Section 50.1100  Purpose

The purpose of the Smart Start Transition Grants Program ("Program") is to provide child care programs with the stable funding needed to recruit and retain workers and to improve child care quality. These awards will provide additional support so that programs can make personnel and workforce investments beyond the reach of current operating budgets and shall be consistent with the requirements of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) (P.L. 117-2), the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act [30 ILCS 708], the Grant Funds Recovery Act [30 ILCS 705], the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200), and any other applicable federal and State laws pertaining to COVID-19-related programs.  Awards will be disbursed subject to appropriation and the availability of grant funds.

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 2159, effective January 24, 2024)