There is increasing need for infant and toddler care in Iowa. Currently, Clinton Early Head Start has over 100 families on the waitlist and we know there is a need even beyond this number. According to 2018 data, Clinton County had 3,445 children under five years old. There are 1,677 licensed/registered child care spaces. Because there are more than 3 children per available space, Clinton County has been designated a Child Care Desert.
Community Action of Eastern Iowa, with the support of the Iowa Women’s Foundation, is expanding infant and toddler care in Clinton by adding an additional Early Head Start classroom for eight infants. Early Head Start will provide high quality, full-year care, led by two credentialed teachers. Working together, we are addressing the need for quality infant and toddler care in the areas where it is needed most.
Clinton Head Start and Early Head Start is a comprehensive, early childhood program that serves children and families from the prenatal stage through age five. Services are income-based and are provided at no cost to children and their families.
“I feel good about my baby being here. I know she is safe and she is happy. That’s good to know while I am at work” –Current Early Head Start Parent
