In the past five years, Black Hawk County has lost five childcare providers, the latest of which alone removed 101 enrollment slots. State reimbursement rates under the Childcare Assistance program for low-income families are capped at 80% of the 2008 market rate, making these families less attractive as clients than families that can pay the full cost. As a result, providers are reducing or eliminating the number of slots available to low-income families. IWF funding will provide childcare scholarship assistance to bridge the gap. This guarantees slots will be reserved for low-income women seeking affordable, quality childcare for their children in order to work or obtain training.
