On July 5, 2023, the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) launched a two-year pilot program to expand access to the state’s Child Care Assistance (CCA) program in an effort to better support childcare workers and enhance the quality of childcare. The pilot allowed child care workers to qualify for CCA even if their household income exceeded the standard eligibility limit.
The pilot builds on the existing CCA program, which is funded by state general funds and federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF).
To qualify, a parent or guardian must:
- work at least 32 hours per week in a direct care position at a licensed child care center, or;
- be registered as a child development home provider, or;
- operate as a non-registered child care home that accepts CCA.
Applicants must meet all CCA eligibility requirements other than household income. Once approved, the child must be cared for by someone other than their parent or guardian. However, they can attend the same child care location where their parents work, as long as someone else provides their care. Families are eligible to apply if their children are under 13 years old, or under 19 if the child has special needs. The families will be assessed for how much they need to pay in co-pay and to help the state know how much funding to provide. The program was approved on May 20, 2025 to be extended for another year; parents can apply until June 30, 2026.
Sources:
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. (2025, October). Child Care Assistance (CCA) for the Child Care Workforce Frequently Asked Questions.
Page, R. (2023, July 6). Child Care Assistance (CCA) Pilot Program for the Child Care Workforce. Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral.
Iowa Office of the Governor. (2025, May 20). Gov. Reynolds advances child care solutions with full-day continuum of care grants and new statewide fund.
Iowa Legislative Services Agency. (2016, September 20). Budget Unit Brief FY 2017.
Connections to Key Early Learning Study at Harvard (ELS@H) Findings:
The early education workforce is the foundation upon which all daily work and any expansion and quality improvement efforts rest. Research suggests that states and cities should invest in the workforce across all early education setting types, focusing on enhancing educators’ professional learning, compensation, and workplace conditions.
Findings from the Early Learning Study at Harvard (ELS@H) show:
- Early educators play a critical role in supporting the well-being of young children and families across setting types.
- Yet their pay, benefits, and other professional supports are often inadequate in light of the job demands and their cost of living.