Hunter
09/23/23
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors have raised the income eligibility for a child care program, giving more families access.
The Daily Iowan reports the unanimous vote increased income eligibility for the program to up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level, which equates to $75,000 for a family of four. The program currently provides up to $600 per month per child to low-income working families with tuition assistance to attend early education sessions for kids up to three years old.
Approximately 80 children a year benefit from the program, which is funded by federal funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act.
There are no tuition-support options for infants and toddlers, and child care tuition in Johnson County is one of the highest in the state.
Supervisors raised income eligibility because the state of Iowa has also raised their assistance eligibility, from 145 percent of federal poverty to 160 percent.