Section 50.1300  Purpose

As required by 305 ILCS 5/9A-17 and 325 ILCS 85/95-10, the purpose of Smart Start Workforce Grants is to provide day care homes, day care centers, and group day care homes, prioritizing those participating in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), with the stable, ongoing funding needed to recruit and retain workers without burdening families by raising tuition or co-pays. These awards will allow day care homes, day care centers, and group day care homes to pay higher staff wages through consistent base funding that considers the cost of competitive wages and pays in advance rather than in arrears. Programs receiving awards are required to meet a specific base wage level, which will help the program to attract more staff, while also meeting parents' need for affordable child care.  The requirements of this Subpart M are subject to change based on appropriation.

(Source:  Added at 48 Ill. Reg. 14957, effective October 1, 2024)