IDCFS licensed programs or providers must be operating eight consecutive hours (full day) or more caring for the same group of children at least 47 weeks per year (full year) to meet Great START eligibility program requirements.

• At least one classroom within the licensed program (physical site) must offer full day/full year care.
• Applicants must be regularly scheduled and working in a full day/full year program.
• Applicants who work in a 9-month before and after school-age program that has full day care during the summer and school holidays; and programs that serve kindergarten children for half days during the school year are eligible.
• Applicants may work in a 9-month classroom and a 12-month classroom with the same agency over the summer with no break in employment.
  • Both sites/programs must have at least one classroom that offers full day/full year care.
• If applicant works at one site location then moves to another site location for the summer, both sites must have at least one classroom that is operating full day/full year.
• Applicants who work in one classroom then move to another classroom within the same site will be eligible.
  • Includes full time floaters working directly with children.
  • Includes full time roving substitutes working 50% of the day directly with children.
• Applicants may work in one physical site for half a day and another physical site with the same agency for the other half day. Both sites must have at least one classroom that offers full day/full year care.
• Applicants who work for programs serving teen mothers that operate a minimum of a full school year are eligible to apply for the Great START program.

Upon review of an application and documentation submitted a Great START Specialist may request further documentation or information.