Posts in category Early childhood

Child care in Iowa: Challenges, controversies and new policy directions

Posted on January 16, 2026 at 2:22 PM by Sheila Hansen

Across the U.S., families and child care providers are facing a perfect storm of rising costs, staffing shortages and political turbulence — and Iowa is no exception. Here's an update.

Categories: Early childhood

Tagged As: Child Care, Child Care Assistance

Kids Count: Iowa 6th in child well-being, but child care a challenge

Posted on June 14, 2023 at 12:01 AM by Anne Discher

PDF of Iowa data profile PDF of news release Iowa retains high rank on child well-being, but inaccessible, unaffordable child...

Categories: Child care, Data, Early childhood, Family support & well-being, Safety net & work supports

Tagged As: child care, Kids Count

Iowa leads on 4-year-old preschool, lags on funding

Posted on May 22, 2023 at 12:00 PM by Anne Discher

When it comes to assuring preschool for young children, Iowa’s is a story of highs and lows, according to the...

Categories: Early childhood, PK-12 schools

Tagged As: Preschool

Danger ahead: Gutting education, health and safety with tax cuts

Posted on March 3, 2023 at 12:02 PM by Mike Owen

The road is closed, the bridge is out, and tax-cut-obsessed legislators are stepping on the gas. Already, Iowans started the...

Categories: Budget & taxes, Child care, Clean air & water, Early childhood, Health, Higher education, PK-12 schools, Public Safety

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Authors

Anne Discher

Senate committee advances inadequate school funding proposal — again

Wrong time for property tax bill

Mike Owen

Want efficiency and a good return on investment? Stick with IPERS

Iowans know: Don't play with job numbers

Sean Finn

Republicans admit the need for minimum-wage hike — but only for themselves

Data snapshot: Iowa’s economy is losing ground

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