Early Childhood Iowa Area Board

Newsletter

Volume 10 - April 2014

Greetings and Happy 4th of July!

 

The legislative session began January 13, 2014 and concluded on May 1, 2014, about 8 days over the 100 days that are allotted.  There were no changes to Early Childhood Iowa, which was the first time in several years. ECI received status quo funding, which is still more than a 40% decrease from the 2008 funding levels.

 
The 4 R Kids Early Childhood Iowa Area Board will be working on their FY15 legislative agenda over the next few months.  An agenda item to be considered is advocating for a change in the Early Childhood formula.  Currently, FIP (Family Investment Program) data is used to award grant funding to ECI areas, it would be advantageous to utilize more than one data set. The 4 Kids ECI Area is the 4th largest in regards to the 0-5 population, but they rank 17 out of 39 areas in receiving grant funding.  Much of this funding goes to support early learning environments. There is an increasing need to increase capacity and quality child care, especially with having the fastest growing counties in the state. If you have any suggestions or ideas for other legislative priorities feel free to contact the 4  Kids ECI Executive Director.

The 4  R Kids Early Childhood Iowa Area Board went the through the Levels of Excellence process and received Model status starting July 1, 2014. By receiving this prestigious status, the board will receive cash assistance to pay for financial audit costs of up to $2500 per year for five years, a laptop computer and funding flexibility. The Board worked hard over the last three years to obtain this status. Currently, out of 39 local ECI areas, 7 ECI area boards in Iowa have received this status.

 

The 4 R Kids Early Childhood Iowa Area Board currently has one position open on the board. This is a rewarding volunteer opportunity and you can make a difference in the lives of children under the age six.  For more information contact the 4 R Kids Executive Director.

The 4 R Kids ECI Area Board has a Facebook Page!  Like us on Facebook  Please check out the latest information that is posted.

 

Have a fun and save holiday! 

 

Debra Schrader

4 R Kids Executive Director

Disaster Grants Available

Adair, Black Hawk, Buena Vista, Cass, Cedar, Cherokee, Decatur, Franklin, Guthrie, Hancock, Harrison, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Kossuth, Linn, Lyon,  Montgomery, Muscatine, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pottawattamie, Ringgold and Sioux Counties have been identifed as disastor counties and indivduals may be eligible for assistance. 

 

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or a maximum annual income of $39,580, for a family of three.

 

Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery.  For more information go to the Iowa Department of Humans Services website

 Dealing with Flooding - 2014

 Check out the ISU Extension and Outreach  Dealing With Flooding website. The resources on this page provide information you can use to plan before a flood situation, recover and clean up from flood water damage, and conserve water.  Also check out  Forage and Cover Crop Considerations.

Stay in the Know!

Over the past two decades, the Child and Family Policy Center has played a critical role in improving the lives of Iowa children by shaping public policy. Founded by former state senator Charles Bruner in 1989, CFPC has successfully promoted initiatives expanding access to quality child care, preschool and comprehensive health care, improving the tax treatment of low- and moderate-income working families, boosting family economic success and supporting child safety and welfare. CFPC's rigorous research base around child policy is a trusted resource for policymakers, advocates and the general public. You can subscribe to the Child and Family Policy Center updates and get legislative announcements and alerts.

Save The Dates

 

4 R Kids 
Board Meetings
September 11, 2014
October 16, 2014
November 20, 214
December 18, 2014

Annual Appreciation
Reception
December 4, 2014
 
FY2015 Toddlerfests
Warren County - March 21, 2015 
Madison County - April 11, 2015
Dallas County - April 18, 2015
For more information visit 

 

FY2015 Programming

Check out the most current list of 4 R Kids FY15 Funded Programs.

 

Meeting Maps

Have you ever wondered what community meeting to attend? County Meeting Maps have been created to assist agencies and interested persons in knowing what meetings are available in Adair, Dallas, Madison, and Warren County.

 

Coming Soon!

A  4 R Kids Calendar is in the process and will be available soon. The calendar will have meeting notices and other events. Keep checking the 4 R Kids Website for updates

 

Did you Know?

What does it take to get by these days? A Cost of Living report is available and you can see how much it takes for a living wage by County.

 

For example if you are a single parent with 2 children and live in Dallas or Warren County you would need to make $28.54 per hour. If you live in Adair County you need to make $27.14 and if you live in Madison County you need to make $28.54 per hour.

 

 

  

 

Debra Schrader, 4 R Kids Executive Director

4 R Kids Early Childhood Iowa Area Board

1011 Pear Avenue

Prescott, Iowa 50859

641-344-2250

4rkids-eci.org

[email protected]


Join Our Mailing List
Like us on Facebook
4 R Kids Early Childhood Iowa Area Board Vision
"Every child beginning at birth will be healthy and successful"