IWF’s Employer Engagement Director, Sheri Penney, was a panelist at the first National Childcare Innovation Summit in Washington D.C. on June 27. Penney spoke about Iowa’s success using public/private partnerships to expand childcare – particularly with Wage Enhancement Programs.
Listen to part of Sheri’s remarks in the video.
We asked Ms. Penney to share her thoughts regarding the National Childcare Summit and IWF’s role in this important issue:
Event Overview: I recently participated as a panelist at the inaugural National Childcare Innovation Summit hosted by the US Department of Commerce and the US Chamber Foundation. The summit gathered state leaders from Oregon, Michigan, Vermont, and Iowa to discuss innovative childcare solutions across the US.
Key Initiatives: I highlighted Iowa’s successful public/private Wage Enhancement Programs, now branded as Childcare Solution Funds. These initiatives aim to support community childcare infrastructure and received positive feedback from state leaders seeking similar solutions.
Strategic Positioning: My role includes providing technical assistance to Economic Development professionals and community leaders, facilitating employer engagement to support childcare solutions. This position has sparked interest nationally as other states look to replicate these efforts.
Future Directions: I left the summit with new state leader contacts and am focused on sharing Iowa’s childcare funding model with communities nationwide. Additionally, I’m exploring potential state partnerships to further enhance childcare support in Iowa.
Conclusion: Iowa is making significant strides in childcare infrastructure, but ongoing collaboration and effort are essential to establish a robust foundation. I remain committed to advancing these initiatives and fostering partnerships that benefit our communities.
