Governor Pritzker highlights $250M investment program increasing funding for childcare providers, offering families early support, resources
In Rockford, Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker marked the one-year anniversary of the SmartStart Illinois program, a state initiative allocating $250 million to advance early childhood education and care. During a visit to the Youth Services Network located at 107 N 3rd St, the governor, accompanied by Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, commended the program’s achievements as part of his statewide tour promoting its success.
Rockford Mayor McNamara emphasized the comprehensive approach of the program, stating, “This plan really thinks about it all. It’s not just, hey, I want a political win let’s serve more people. No, it’s, we want to serve more people in the right way.”
The multi-year initiative aims to provide early education opportunities for children statewide, enhance funding for childcare providers, and deliver crucial support and resources to families in need.