HB4791

SMART START GRANTS-HEAD START

Chamber Passed·4/16/26

Expands eligibility for the Smart Start Child Care Workforce Compensation Program to include Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

The Illinois HB4791 amends the Smart Start Illinois Act to expand eligibility for the Smart Start Child Care Workforce Compensation Program. This program, administered by the Department of Human Services, aims to raise wages for early childhood educators and support quality enhancements. Eligible providers include licensed day care centers, day care homes, group day care homes, Head Start programs, and Early Head Start programs. The program operates separately from the Child Care Assistance Program and is subject to appropriation.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Last
Passed the House · Apr 16
Current
Assignments Committee
Next
Senate floor vote

Sponsors

DDDDDDD
7
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Mar 20

10:00 AM

House Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education Committee Hearing

Feb 26

10:00 AM

House Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education Committee Hearing

History

May 26

Senate

Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Javier L. Cervantes

May 22

Senate

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

May 15

Senate

Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As May 22, 2026