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 BN-YMCA accepts CCRRN for three childcare programs: Y Pals, School Break Days and YMCA Summer Camp.

Do I qualify for Child Care Assistance?

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 Bloomington-Normal YMCA does not determine eligibility or monthly copays required to attend the programming.

How do I apply for the Child Care Assistance Program?

Please contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency to learn more about the application process and items needed to apply for this program. Applications for the program can also be found here!

I have reached out to my local CCRRN and need paperwork filled out by the Bloomington Normal YMCA. What is the process to do this?

Step 1: Please come visit us at our facility (202 Saint Joseph Drive, Bloomington,IL, 61761)

Step 2: Our team will ask you to fill out a short survey to collect needed information

Step 3: Our team (front desk) will provide you with signed provider forms for the location of your child’s programming.

Step 4: You will then be responsible for taking these forms along with your completed application packet to your local CCRRN. Find your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency here!

Step 5: Register your child(ren) for YMCA programming if you have not already done so. You can do this by visiting the YMCA website at bnymca.org or by calling a member of our membership experience team. Programming may fill up quickly, and we cannot guarantee a spot in desired programming if your child has not been registered.

*Please note that 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 Betsy Williams to review coverage and discuss copays.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Betsy Williams at betsyw@bnymca.org.

Step 6: Once we have received your approval letter, you will be contacted by our team 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.

What dates should I have my approval letter submitted to the YMCA for the 2025-2026 school year to ensure that my CCRRN coverage is applied by the start of the program?

To ensure that my CCRRN coverage is applied for the 2025-2026 YPALS 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.

Olympia Schools–August 4
Unit 5 –August 11

Does the YMCA determine who is eligible or how much I will receive from the Child Care Assistance Program?

The Bloomington Normal 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.

Who should I contact if I have questions about my co-pay or coverage?

Betsy Williams at betsyw@bnymca.org.

Who should I contact if I have questions about YMCA programming or registering for a program?

Please call us at 309-827-6233 or email us at youthdevelopment@bnymca.org and our team will be happy to help with any questions.

What happens if I do not receive my approval letter before the program begins? Will I be charged?

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 Betsy Williams 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 Bloomington Normal YMCA. Financial support is determined on a sliding fee scale. Applications for financial support through the Y are available at www.bnymca.org.

Will I be charged a registration fee when registering for a program if I am applying for CCAP funds?

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.

How long does my approval period last?

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

It is time to renew my approval for the Child Care Assistance Program, what should I do?

Please reach out to your local CCRRN and complete the process listed above for the Bloomington Normal YMCA.