What is Smart Start San José?

Smart Start San José (SSSJ) is part of the Mayor’s early childhood education initiative for all children so that they enter kindergarten ready for academic and social success.  Expanding opportunities for improving the quality of early childhood experiences by using and building on community resources to support school success will accomplish this goal. SSSJ is an educational collaborative involving schools, parents, early childhood development professionals, and the City of San José.  
http://www.sjlibrary.org/services/early_care/smartstart/index.htm

 

Vision: 

 

 

Mission:

All San José children will enter school with the foundation needed for academic and social success.

 

Improve educational opportunities for young children through the expansion of quality early childhood development spaces and through building the capacity of early childhood development professionals and schools.

The need for quality early childhood development programs out strips the supply. SSSJ programs will be located in areas that are identified as in need of early childhood development programs.  All programs must meet California Health & Safety Standards for Child Care Programs.  In addition, programs must incorporate SSSJ Program Quality Standards (PQS) (Attachment A).  SSSJ programs can be operated by public or private providers through early child development centers, Head Start programs, State Preschools, and family child care homes. 

Where will Smart Start San José Programs be Located? 

SSSJ sites will be located in areas:

×      that currently meet or have the ability to meet local and State zoning/permit regulations; and

×      where school academic performance reports indicate that children are under-performing; and

×      identified as in need of early care and education/child care services; and

×      that are designated as Strong Neighborhood Initiatives (SNI) or City of San José Redevelopment.

 

In addition, applicants must meet the following Collaborative Partner Options:

×      the ability to purchase and/or develop a new facility;

×      the ability to enter into a 15 year agreement with the City of San José;

×      an existing facility that is available for upgrade or renovation; or

×      available land on which a SSSJ facility can be located; or

×      a facility that can be combined with new developments.

 

Applicants must also have the ability to operate a fiscally viable program.

The City of San José has the ability to provide capital funding only.  Applicant is expected to operate or to cause the operation of an early care and education program center that meets SSSJ PQS.

 

Why become a Smart Start San José Program?

SSSJ programs are early care and education programs that achieve and maintain the highest program quality.  Each year SSSJ programs will receive public recognition and will participate in the SSSJ Rewards Program.  Santa Clara County private businesses support quality early childhood development programs by contributing computers, equipment, supplies, cash, etc., as incentives for existing programs to become a SSSJ. 

 

How to become a Smart Start San José Program   

Complete and submit (mail or fax) a SSSJ Interest Form. Interest Forms may be obtained by calling the Office on Early Care and Education Services at 408.392.6757.

A committee will review all Interest Forms, and applicants meeting the site location criteria and the Collaborative Partner Options will be scheduled for an interview.