Iowa

In 2021, through Executive Order 8, Governor Kim Reynolds created the Child Care Task Force in response to the state's child care shortage; the Child Care Business Incentive Grant Program was created as part of the task force’s work. The grant program helps employers offer or expand on-site child care. In September 2022, $26.6 million was awarded for 23 projects and 1,786 new child care slots; in January 2023, another $443,234 was awarded for 5 projects and 77 new child care slots. Federal American Rescue Plan Act funds are being used for this grant program.

Sources:

State of Iowa. (n.d.). Child Care Grants.
State of Iowa. (2021). Governor's Child Care Task Force Report.
Office of the Governor of Iowa Kim Reynolds. (2022). Gov. Reynolds announces $25M Child Care Business Incentive Grant Program.

Since 2018, Iowa State University of Science and Technology has hosted I2D2 (Iowa's Integrated Data System for Decision Making), the state's early childhood integrated data system,in partnership with multiple state agencies (e.g., Department of Public Health, Department of Human Services, Department of Education, Department of Human Rights, Department of Workforce Development, Department of Economic Development, Department of Management, and Head Start Grantees). The system functions as a multifaceted data transfer platform, data management platform, and data analytics platform. It links program and deidentified individual data related to children and families, including vital records (birth and death records); DAISEY home visiting records; Child Care Assistance records; public education PK-12 enrollment, attendance, achievement, and special education records; and Head Start enrollment. Approved users can access the data for specific projects under a memorandum of agreement. I2D2 also offers a data visualization dashboard, IA Data Drive” for public use.

I2D2 was authorized under Iowa Code Chapter 256i, which instituted the Iowa Early Childhood Initiative. It is funded through individual grants and contracts that support specific projects. The system has received grants from Iowa State University, Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy, and other funders. State funding and funding from the Preschool Development Grant (2019) have also supported the effort.

In 2007, Iowa launched a Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP) that offers universal access to at least 10 hours of care per week for all 4-year-olds. The funding comes from the K-12 state funding formula, which stipulates that programs serving 4-year-olds receive 50% of the K-12 state aid amounts. SWVPP serves children in a combination of public and private schools and community-based child care settings. It is offered in collaboration with a targeted program called Shared Visions, which provides quality care for children experiencing various risk factors. In November, 2022, the state learned it would lose out on $30 million in federal Preschool Development Grant funding, which may have an impact on future expansion efforts.

Sources:
Iowa Department of Education. (2020). Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program for Four-Year-Old Children.
National Institute for Early Education Research. (2022). Iowa.
Iowa Capital Dispatch. (2022). Iowa will not receive $30 million in federal aid for child care.

Child Care WAGE$ Iowa provides supplemental pay to early childhood educators based on their education level, quality rating level, and commitment to their early education program. WAGE$ is designed to retain and support the professional development of early education professionals; in turn, this creates a more stable workforce with the skills needed to support young children's healthy learning and development. Bonuses range from $525 to $9,200 per educator per year, with an average annual payment of $2,462. Amounts increase as educators obtain more formal education, and educators must remain in their early education program for at least six months to qualify for an award. In FY22, Child Care WAGE$ Iowa provided supplements to 1,341 educators in 585 programs. Turnover among recipients was only 8%, much lower than the estimated 26-40% turnover rate among educators in licensed child care programs nationwide.

This program is part of the national Child Care WAGE$ project. After initially launching in select counties, it is now available statewide.

Sources:

Iowa AEYC. (n.d.). Iowa WAGE$.

Iowa AEYC. (2022). T.E.A.C.H. and W.A.G.E.$ Annual Report.

Iowa AEYC. (2022). Child Care WAGE$ Iowa FY22 Results.