certified to accept CCAP. The Learning Tree Center Island Lake meets both requirements. If you're considering other providers, confirm their CCAP status directly with them before applying.
Affordable, Quality Childcare Is Available in Island Lake
CCAP exists because working families deserve access to quality early childhood care — not just families who can afford full tuition out of pocket. If your household income falls within the eligibility range, applying costs nothing and could significantly reduce your monthly childcare costs.
The Learning Tree Center at Island Lake is proud to be a CCAP-accepted provider. We serve families at every income level with the same warmth, the same curriculum, and the same commitment to your child's growth.
Learn more about our Island Lake center or schedule a free tour today →
