Using CCAP for Daycare & Preschool in Hawthorn Woods, IL: A Lake County Parent's Guide
Quality, licensed child care in Hawthorn Woods — with room for families using CCAP.
Yes — families approved for Illinois' Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can use it toward tuition at Kiddy Garden's Hawthorn Woods preschool and daycare. CCAP helps eligible Lake County families who are working or in school pay for licensed child care for children from infancy up to age 13. Below, we cover who qualifies, how to apply, and how to use your assistance at our Hawthorn Woods center.
For many Hawthorn Woods and Lake County families, the biggest question about child care isn't whether they want a warm, high-quality program — it's how to afford it. The good news: Illinois' Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) exists to help eligible working and studying families cover the cost, and it can be used at licensed centers like Kiddy Garden. Here's a plain-English guide to how CCAP works and how to put it to use in Hawthorn Woods.
What is CCAP?
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) — sometimes called a child care subsidy — is a State of Illinois program that helps eligible families pay for child care while parents work or attend school or training. It is administered through the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), which became the state's lead early-childhood agency in July 2026 (the program was previously run through the Illinois Department of Human Services).
CCAP can be used at licensed child care centers — like Kiddy Garden — as well as in approved home-based settings. It covers children from infancy up to age 13, and up to age 19 for children with documented special needs. Rather than covering the full cost, CCAP is a cost-share: approved families pay a monthly copayment set on a sliding scale based on household size and income, and the program helps cover the rest.
Who qualifies for CCAP in Illinois?
Eligibility comes down to a few core factors. In general, to qualify a family must:
- Live in Illinois
- Have a parent (or parents) who is working and/or attending an eligible educational or training activity — such as high school, a GED program, trade school, or college
- Have one or more children under age 13 who need care while the parent works or studies (or a child up to 19 with documented special needs)
- Have a household income within the state's income guidelines for its family size
Teen parents in high school and families receiving TANF may also qualify through specific pathways. Because only your local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency or provider can officially calculate the income used to determine eligibility, the best first step is the state's free online eligibility calculator — it gives you an estimate, including your likely copay, in just a few minutes.
How to apply for CCAP in Lake County
Applying is more straightforward than many parents expect. Illinois now offers a fully digital application you can complete from a phone, tablet, or computer in about 20 minutes. Here's the typical path for Hawthorn Woods and Lake County families:
Check your estimated eligibility
Use the State of Illinois eligibility calculator to see whether your family income and size likely qualify, and to estimate your monthly copay.
Complete the application
New families can apply online through the state's Digital CCAP Application at getchildcareil.org, or through their local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency serving Lake County.
Submit your documents
You'll verify details such as income, your work or school schedule, and your child's information so the agency can finalize eligibility and your copay.
Choose a licensed provider
Once approved, you select a participating, licensed provider — like Kiddy Garden in Hawthorn Woods — and the provider confirms your child's spot.
Not sure which CCR&R agency serves you? Use the state's CCR&R locator or call 1-877-202-4453 (toll-free) to find your local Lake County office, which can walk you through the process and answer questions specific to your situation.
Using CCAP at Kiddy Garden Hawthorn Woods
Kiddy Garden is a privately owned, Illinois-licensed preschool and daycare that has served Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Long Grove, and Wauconda since 1991. Families approved for CCAP are welcome to apply their assistance toward tuition at our Hawthorn Woods center.
Choosing the right program matters just as much as the funding. CCAP families get the same experience every Kiddy Garden family does: a warm, play-based curriculum, long-term teachers who know your child by name, and — exclusively at Hawthorn Woods — a Mandarin immersion enrichment program that's rare in Lake County. We care for children from six weeks through Pre-K, so your assistance can help cover everything from infant care to kindergarten readiness.
If you're using CCAP or in the middle of applying, just let us know. We'll walk you through what's needed on the provider side, help you coordinate with your CCR&R, and get your start date on the calendar.
Frequently asked questions
CCAP, eligibility, and enrolling at our Hawthorn Woods preschool & daycare.
Does Kiddy Garden Hawthorn Woods accept CCAP?
Yes. As an Illinois-licensed preschool and daycare, we welcome families who qualify for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Let us know when you call or schedule a tour and we'll help you coordinate the details with your Child Care Resource & Referral agency.
Who qualifies for CCAP in Illinois?
In general, families qualify if they live in Illinois, have a parent who is working and/or attending school or training, have a child under age 13 who needs care (or up to 19 with documented special needs), and have a household income within the state's guidelines for their family size. Use the state's free eligibility calculator to check your estimate.
How much does child care cost with CCAP?
CCAP covers a large share of child care costs, and approved families pay a monthly copayment on a sliding scale based on household size and income. Your exact copay is calculated during the application process by your local CCR&R agency.
How do I apply for CCAP in Lake County?
First, check your estimated eligibility with the State of Illinois eligibility calculator. Then apply online through the Digital CCAP Application at getchildcareil.org, or through your local Lake County CCR&R agency. You can find your CCR&R using the state locator or by calling 1-877-202-4453 (toll-free).
Can I use CCAP for infant or toddler care?
Yes. CCAP can be used for children from infancy up to age 13, so it applies to our infant, toddler, two's, and Pre-K programs.
What areas does Kiddy Garden Hawthorn Woods serve?
We serve families across northwestern Lake County, including Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Long Grove, and Wauconda. Learn more on our Hawthorn Woods page.
When should I apply for CCAP?
As early as you can. Approval timelines vary, and infant and toddler spots fill quickly, so starting your application while you tour helps ensure a smooth start date.
CCAP eligibility rules, income guidelines, and copay amounts are set by the State of Illinois and may change over time. For the most current details, see the official Illinois Department of Early Childhood CCAP page. This article is general information, not a determination of eligibility.
Ready to visit our Hawthorn Woods center?
Whether you're using CCAP or paying privately, we'd love to show you around. Infant and toddler spots fill quickly — schedule your tour today.
