4rkidsearlychildhoodiowa

Early Childhood Iowa has adopted their 2019 Statewide Needs Assessment and ‘We Are ECI’ Strategic Plan for 2019-2022.  We hope you will take some time to review both documents.  We also encourage organizations to review collectively and determine if that organization’s efforts align or support this statewide plan.  

We invite questions/comments and suggestions as you review the documents.  Please forward that feedback to Shanell Wagler at shanell.wagler@iowa.gov.  

WHAT is LIHEAP?The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally-funded program designed to assist low income families meet the cost of home heating by providing a one-time payment to the heating utility.

HOW is this program funded? The LIHEAP program is a federally-funded program by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS).

WHO is eligible? Homeowners and renters are eligible, within the federal poverty guidelines.

WHEN can I apply? Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis November 1 – April 30 of each year. Household members 60 years of age and older and those who are disabled can begin applying October 1st.

WHERE do I apply? Visit your local community action outreach office to apply for this and other programs.

The Iowa Department of Public Health has funding for children in need of hearing aids and/or audiological services for fiscal year 2019-2020 (funding was made possible through an appropriation by the Legislature during the last session). Claims will be processed on a first come, first serve basis – please assist families in completing the paperwork to apply for funds. Visit the website for complete details.

New county data snapshots from Iowa Kids Count take a deeper dive into the data, which outline 20 indicators of child and family health and well-being in every Iowa county. Our aim is to provide policymakers, educators, advocates, practitioners and engaged Iowans with the tools to make informed decisions around child and family issues.

The U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 5-year Estimates (2012-2016) has issued data regarding the perecnt of households with children under age 6 with all parents in the workforce as well as the percent of households with children ages 6 -17 with all parents in the household in the labor force.

Below is a spreadsheet for each county.

Percent_Households_with_all_parents_in_workforce_by_county

2-1-1 Counts is a web-based tool to provide real-time, searchable, and visual presentations of data about community-specific needs of vulnerable populations. 2-1-1 Counts displays a count of 2-1-1 callers’ most pressing needs in usable form and reports data at the ZIP code, region, or call center level as recently as yesterday.  2-1-1 Counts enables users to check trends, make comparisons, and share information.

2-1-1 Counts enriches the dialogue in communities – especially among leaders – by calling attention to a wide range of factors that compromise the health and well-being of poor individuals and families.

Click here to see the most pressing needs in your community.

Below are the new federal poverty guidelines.

Federal Poverty Guidlines FY19

Federal poverty guidelines 18

Preschool Scholarships are available for children living in Adair, Dallas, Madison or Warren County. The Preschool Scholarships are located on the Iowa State University Extension Dallas County  website.