Central Iowa children start out healthy and ready to learn.


When young children in our community get off to a strong start, it lays the foundation for success throughout their life. It is critical that we, as a community do everything possible to ensure positive and fulfilling early childhood experiences. The early years set the tone for future education success, health and well-being, and economic opportunity.
 

Key Indicators of Early Childhood Success

Infant Mortality

  • Central Iowa infant mortality rate
  • EQUITY LENS: Iowa infant mortality rate by race

Developmental Screenings

  • Percent of low-income Iowa children screened for risk of developmental, behavioral, and social delays
  • EQUITY LENS: None

Quality Childcare

  • Number of Childcare Centers participating in the Quality Rating & Improvement System
  • EQUITY LENS: Number of childcare centers that accept childcare assistance that are participating in the Quality Rating & Improvement System

Kindergarten Readiness

  • Percent of central Iowa children who are ready for kindergarten
  • EQUITY LENS: Percent of central Iowa children who are ready for kindergarten by race; income level; English language learners

The diverse populations listed above are examples where inequities/disparities/gaps have been identified within our community, and data is available at either the state or county level. United Way of Central Iowa recognizes inequities/disparities/gaps exist in multiple areas for many people in our community. If inequities/disparities/gaps can be demonstrated by our funded partners for additional populations, that data will be considered as well.

 Strategies

  • EC1: Address barriers to prenatal care and improve birth outcomes
  • EC2: Increase access to and availability to prevention, early identification, and early intervention services for children birth-5 years to promote healthy physical and mental development
  • EC3: Increase access to and participation of children in a quality childcare or preschool settings that promote kindergarten readiness
  • Advocacy: Policies and practices are implemented to improve Early Childhood systems and provide equitable access to central Iowans

Strategies and Examples of Performance Measures:

The Performance Measures (PM) below are potential measures of program outcomes. Programs may report Performance Measures on any targeted populations they serve, based on:

  • Race/ethnicity
  • Gender identity
  • Sexual orientation
  • Income level
  • Ability status
  • English Language Learners
  • Refugee status
  • Criminal background

EC1: Address barriers to prenatal care and improve birth outcomes

  • PM: Number of pregnant women served
  • PM: Number of singular full-term births
  • PM: Number/percent of healthy birth outcomes
  • PM: Number/percent of women who receive prenatal care in first trimester

EC2: Increase access to and availability to prevention, early identification, and early intervention services for children birth-5 years to promote healthy physical and mental development

  • PM: Number of children served
  • PM: Number/percent of children who receive developmental screening
  • PM: Number/percent of children who have a developmental need
  • PM: Number/percent of children who have developmental need and referred to other services
  • PM: Number/percent of those referred who received services

EC3: Increase access to and participation of children in a quality childcare or preschool settings that promote kindergarten readiness

  • PM: Number of children served in quality childcare program
  • PM: Number of childcare centers participating in the Quality Rating & Improvement System
  • PM: Number/percent of quality childcare centers who accept childcare assistance
  • PM: Number/percent of children who have access to a quality childcare or preschool setting
  • PM: Number/percent of children who are ready for kindergarten