Smart Start
Smart Start Illinois plan will provide every child with access to preschool, increase funding to childcare providers to raise wages and quality, invest in new expanded early childhood facilities, and reach more vulnerable families with early support. Smart Start Illinois demonstrates the state's ongoing commitment to children, families, teachers, and childcare providers.
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Smart Start Transition Grants
The Smart Start Transition Grants focus on providing stable and predictable funding in order to improve quality and support workforce development.
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Smart Start Quality Support Program (coming soon)
The Smart Start Quality Support (SSQS) program, formerly the ExceleRate Pilot, helps the participating centers cover the staffing costs associated with higher quality, and guide staff in their quality improvement work.
ExceleRate Illinois helps you prepare children for success in school and in life.
It also provides standards, guidelines, resources and supports to help you make sensible changes that lead to better quality outcomes for children.