“It takes a small village to raise a child.” (African Proverb)

In my twelfth year of serving the early childhood Board for Hardin Marshall County, I am in constant awe of what we can accomplish each fiscal year. Our Board Members are volunteers who dedicate their free time to ensure children have positive outcomes and families receive critical services. We have more than fifteen quality early childhood programs that continue to inspire countless children. Our mission is simple: to improve the well-being of children from prenatal through age five. Iowa River Valley Early Childhood Area efforts are devoted to providing leadership for collaborative activities promoting health, growth, success, and safety for children.

I am proud to share with you some of our successes in Fy’22:

Priority #1: Parent Education and Family Development

Three credentialed Family Support Programs all of which are utilizing the Parents As Teachers Curriculum served 219 children in 189 families that received a combined 2,280 home visits. Of those served, 95% improved or maintained healthy family functioning. Board investment $298,650.

Priority #2: Quality Early Learning and Early Literacy

The Small Talk Literacy Program served 12 families, who all reported an increase in reading to their children each day. We also provided 44 preschool tuition scholarships where 84% of students across six programs were demonstrating age-appropriate skills. Extended wrap-around childcare was provided to 16 children, 75% of who were demonstrating age-appropriate skills. Board investment: $82,740.

Priority #3: Child Care Expansion and Accessibility

Financial Support for a Child Care Consultant who provided 107 consultation visits, to 71 participating child development programs. There were 21 childcare programs that participated in a quality improvement project through an IRVECA grant, of which 20 programs received a quality rating scale designation. Funding for a part-time Child Care Nurse Consultant who provided 35 visits to early learning environments where 100% of providers improved the health and safety conditions. Board Investment: $90,282

Priority #4: Transportation to/from preschool

To help eliminate a transportation barrier for working parents, 70 preschool students received transportation to and from childcare or homes in three school districts. This resulted in a 93% attendance rate for students. Board investment: $13,252.

Other Board priorities also include connecting families to available resources, reducing/eliminating child abuse, and support for health, mental health, and wellness. This is accomplished by being present at different community awareness events, marketing efforts, social media, and policy changes.

The Iowa River Valley Early Childhood Area Board is proud of our accomplishments, but we know there is always more work to be done. If you are interested in joining our team, we would love to have you.

To learn more about our Board, please visit: http://www.iowarivervalleyeca.com/about-our-board.html

To learn more about our Programs: http://www.iowarivervalleyeca.com/about-our-programs.html

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Carrie Kube is a Director for the Iowa River

Valley Early Childhood Area Board.