FY27 480-20-3969 Smart Start Quality Support (SSQS) Program - Pilot

The Smart Start Quality Support (SSQS) Program is a pilot program that aims to support licensed child care centers in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Cost Area 2. The program provides funding and strategic support to help child care programs embed Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) systems into their organizational practices. 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. • The program is a non-competitive award. • The program is open to licensed child care centers in the CCAP Cost Area 2. • The program provides funding for staffing costs to meet program standards above licensing standards. • The program aims to build sustainable quality structures, leadership processes, and professional development opportunities for administrators and teaching staff.