Children Safer

• Priority 1: Quality childcare will be accessible to all families (ECIRA: Secure and Nurturing Learning Environments; Safe and Supportive Communities)

  • Goal A: To increase the number of QRS sites

    • Strategy 1: To promote quality improvement programs (QRS and QPPS) to assure children are in quality preschool and childcare environments

  • Goal B: Increase the number of childcare slots available to families in Muscatine.

    • Strategy 1: Engage community business leaders to have conversations regarding childcare in Muscatine County.

Parenting Easier

• Priority 2: Healthy Children (ECIRA: Healthy Children)

  • Goal A: To increase the number of child care providers who participate in the food program.

    • Strategy 1: To support a consultant that provides training, support and encourages participation in the food program.

  • Goal B: To increase the number of children screened for developmental and social emotional delays

    • Strategy 2: To support programs that screen or connect children and families to wellness services

 

• Priority 3: Parenting Support (ECIRA: Secure and Nurturing Families)

  • Goal: To increase the number of families connecting with parenting programs.

    • Strategy 1: To support evidence-based in home visitation programs and community groups building parenting connections.

    • Strategy 2: To participate in community conversations regarding child abuse prevention efforts. 

 

Learning Happening

• Priority 4: Children in Muscatine County will be school ready (ECIRA: Children Ready to Succeed in School)

  • Goal (A): Preschool aged children will have access to accredited or quality rated preschool programs;  Goal (B): Increase the 3 and 4 year olds will be enrolled in preschool. (ECIRA: Children Ready to Succeed in School)

    • Strategy 1: Provide tuition assistance for low income 3, 4 and 5 year olds to participate in quality preschool programs.

    • Strategy 2: Support transportation assistance for children to participate in quality preschool

  • Goal C: To increase the percentage of children with Kindergarten readiness skills

    • Strategy 1: To provide training and support to childcare providers to encourage Early Talk environments

    • Strategy 2: To provide training and continuing education to the community on the importance of Early Talk

    • Strategy 3: Promote literacy opportunities and access for 3-5 year olds.