SMART START GRANTS-HEAD START

Amends the Smart Start Illinois Act. Provides that Head Start programs and Early Head Start programs may be deemed eligible to participate in the Smart Start Child Care Workforce Compensation Program to the extent that appropriations are made available for new program entrants and shall not result in the reduction, reallocation, or displacement of funding for existing recipients. Provides that a provider participating in the Smart Start Child Care Workforce Compensation Program may simultaneously receive funding through Head Start or Early Head Start programs; and that receipt of funding under one program shall not disqualify or otherwise limit eligibility for funding under the other, provided that: (1) funds are used in accordance with the requirements of each respective program; and (2) funds are not used to supplant existing federal Head Start or Early Head Start funding, but may be used to supplement and enhance workforce compensation and program quality.

Status

Engrossed

Passed its first chamber

Status date

Apr 16, 2026

210 days ago

Current chamber

Senate

Session

2025-2026 Regular Session