Shared Services Update
Early Childhood Iowa, in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Human Services, and with technical assistance from Opportunities Exchange, is working on a multi-phase Shared Services project with proven success in other states. This project is in response to a recommendation in the Governor’s Child Care Task Force Report.
Today, we are releasing the September monthly project update (On the webpage, click on the ‘+’ sign to display the updates.) Continue to watch for project updates on the first Monday of each month.
Shared Services Co-Design Report
As highlighted within the monthly Shared Services updates, the Co-Design Team was established and charged with assessing and developing a Shared Services model and prioritization of child care provider needs. ECI and Opportunities Exchange (Opp Ex) engaged members in a discussion regarding shared services alliance and members gained an understanding of the overall project. Members of the Co-Design Team included child development home providers, child care centers, organizations and stakeholders in Iowa’s child care system, and the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Co-Design Team met monthly between February and July 2022 for a total of six meetings and 24 hours of direct meetings. Their final report is now available.
September 13 ECI Stakeholders Alliance Meeting
The ECI Stakeholders Alliance will meet on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 from 9:00am to 11:00am via Zoom. The Alliance is open to anyone who is interested in learning about Iowa's early childhood system is encouraged to attend. The agenda will be focused on current ECI strategic planning efforts as the current 2019-2022 strategic plan is updated for 2023-2026.
2022 Virtual National Prenatal-to-3 Research to Policy Summit
Thursday, October 13, 2022 1-4pm CT / 2-5pm ET
The first three years of rapid brain development have the most powerful impact on every person’s life. On October 13, be one of the first to hear the latest research on the most effective policy actions state leaders can take to help babies and families get off to a healthy start and thrive. Join thousands of national and state leaders, scholars, and practitioners virtually for the preeminent summit on the prenatal-to-3 period.
The third annual National Prenatal-to-3 Research to Policy Summit will be the best yet, featuring:
The first look at the new 2022 Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap — an unparalleled progress report on the best state investments (see 2021 Roadmap);
Nationally-recognized speakers like Elliot Haspel, author of Crawling Behind: America’s Child Care Crisis and How to Fix It; and
Policymakers from states that have made laudable progress getting parents back into the workforce, improving parent and child health, and creating nurturing environments for children.
All are welcome. Registration is free.
Registration for the 2022 Early Learning Fall Institute is now open!
Join the Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children on September 30-October 1 (pre-institute workshops on September 29). We are thrilled to be back in person and will be at a new location this year - Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport.
Hear from keynote speakers Rachel Giannini on Friday and Dr. Adolph Brown, III on Saturday! Visit the IowaAEYC website for additional information including member registration instructions. Contact Anne Geiger, anne@iowaaeyc.org or 515-331-8000 ext. 122 with any questions.
Workshop selection tools are available on the IowaAEYC website and click here to register!