Federal Block Grant Award Summary

The Illinois Department of Human Services received a $78.9 million Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) discretionary award from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028. Under this three-year block grant (CFDA 93.575), the state serves as the designated lead agency responsible for administering child care subsidies and quality improvement initiatives for low-income families across Illinois. The grant funding supports child care vouchers and certificates to eligible families, enhancement of child care quality standards for both subsidized and unsubsidized children, and coordination with other federal, state, and local child care and early childhood development programs.

As the lead agency, the Illinois Department of Human Services is accountable for developing and implementing a comprehensive Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) plan that includes payment rate certifications, sliding fee scale establishment, and compliance with all statutory requirements under the CCDBG Act. The award requires the state to conduct public hearings and maintain stakeholder consultation to ensure transparent planning and service delivery. Grant funds may be distributed to sub-recipients including local governments, child care providers, and community organizations to deliver direct child care subsidy services and quality improvement activities in compliance with federal regulatory requirements under 45 CFR Parts 98 and 99.