Iowa River Valley Early Childhood Area
HOW TO HELP
OUR GOAL & VISION
CHILD CARE STUDY PURPOSE
Conducting a Child Care Needs Study is an essential step in understanding and addressing the child care landscape within a community. It provides data-driven insights that guide planning, funding, and policy decisions to best support children, families, and the workforce. Child care impacts more than children and their parents. The availability of child care is central to community health and a robust economy.
Expanding child care is essential to the growth of our community and the strength of our local workforce.
This project has been made possible in part through a Rural Child Care Planning Grant received by Hardin County Conservation through the Empower Rural Iowa initiative, administered by the Center for Rural Revitalization, a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to First Children's Finance for their invaluable assistance in preparing these reports.
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To ensure the financial feasibility of developing a new child care center, a comprehensive financial model and budget projection were completed by First Children's Finance. This analysis evaluated start-up and operating costs, projected revenue, and long-term sustainability. The findings provide valuable insight into the financial requirements, potential funding needs, and overall economic viability of establishing a child care center in the community.
All reports developed through the child care studies are available for community partners to use in supporting the expansion of child care in Iowa Falls and Alden, Iowa.
With continued collaboration and support from local economic, business, and community leaders, our goal is to build a new early learning center at Calkin's Nature Area in Iowa Falls - creating greater access to quality child care and early education opportunities for local families.
Our Vision
Inspiring Wonder, Curiosity, and Connection with Nature
At our proposed Early Childhood Nature Center, we envision a world where young children grow up with a deep appreciation and understanding of the natural world. We will strive to cultivate a sense of wonder, curiosity, and respect for nature through immersive, hands-on experiences. By providing a safe and nurturing environment, we will aim to foster lifelong learning, environmental stewardship, and a profound connection to the earth. Our center will be dedicated to empowering children to become compassionate, knowledgeable, and active participants in their communities, championing sustainability and the well-being of our planet for generations to come.
Financial modeling & BUDgET PROJEcTIONS
The analysis provides a comprehensive examination of local child care needs and existing supply. Drawing on research data and input from parents, employers, and current child care providers, First Children’s Finance conducted a child care gap analysis to estimate the number of additional child care spots needed to meet community demand. The study’s key findings include detailed estimates of the reasonable number of child care spaces required to address local needs.
CHILD CARE MARKET ANALYSIS
Wes Wiese, Hardin County Conservation
wwiese@hardincountyia.gov
Deborah Crosser, Hardin County Economic Development
DCrosser@hardincountyia.gov
Carrie Kube, Iowa River Valley Early Childhood Area Board
iarivervalleyeca@gmail.com
If you would like to help this project move forward positively, we encourage you to JOIN OUR STEERING COMMITTEE!
Big Ideas! Download our guide for ways you can support the expansion of child care in our community!