By Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register
Des Moines, IA-Nine Iowa school districts, including Des Moines Public Schools, were awarded nearly $600,000 in grant funding to support a program where students earn national credentials in childcare.
Gov. Kim Reynolds said the program will aid in Iowa’s childcare needs. In Iowa, 23% of people live in a childcare desert, according to the Center for American Progress
The grant aligns family consumer science classes with the national Child Development Associate credential. So when students complete the program, they can enter the childcare industry.
“It’s important to recognize the connection between child care and a successful workforce,” Reynolds said in a news release. “Parents need a child care solution that meets the demands of their busy lives and we need to grow and support strong local solutions.”
How much funding did Des Moines Public Schools receive from the Credentials to Child Care Careers grant?
Des Moines received $75,000 in funding from the program. The grant covers the cost of the program except for a part-time teaching position.
How will Des Moines Public School use the Credentials to Child Care Careers grant?
Provided by: Des Moines Public Schools
Des Moines Public Schools will start with 15 students being trained during the 2025-2026 school year. It takes two years or four semesters for students to earn the national credential.
Students engage in a blend of classroom and lab learning environments at Central Campus. There are approximately 450 hours of site-based learning at the Pre-K center during the four semesters.
What Iowa districts were awarded the grant?
“I commend each of these nine district awardees for their forward-looking approach to prepare young Iowans to be career ready upon graduation, while also supporting local businesses in building their workforce pipeline,” Reynolds said in the news release.
- Central Lyon Community School District
- Charles City Community School District
- Clear Creek Amana Community School District
- Des Moines Public Schools
- Harlan Community School District
- Iowa City Community School District
- LeMars Community School District
- Marshalltown Community School District
- Woodbine Community School District
Has Des Moines offered a similar program in the past?
Des Moines Schools offered the Child Development Associate credential in the past, but it was cut in 2022 due to budget concerns. It was a hard decision at the time but the district is excited to offer the opportunity again, said Phil Roeder, the district’s director of communications and public affairs.
“We’re excited to be able to relaunch the program as it provides students a credential for job opportunities, helps to meet the need for quality childcare in the community, and creates a pathway for students who may be interested in going on to become educators,” Roeder said in an email to the Register.
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