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Our children may be returning back to school, but we're not going back to normal. This year in Illinois, families and educators are teaming up to collect our #RightToCare. We demand early childhood care families can afford, access and trust and fair pay to educators that dedicate their lives to our children. Our children may be returning back to school, but we're not going back to normal. This year in Illinois, families and educators are teaming up to collect our #RightToCare. We demand early childhood care families can afford, access and trust and fair pay to educators that dedicate their lives to our children. Our children may be returning back to school, but we're not going back to normal. This year in Illinois, families and educators are teaming up to collect our #RightToCare. We demand early childhood care families can afford, access and trust and fair pay to educators that dedicate their lives to our children. Our children may be returning back to school, but we're not going back to normal. This year in Illinois, families and educators are teaming up to collect our #RightToCare. We demand early childhood care families can afford, access and trust and fair pay.
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Why Smart Start Workforce Grants Matter
#AllinforSSWG
Smart Start Workforce Grants (SSWGs) aim to support recruitment and retention of child care workers, expanding access and improving quality. These grants promote stability and are essential for covering ongoing operational costs and raising wages for child care teachers and assistant teachers. They invest in the workforce and allow providers the flexibility to improve staff wages while continuing to deliver high-quality education and care.
#AllinforSSWG
Read Our Stories
Illinois legislators need to understand that real people have benefitted from SSWGs. WTV is currently collecting stories to highlight the impact of SSWGs on the child care workforce. This effort will support advocacy for he $90 million increase needed to maintain the current program budget in FY26. Stories make a powerful difference by: 1) Showing legislators the human impact of SSWGs – Personal experiences help policymakers see beyond the numbers and understand how funding decisions affect real people. 2) Building public awareness and support – When people hear directly from providers, educators, and families, they are more likely to take action. 3) Strengthening advocacy efforts – The more voices we have, the stronger our case for increased funding. By sharing your experience, you are helping protect and expand a program that is essential for Illinois’ early childhood workforce, families, and young learners. Your voice matters—help us tell lawmakers why SSWGs are a necessary investment in the future of our state.
Smart Start workforce funding was a lifeline for our center and community. We have been able to meet the floor wage pay and get morale going again for the staff. This funding gave us hope to stay operating, so we can stay focused on the children’s curriculum and give them the very Best childcare program. The funding allowed us to have our Spanish teacher back. The funding has been such a relief, which keeps my inventory overhead budget bill separate. This funding is just an absolute relief to keep our center going. The Smart Start workforce grant program is a big part of us and is very much needed to continue the next fiscal year 2026. Our Parents, children, and Community need us, and we need them. Some days are challenging, but to know you have help, with funding to keep your staff and center open we are forever grateful.
This funding gave us hope to stay operating, so we can stay focused on the children’s curriculum and give them the very Best childcare program.
Era Thompson
Donetta Griffin
Marianne Bernadoni
Vikki Podlipni
Morgan Ufert
Anonymous Home-Based Provider
Kenneth Shackelford
Trina Harris
Ms. Tamara L. Red
Velia Joachin
More Ways to Share
Please download and share the resources below and use our #AllinforSSWG hashtag on social media.
