Changes to the Child Care Assistance (CCA) Program
Effective March 1, 2023 initial income eligibility and the maximum provider rates for the CCA program have changed.
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For Families: the initial income eligibility limit increased from 145% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 155% FPL.
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For Child Care Providers: the maximum CCA Provider Rates were increased.
For more information on both of these changes please see our new Child Care News and Initiatives webpage at https://hhs.iowa.gov/childcare/child-care-news-initiatives.
Child Care News and Initiatives
The Department of Health and Human Services continues to collaborate with stakeholders and the governor’s office to improve accessibility and quality of child care throughout the State. We have launched a new webpage called “Child Care News and Initiatives” to keep stakeholders informed. Please check here for regular updates as we continue to implement new initiatives in child care.
This site can be found at https://hhs.iowa.gov/childcare/child-care-news-initiatives.
Read Across Iowa
Read Across Iowa will launch March 1 and begin a month-long celebration to bring the joys of reading to kids of all ages. Agriculturally themed Read Across Iowa events will be held across the state and will feature books and materials about agriculture that will appeal to all readers. See the website for materials and links to events like author presentations and fun read-alouds. Check with your local county Extension office to for events near you.
Registration for the 2023 Spring Institute is NOW OPEN!
Join Iowa AEYC on Friday, April 28 as we spend the day with Kim Hughes to learn about the practice of Conscious Discipline®. On Saturday, April 29, join us in hearing from Kristen RB Peterson about dealing with difficult behaviors and developmentally appropriate practices. Learn how to become a better leader, discover creative ways to positively impact the families you work with, and leave feeling energized about your commitment to working with young children and their families.
Click here to view our full registration details. Contact Jonni Solum at 515-331-8000 ext. 122 or jonni@iowaaeyc.org with any questions.
Farm to ECE Grant Applications
Funding to begin or expand Farm to ECE activities in your childcare or preschool program are just around the corner! Three grant applications – for site gardens, family engagement, and local food procurement – will be open continuously for 18 months or until all funds are awarded. (March 2023 through June 2024) Please join us for an informational webinar to be held on March 20th at 1:00 pm. Click this link for more information or to register for the webinar.