Child Care Assistance, Hiring Resources, IRAEF Scholarships

State Announces Expansion of Financial Assistance for Families Seeking Child Care - Share With Your Team Members

Governor Pritzker recently announced a significant expansion of financial assistance for families that allows children to return to quality, affordable child care programs. Eighty percent of families will pay less for child care under this latest round of changes. Click here to read the full announcement.

Restaurant and hospitality operators should share the below information with your team members that may be in need of child care assistance.

As of July 1, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has facilitated the following improvements:

• Reducing family payments: Family payments or copayments -- the monthly amount parents are required to pay to childcare providers for the cost of their child care -- will be permanently lowered to $1 per month for families with incomes at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Limit (FPL). 80% of all families will see a reduction in their monthly co-pay.

• Preserving co-pay percentage limits: Family payments will remain permanently capped at 7% of family income, with co-pays for 80% of families falling below that rate. 

• Helping families as income grows: Going forward, CCAP families will now remain eligible until the family's income surpasses 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), instead of the current cap of 225%. The income thresholds to be eligible for and to remain on the Child Care Assistance Program have been updated to current FPL and State Median Income (SMI) amounts. Payments will increase from there on a sliding scale based on family income. These improvements allow families more flexibility as people begin to return to work and rebuild from the financial impact of the COVID 19 pandemic.

Click here to read more about the CCAP programs.

Click here to find child care and early learning programs near you.

2021 IRAEF Scholarship Award Ceremony

Yesterday, the IRA Educational Foundation (IRAEF) awarded 45 high school and college students $90,000 in scholarships at the 2021 IRAEF Scholarship Award Ceremony. The event honored those who have shown a commitment to culinary or hospitality management through their coursework, work experience, and other credentials. The annual scholarship celebration took place virtually and was attended by the students, their families, teachers, donors, and IRAEF Board members.

Click here to watch a recording of the celebration.

Deven Rand, IRAEF Trustee and Owner of North American Concessions, was the keynote speaker. Deven lent her expertise and recommended that those starting in the industry create their menu to focus and understand their true passion.

Honorees received scholarships from:

• Charles and Rochelle Trotter Endowment

• Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Scholarship Fund

• EMPLOYERS Scholarship Fund

• Ecolab Scholarship Fund

• Coker Service Inc. Scholarship Fund

• National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Scholarship Fund

• Illinois Restaurant Association Scholarship Fund

This year’s scholarship recipients will attend 26 different colleges and universities – a mix of local community/city colleges, state schools, and private institutions throughout the U.S.

Some local and state schools include Bradley University, College of DuPage, DePaul University, Joliet Junior College, Kendall College at National Louis University, Roosevelt University, Southern Illinois University, and Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute. Additional out-of-state institutions include Arizona State University, Cornell University, Culinary Institute of America, Johnson & Wales, Purdue University, Shepherds College, and the University of Kentucky.

Contact IRAEF Executive Director Kristen Hodges or click here to get involved with the IRAEF.

Looking to Hire? Take Advantage of 10% Off Job Posts with Culinary Agents

From now until August 31, IRA members receive 10% off job posts with Culinary Agents.

With almost 1M registered users across the United States, Culinary Agents supports over 30K hospitality businesses with all levels of front and back of house talent sourcing needs.

Click here to learn more and sign up today. Contact Christine DeSousa with any questions.

Click here to view the IRA's job board for current opportunities posted through Culinary Agents.

Webinar on Work Opportunity Tax Credits to Save Restaurants Thousands When Hiring

As restaurants seek to hire more staff, join the IRA and panelists from the National Restaurant Association and Tax Credit Co. on Tuesday, July 20 at 10:00 a.m. for a webinar about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), including who is eligible and how to claim it. Learn about this valuable tax credit that could be worth thousands for employers.

This webinar is being provided in partnership with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Community Recovery Initiative.

Click here to register.

Deadline Today to Renew City of Chicago Licenses

All licenses issued by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (“BACP”) under Title 4 or Title 9 of the Municipal Code of Chicago (“MCC”) that were extended temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic will expire on Thursday, July 15.

Impacted licenses must renew by today in order to continue legal operations in Chicago. Read the Industry Notice to learn more.

Business licensees can renew online via Chicago Business Direct.