Child Care Assistance

What is the Child Care Assistance Program?

The Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) makes it possible for families and guardians who qualify to receive financial help. The program pays for child care costs so you can work, attend training, or school. (Illinois Cares for Kids, 2025).

What is CCRRN?

CCRRN Stands for Child Care Resource and Referral Network. CCRRN is a financial support option for families who qualify. The B.R. Ryall YMCA accepts CCRRN for three childcare programs: Bright Beginnings Preschool, Safe ‘n Sound Before- and After- School Care and YMCA Summer Camp.

Only the CCRRN or Site Provider can calculate the total monthly income that will be used for determining eligibility for the program. Find your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency (CCRRN) or call 1.877.202.4453 (toll free). The B.R. Ryall YMCA does not determine eligibility or monthly copays required to attend the programming.

Apply online here.

To ensure that CCRRN coverage is applied for the 2026-2027 school year, approval letters must be received by the following dates. Refunds will be issued for any approval letters received after these dates as necessary. 

  • Safe ‘n Sound: August 3, 2026

  • Bright Beginnings Preschool: 

To ensure that CCRRN coverage is applied for the Summer 2027 YMCA Summer Camp, approval letters must be received by May 20, 2027. Refunds will be issued for any approval letters received after this date as necessary.

The B.R. Ryall YMCA DOES NOT determine eligibility or monthly copays required to attend the programming, but will review your approval letter and coverage with you once we have received it.

Safe ‘n Sound or Summer Camp: Cindy Goss, School Age Programs Director at [email protected]

Bright Beginnings Preschool: Raquel Despe, Child Care Director at [email protected]

If you do not receive your approval letter before the program begins, weekly payments are expected to be scheduled out and paid on the program due dates until an approval letter is received. Once an approval letter is received, adjustments will be made within 7 business days.  

Once your approval letter is received, you will be contacted by Cindy Goss to review coverage and discuss copays. Copays are due the 15th of each month and will be scheduled out using your saved payment method on file.

If payments are not received, your child(ren) will not be allowed to attend programming until payment or a letter has been received. If your family does not qualify for the Child Care Assistance Program or is awaiting an approval letter, they can apply for financial support through the B.R. Ryall YMCA. Financial support is determined on a sliding fee scale. Applications for financial support through the Y are available at brryallymca.org.

Yes, there is a registration fee that is collected upon registering for programming. If you qualify for funding from the CCAP program, our team will review this charge and make refunds as necessary.

This is determined on a case-by-case basis and will be reflected in your approval letter from the CCRRN.

Please reach out to your local CCRRN and complete the process listed above for the B.R. Ryall YMCA.