CCA Child Care Workforce Program Permanent

May 4, 2026

Dear Iowa Child Care Providers,

I’m excited to share some great news with you: On April 9, 2026, Iowa House File 2514 was signed by Governor Reynolds, officially making the CCA Child Care Workforce Pilot a permanent program! This is a huge step forward in supporting the child care workforce, and we are grateful to Governor Reynolds and the Iowa Legislature for their commitment to strengthening Iowa’s child care system.

For the last three years, this pilot has helped child care professionals access affordable care for their own children—a need we know is very real for many in the field. By making the program permanent, more child care workers will be able to receive assistance and reduce the financial barriers to continuing their essential work.

Eligibility Requirements Required by the Law:
To qualify, a parent or guardian must:

• Work at a licensed child care center, registered child development home, or child care home in Iowa AND the program must have a CCA agreement with HHS
• Work at least 32 hours per week in a role that directly cares for children
• If serving as a director or administrator, be counted regularly in the child-to-staff ratio
• Not be the owner of the child care program their child attends

As the bill directs, HHS will begin developing administrative rules for the program. The program will continue to accept applications based on the eligibility requirements above and will operate with the same copay structure that has been used by the pilot program.

Child care professionals play an essential role in the well?being of Iowa’s children, families, and communities. Your dedication creates safe, nurturing environments that support children’s growth and development while enabling parents to pursue work and education. We look forward to sharing more details with you in the months ahead.

Be Well,

Ryan Page

Director of Child Care

Tags: hhs , funding , cca

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