Governor Reynolds Introduces Bill to Promote Preschool-Childcare Partnerships

Governor Kim Reynolds has introduced legislation to incentivize continuum of care partnerships between child care centers and preschool providers to the Iowa House and Senate. 

Iowa currently ranks fifth in the nation for access to four-year-old preschool (at 67%) – that’s nearly double the national average (at 35%). While preschool is widely available, some working families cannot participate if care only covers a portion of the day or requires mid-day transportation to child care.  

The bill would launch a $16 million grant program for preschool providers and child care centers to partner together to create an all-day continuum of care for Iowa children, permanently offer child care assistance to child care workers, and improve preschool quality standards.