FY27 480-20-3969 Smart Start Quality Support (SSQS) Program - Pilot
Early Childhood
Funding Amount
Not stated
Deadline
Deadline not published
Grant Type
State
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Geography
- Illinois
Other requirements
- Eligibility Type: Public
- Continuation applications only
Overview
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.
Details
- Awarding Agency: Early Childhood
- CSFA Number: 480-20-3969
- CSFA Popular Name: Smart Start Quality Support (SSQS) Program - Pilot
- Announcement Type: Renewal
- Award Type: Non Competitive
- Total Funding Available: $8,684,797.02
- Funding Sources: State
- Posted Date: April 1, 2026
- Award Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Full eligibility text
Eligibility Type: Public
Applicant Eligibility Information
Continuation applications only
Beneficiary Eligibility Information
N/A
How to Apply
Submission Timeline
- Submission Opens: April 1, 2026
- Allow Multiple Applications: No
Apply on AmpliFund: https://il.amplifund.com/Public/Opportunities/Details/e167f6d8-027b-4bad-9653-72c7abe38d61
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Child care
Project Locations
- IL
Categories
Browse similar grants by category
Related Grants
Open grants from this funder and similar programs
Communityworks Endowment Fund
Community Foundation of the Quincy Area
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling (quarterly review)
Communityworks Endowment Fund (Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri)
Community Foundation of the Quincy Area
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling
Caregiver Supports and Opportunities for Early Learning Grant
The William Penn Foundation
Amount
Up to US $800,000
Deadline
October 22, 2026
Listed date — confirm with the funder
FY27 480-30-3715 Special Education-Grants for Infants and Families - Early Intervention - Training Program
Early Childhood
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
FY27 480-50-3708 Migrant and Seasonal Head Start
Early Childhood
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
FY27 480-20-3706 Child Care Resource and Referral Program - Child Care Assistance Program
Early Childhood
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ready to apply for FY27 480-20-3969 Smart Start Quality Support (SSQS) Program - Pilot?
Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.
You found FY27 480-20-3969 Smart Start Quality Support (SSQS) Program - Pilot. Now let's win it.