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Early Childhood Success

To thrive, central Iowa children need to 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.

What’s the challenge?

Issues surrounding access and affordability of childcare touch every element of United to Thrive. Childcare is an essential need for most families to gain employment and have access to economic opportunities.  Quality childcare promotes children’s health and well-being and sets the stage for future educational success.

EARLY CHILDHOOD SUCCESS IN CENTRAL IOWA

  • 87%
    OF CENTRAL IOWA WOMEN RECEIVE ADEQUATE OR BETTER PRENATAL CARE

    1 in 5 low-income individuals do not receive adequate prenatal care.

  • 75%
    OF CENTRAL IOWA CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 6 HAVE ALL PARENTS/CAREGIVERS IN THE WORKFORCE

    Childcare is often the highest line item in a family budget. In central Iowa, we are experiencing both a childcare shortage and a mismatch of available slots. There is only one childcare slot for every two children in central Iowa.

  • 66%
    OF CENTRAL IOWA CHILDREN DO NOT RECEIVE DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS

    Screenings are important for early interventions which can help set children up for success later in life.

  • 14%
    DROP IN KINDERGARTEN READINESS

    Kindergarten readiness dropped 14% among central Iowa children over the last six years.

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Our Strategies

  • Address barriers to prenatal care and improve birth outcomes
  • 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
  • Increase access to and participation of children in a quality childcare or preschool settings that promote kindergarten readiness
  • Advocate for policies and practices to improve early childhood systems and provide equitable access to central Iowans