Smart Start Quality Support Program
The Smart Start Quality Support Program is the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) new support for quality improvement. Currently, 34 licensed child care centers in CCAP Group 2 counties that serve at least 40% CCAP children are participating. The Program helps the participating centers cover the staffing costs associated with higher quality and guide staff in their quality improvement work.
The information on this page is meant to be utilized by child care center participating in the Program.
Questions about the Program should be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Roseanna Dorsey, Interim Unit Manager Child Care Workforce Bureau of Quality Initiatives This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Reference Documents
- pdf FY26 Salary Scale (639 KB)
- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Quality Growth Incentive Form and Payroll Register submission
Program Standards Documents
- pdf Plan, Do, Review Meeting Template - Initial (2.97 MB)
- pdf Plan, Do, Review Meeting Template (3.07 MB)
- pdf Plan, Do, Review (3.01 MB)
- pdf Guiding Principles (2.95 MB)
- pdf Leadership Development Plan (2.11 MB)
Resources
- pdf Plan, Do, Review (3.01 MB)
- pdf Planning Worksheet (3.52 MB)
- pdf ISBE Pre-K to Kindergarten Transition Plan (31 KB)
- Early CHOICES Home Page
- pdf Professional Development Plan (164 KB)
Webinar Recording
- Smart Start Quality Support Program FY25
- Smart Start Quality Support Program "Meet and Greet"
- Smart Start Quality Support Program Database Training
