The child care crisis in Iowa is not just a concern for parents and employers - it impacts the entire community. As you work to expand or create new businesses, key factors like available housing, sufficient roads, and infrastructure must be part of your economic development strategy. But one crucial element is often overlooked: child care.
Child care is essential community infrastructure - just like housing and roads. It plays a pivotal role in fostering economic growth, creating opportunities for workforce development, and building a sustainable future for all. By prioritizing child care, communities can attract businesses, support families, and cultivate a strong, reliable workforce.
Investing in child care ensures that your community can thrive, both now and in the future.
Your official guide to the best child care solutions in Iowa. Use the QR code or link below to learn more.
IowaChildCareRoadmap.org
Child care is not just a family issue- it's a community and economic issue. By viewing child care as a key part of economic development, communities can unlock significant benefits.
Stronger local economy - Communities thrive when parents can access affordable, high-quality child care. It allows parents to join and stay in the workforce, helping to create a vibrant, growing economy.
Attracting and Retaining Qualified Employees and New Business
Increasing Employee Earnings and Tax Revenue
Building a Stronger Future Workforce
Stronger Local Workforce—When children are cared for in safe, nurturing environments, parents can focus more on their work, increasing productivity and stability across the community.
Increased Workforce Productivity
Increased Number and Quality of Job Applicants
Increased Workforce Retention
By incorporating child care into the economic development strategy, communities can foster growth, build a stronger workforce, and create a lasting, positive impact for families and businesses.
Be Informed with Data - Learn more about the current child care landscape in your county.
Provide Resources - Ensure all families are aware of CCR&R services. Sharing information and linking to the CCR&R website can help families find child care options and support.
Tax Benefits - Explore potential tax benefits available for employers to help employees with child care costs.
Advocate in your Community - Speak out about state initiatives and support local economic development
Continuum of care
Statewide solution fund
Student tuition organization for preschool
Workforce retention
Access to child care
Educate Leaders - Connect with your Legislators and encourage solutions for high-quality child care and early learning settings.
Contact a Specialist
Starting the Conversation Around Child Care Solutions: Child care is an essential part of a community's critical infrastructure. When creating strategies for your community's economic development, don't forget to include planning around child care. CCR&R can help facilitate discussions and solutions in your community; think of us as your conversation guide.
Resources for communities from Iowa Women's Foundation:
CCR&R's ultimate goal is to support communities in accessing affordable, high-quality child care. CCR&R staff are willing to meet with employers, economic development boards, and communities to discuss the needs of families and children that will impact the local workforce.
Request Supplies for Your Community »
Iowa Workforce Development - Videos of Success
CCR&R local stories regarding Child Care Across Iowa
Child care is an essential need for our community and our growth. Child Care Resource & Referral was able to assist us in starting conversations around child care solutions. - Stephanie, Economic Development Board member