The Marita Theisen Child Care Center at Steeple Square was established in response to urgent calls from the community for affordable quality child care. The center opened in August 2019 in the heart of Dubuque’s most disconnected neighborhood in downtown Dubuque. The Center currently has enrolled more than 40 children, 70% of whom are from low-income families. Many private child care providers have wait lists of up to 100 families. IWF funds will be used to support the salary of a new licensed staff person to provide evening care for 12 children whose parents are participating in Opportunity Dubuque. Opportunity Dubuque provides free child care to individuals earning job certificates and continued assistance during their first year of employment.
