FY27 480-20-3969 Smart Start Quality Support (SSQS) Program - Pilot

The Smart Start Quality Support (SSQS) Program, formerly the ExceleRate Pilot, began in State Fiscal Year 2021 and continues to support licensed child care centers (Grantee) in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Cost Area 2 serving at least 40% CCAP children that are going beyond the ExceleRate Illinois Licensed Circle of Quality and implementing the specified Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) practices. The SSQS program was launched to help child care programs embed CQI systems into their organizational practices. Through a combination of funding and strategic support, SSQS aims to build sustainable quality structures, leadership processes, and professional development opportunities for administrators and teaching staff. Staffing costs to meet Program standards above licensing standards are substantially higher. To offset these costs and allow programs to move towards higher standards, the Program offers specific payment rates that Grantees can earn for qualified or credentialed staff. In return, Grantees must compensate eligible staff according to the Smart Start Quality Support Program wage scale and maintain staffing levels that exceed licensing standards. These enhanced staffing practices support effective implementation of the Program Deliverables outlined in the Smart Start Quality Supports Program Manual – Pilot.

Continuation applications only

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