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Smart Start Illinois Early Childhood Apprenticeship – Pilot
CSFA Number: 480-20-3968
Agency Name
Department Of Early Childhood (480)
Agency Identification
480-20
Agency Contact
Short Description
The field of early childhood education (ECE) is facing a workforce crisis that can ultimately have a negative impact on child care programs and the children and families they serve. Challenges of the crisis include: 1) a shortage of individuals willing to work in the field; 2) a shortage of well-qualified individuals; 3) high turnover rates in specific roles and geographies, and 4) inadequate compensation to attract and retain well-qualified staff. The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) is piloting an apprenticeship program to bridge and connect scholarship programs leading to credentials and degrees with on-the-job/real world training and mentorship tailored to the context of the specific communities where apprentices work. Additionally, the program provides funding for participating centers for increased compensation based on staff qualifications. Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs combine classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and mentorship to create a holistic program with an earn-while-you learn approach. RA programs offer a flexible model for early childhood educators to improve their knowledge and skills with the goal of acquiring a credential, license, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree, all while improving the quality of the early childhood workforce, reducing turnover, and increasing their wages.
Federal Authorization
N/A
Illinois Statue Authorization
N/A
Illinois Administrative Rules Authorization
Pilot Program
Objective
N/A
Prime Recipient
Yes
UGA Program Terms
N/A
Eligible Applicants
Other;
Applicant Eligibility
N/A
Beneficiary Eligibility
N/A
Types of Assistance
Formula Grants
Subject / Service Area
Human Services
Credentials / Documentation
N/A
Preapplication Coordination
N/A
Application Procedures
N/A
Criteria Selecting Proposals
N/A
Award Procedures
N/A
Deadlines
N/A
Range of Approval or Disapproval Time
N/A
Appeals
N/A
Renewals
N/A
Formula Matching Requirements
N/A
Uses and Restrictions
N/A
Reports
N/A
Audits
N/A
Records
N/A
Account Identification
N/A
Obligations
N/A
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
N/A
Program Accomplishments
N/A
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
N/A
Regional or Local Assistance Location
N/A
Headquarters Office
Illinois Department of Early Childhood 115 S. LaSalle, Suite 2240 Chicago, IL 60603
Program Website
N/A
Example Projects
N/A
Published Date
Funding By Fiscal Year
FY 2025 : $2,000,000
FY 2026 : $2,000,000
Federal Funding
None
Notice of Funding Opportunities
None
None