Iowa
Working families in Iowa need accessible, affordable, quality child care and early learning opportunities for their children.
Currently, federal and state early learning programs reach thousands of young children and their families in Iowa. But too many working families in Iowa are missing out. As a direct result of child care issues, the Iowa economy loses millions of dollars each year in the form of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.
There are 236k children ages 5 and under in Iowa
73% of these children have all available parents in the workforce
The typical annual cost of child care in Iowa is around $9,000
The Child Care and Development Block Grant only reaches 12% of eligible families. This federal program helps low-income parents afford child care
Iowa’s economy loses $1.1B annually due to child care challenges
Iowa: In The Headlines
Rep. Randy Feenstra: Lowering the cost of child care for our families
Times Republican | April 29, 2024
“On my 36 County Tour, I have met with families, small business owners, and childcare providers who are rightfully concerned about the skyrocketing cost of child care.”
Iowa ranks as the most affordable state for child care, yet many families still struggle with costs
KGAN | November 2, 2023
While it might be cheaper in comparison to other states, that may be little consolation since child care costs can stretch families out pretty thin.
Iowa child care providers shed light on staffing shortage
KCCI | December 13, 2023
The number of child care options in Iowa is shrinking, with fewer centers and in-home care options now than there were three years ago.
Iowa Resources & News
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