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. SSSJ is an educational collaborative involving schools, parents, early childhood development professionals, and the City of San José. The mission of SSSJ is that all San José children will enter school with the foundation needed for academic and social success. To accomplish this San José has focused on improving 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 outweighs the supply. SSSJ programs are 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 detailed program quality standards.  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. Please click here to find out more about Smart Start San Jose