(Des Moines, Iowa) – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has introduced legislation to incentivize continuum of care partnerships between child care centers and preschool providers to the Iowa House and Senate.  Iowa currently ranks fifth in the nation (67%) for access to four-year-old preschool—nearly double the national average (35%). While preschool is widely available, some working families cannot participate if care only covers a portion of the day or requires midday transportation to child care.

The bill – introduced today (Friday) – would launch a $16 million grant program for preschool providers and child care centers to partner together to create an all-day continuum of care for Iowa children, permanently offer child care assistance to child care workers, and improve preschool quality standards.

The Governor said “Parents need a solution that meets the demands of their busy lives—one that allows their children to benefit from our successful preschool program and have access to childcare. It’s about more than convenience; it’s about offering our children the educational foundation they need while giving parents peace of mind that their children are cared for throughout the work day.”