IL HB2420

Establishes eligibility requirements for Smart Start Workforce Grants under the Smart Start Illinois Act, requiring applicants to be licensed day care homes, day care centers, or group day care homes and maintain that license for the grant duration

Requires grant applicants to provide year-round child care, defined as at least 8 consecutive hours per day, 5 days per week, for at least 47 weeks per year

Sets minimum enrollment thresholds for children receiving Child Care Assistance Program subsidies, foster child care subsidies, or military child care subsidies: 15% of licensed capacity for day care centers, 1 child for day care homes, and 2 children for group day care homes

Allows alternative qualification pathways for applicants not meeting subsidy enrollment requirements if they serve children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or English learners at specified levels (10% of capacity for centers, 1-2 children for home-based care)

Establishes classroom-level eligibility for day care centers with minimum enrollment requirements: 4 children for infant/toddler classrooms, 8 children for 2-year-old classrooms, and 12 children for preschool classrooms (ages 3-5); effective July 1, 2025