In Illinois, HeadsUp! Reading is a collaboration between the Department of Human Services and the Illinois Head Start State Collaboration Office. Recognizing the importance of early literacy, Illinois has established 41 training sites throughout the state, bringing all early childhood professionals together to not only enhance early literacy for young children, but to also increase their own professional development. The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) administers the HeadsUp! Reading program.

Participants can earn college credit at 19 colleges throughout the state, 3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that may be applied toward renewing the CDA or meeting other professional development requirements, 30 Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDUs) that may be obtained for the renewal of a teaching certificate, 30 in-service hours for DCFS requirements or 30 clock hours that may be used toward obtaining the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.