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Smart Start Quality Support (SSQS) Program - Pilot
CSFA Number: 480-20-3969
Agency Name
Department Of Early Childhood (480)
Agency Identification
480-20
Agency Contact
Short Description
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.
Federal Authorization
N/A
Illinois Statue Authorization
Pilot Program
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 2024 : $10,000,000
FY 2025 : $10,000,000
FY 2026 : $10,000,000
Federal Funding
None
Notice of Funding Opportunities
None
None