North Iowa Projects Get Financial Boost for Child Care Worker Pay

Four North/Northeast Iowa counties are among 10 Iowa regions that have launched a “wage enhancement program” for childcare workers. 

Financed with $3 million in federal pandemic relief money, Sheri Penney with the Iowa Women’s Foundation says Iowa businesses in those areas, including Allamakee, Cerro Gordo, Howard, and Mitchell counties committed a combined $1.5 million in matching funds

Penney says the program has helped existing child care centers hire and retain employees, plus it’s helping other centers get started.

Federal funding for the programs must be spent by the end of September, so Penney is encouraging the cities and counties involved to set up “child care solutions” funds with public-private funds to continue the effort, which may even include expansion of daycare facilities.

Penney’s job at the Iowa Women’s Foundation is to expand child care availability throughout the state. She made her comments at the recent National Childcare Innovation Summit hosted by the U-S Chamber of Commerce.

*Radio Iowa contributed to this story