General

If a program did not achieve the Gold Circle of Quality due to assessment scores, INCCRRA will determine if verification results may qualify the program for the Silver Circle of Quality. If the program does not attain a Silver or Gold Circle as a result of this secondary review, they would have the option to appeal the Gold ineligibility decision (as that is the Circle initially applied for).

Gold Appeal Process:

1. The program must contact and receive technical assistance from the CCR&R Quality or Infant Toddler specialist at the local CCR&R within 45 calendar days of the ineligibility determination date from INCCRRA. This technical assistance is the opportunity for the program to get clarification on the ERS/PAS/BAS assessment reports the program has received. INCCRRA will be informed once this initial contact has been completed.
   Note: It is the program’s responsibility to contact the CCR&R specialist to set up a time to discuss results, as well as share assessment reports.  Do not wait until the last minute to contact the CCR&R to receive technical assistance. The appeal time frame will not be extended beyond 45 days for technical assistance to occur.
   
   
2. The program’s application was for the Gold Circle of Quality. If the program still chooses to appeal its Gold ineligibility decision after this technical assistance has been provided, a formal appeal letter may be submitted to INCCRRA. The specialist will not assist programs with writing an appeal. The program has 30 calendar days after the technical assistance date in which to file an appeal to the ExceleRate Illinois Coordinator in writing.

Appeals must include:

1. Program Information:
   -  Program DCFS license number
   -  Program address
   -  Program contact information
2. The program must list the Gold Circle of Quality assessment scores they are requesting be reviewed.
3. The program must list the Items/indicators for the classroom/s that are being appealed, and an explanation of why the program is appealing these scores.
4. For the Program Administration Scale (PAS) for centers and Business Administration Scale (BAS) for family child care, the program must list the Items/indicators that are being appealed and an explanation of why the program is appealing these scores.
5. No photographs or policy documentation will be accepted as part of the appeal. At the end of the verification visit, the administrator and assessor discuss what pieces of documentation are missing and both parties acknowledge and sign-off on paperwork. If submitted, this information will not be reviewed or kept on file at INCCRRA.

Appeals should be submitted to:
INCCRRA
1226 Towanda Plaza
Bloomington, IL 61701
Attn: ExceleRate Illinois Program Coordinator

After consultation with McCormick Center- National Louis University and appropriate State agencies, INCCRRA will send appeal response in writing to the program within 60 calendar days of receipt of the appeal. The appeal decision is final.

If there is a change in assessment scores or Circle of Quality based on the appeal, an updated set of assessment report(s) along with an updated eligibility letter will be sent to the program. If applicable, any incentives associated with the updated rating would be effective the month following the appeal decision.

As an early learning and development program, you play a pivotal role in giving our state’s youngest children the best start in life.  Now there’s a new system in Illinois that can help you make quality your top priority:

ExceleRate Illinois helps you prepare children for success in school and life. 

This quality rating and improvement system gives you a process for pursuing quality efforts that will help you learn more, do better, and improve developmental skills among the children you impact. ExceleRate Illinois also provides standards, guidelines, resources, and support to help you make sensible changes that lead to better quality outcomes.

Most importantly, the program helps you accelerate excellence in early learning and development in the State of Illinois.

ExceleRate is a comprehensive system that includes:

• Licensed Child Care Centers
• Licensed Family Child Care
• Preschool for All
• Head Start

If a program did not achieve the Gold Circle of Quality due to assessment scores, INCCRRA will determine if verification results may qualify the program for the Silver Circle of Quality.  If the program does not attain a Silver or Gold Circle as a result of this secondary review, they would have the option to appeal the Gold ineligibility decision (as that is the Circle initially applied for).

If a program applied for and was determined ineligible for the Silver Circle of Quality due to assessment scores, the program may submit an appeal.
 
Appeal Guidelines as outlined below must be followed:

1. The program must contact and receive technical assistance from a CCR&R Quality or Infant Toddler specialist at the local CCR&R within 45 calendar days of the ineligibility determination date from INCCRRA. This technical assistance is the opportunity for the program to get clarification on the ERS assessment reports the program has received. INCCRRA will be informed when this initial contact has been completed.
   Note: It is the program’s responsibility to contact the CCR&R specialist to set up a time to discuss results, as well as share assessment reports. Do not wait until the last minute to contact the CCR&R to receive technical assistance. Appeal timeframe will not be extended beyond 45 days for technical assistance to occur.
   
   
2. If the program still chooses to appeal after this technical assistance has been provided, a formal appeal letter may be submitted to INCCRRA. The specialist will not assist programs with writing an appeal. The program has 30 calendar days after the technical assistance date in which to file an appeal to the ExceleRate Illinois Coordinator in writing.
   
   
3. Appeals specific to BAS assessment results will not be accepted or addressed at Silver, as results are not used to determine Silver eligibility.  The BAS assessment was completed as part of continuous quality improvement for the program.  Your CCR&R Quality or Infant Toddler Specialist can answer questions specific to BAS assessment.

Appeals must include:

1. Program Information:
   -  Program DCFS license number
   -  Program address
   -  Program contact information
2. The program must list the Silver Circle of Quality assessment scores they are requesting be reviewed.
3. The program must list the Items/indicators for the classroom/s that are being appealed and an explanation of why the program is appealing these scores.
4. No photographs or policy documentation will be accepted as part of the appeal. If submitted, this information will not be reviewed or kept on file at INCCRRA.

Appeals should be submitted in writing to:
INCCRRA
1226 Towanda Plaza
Bloomington, IL 61701
Attn: ExceleRate Illinois Program Coordinator

After consultation with McCormick Center- National Louis University and appropriate State agencies, INCCRRA will send an appeal response in writing to the program within 60 calendar days of receipt of the appeal. The appeal decision is final.

If there is a change in assessment scores or Circle of Quality based on the appeal, an updated set of assessment report(s) along with an updated eligibility letter will be sent to the program. If applicable, any incentives associated with the updated rating would be effective the month following the appeal decision.