Iowa

Overview

During the 2022-2023 school year, Iowa preschool enrolled 28,194 children, an increase of 1,116 from the prior year. State spending totaled $94,650,334 and an additional $1,687,987 in federal recovery funds supported the program, down $3,246,970 (3%), adjusted for inflation, since last year. State spending per child (including federal recovery funds) equaled $3,705 in 2022-2023, up $27 from 2021-2022, adjusted for inflation. Iowa met 8 of 10 quality standards benchmarks.

What's New

A new state commitment provides Shared Visions (SV) grantees with access to an online program, which supports early language development and family engagement, starting in the 2022-2023 program year. Eligibility guidelines for SV have been adjusted for more children to be eligible beginning in the 2023-2024 grant year.

Background

Iowa has two state-funded preschool programs: Shared Visions (SV) and the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP). The SV program has provided services to 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds since 1989 through competitive grants to public schools, licensed non-profit childcare centers, other public non-profit agencies, and Head Start. SV serves children in part-, school-, or extended-day programs.

Iowa began the SWVPP in 2007 to increase 4-year-olds’ access to preschool. All 4-year-olds in the state are eligible to attend SWVPP. Funding for the SWVPP is based on the state funding formula in which 4-year-olds are funded at 50% of the K–12 state aid amount. SWVPP classrooms operate at least 10 hours per week and programs may collaborate with Head Start, other preschool programs, or childcare programs to provide the SWVPP. Some collaborations offer full-day services.

Both SWVPP and SV have undergone formal evaluations. As part of the state longitudinal data system, all children enrolled in either program receive a unique state identification number.

An important difference between the two state-funded preschool programs pertains to child eligibility. SV is a targeted program where at least 80% of children are required to meet income eligibility guidelines (family income at or below 130% FPL). Children can also qualify for the program based on other risk factors but may be required to pay a fee based on a sliding scale. Services within this program are provided in 29 of Iowa’s 99 counties through 49 awarded grants. Programming is offered in 23 school district locations (through 16 school districts), representing less than 5% of school districts. In addition, services are provided in 26 other community- based locations, representing 11 organizations. In contrast, SWVPP, is available in 99% of school districts and all resident children who turn four by September 15 are eligible to attend.

SV lead teachers are required to meet the educational qualifications as outlined in the program standards selected within the awarded application. While requirements within selected program standards vary, 73% of lead teachers hold a BA degree or higher in early childhood, child development, or a related field, while another 19% hold an AA degree in early childhood or a related field. All SWVPP lead teachers must have at least a BA and an Iowa teaching license with an early childhood endorsement.

Iowa’s overall support for state-funded preschool, including enrollment and funding for SV and SWVPP, is depicted in the first two pages of this state profile. The third page focuses on SV and the fourth page provides information on SWVPP.