Childcare Solutions

Supporting Childcare Solutions for Stronger Communities

We strive to make quality childcare affordable and accessible through sustainable public-private partnerships, like our Childcare Solutions Wage Enhancement Program, and drive community awareness of these important workforce issues.

Why Childcare Matters

Childcare is the backbone of a thriving community, yet rising costs and provider shortages are placing immense strain on families and businesses alike. This crisis directly impacts workforce participation, economic stability, and community well-being, forcing many parents—especially women—to reduce their work hours or leave the workforce entirely, exacerbating labor shortages across industries. Our values are reflected in our mission statement: We strive to make quality childcare affordable and accessible through sustainable public-private partnerships, like our Childcare Solutions Wage Enhancement Program, while driving community awareness of these critical workforce issues. Without sustainable funding and investment in childcare solutions, businesses will continue to face workforce disruptions, and families will remain in a cycle of financial insecurity. Addressing this crisis now is crucial to ensuring a stable workforce, supporting economic development, and fostering thriving communities.

Building a Community of Action:

The Childcare Solutions Coalition

Established in 2019:
The coalition was formed to address childcare challenges and drive sustainable solutions.

Key Objectives:

Expand access to affordable childcare.

Professionalize the childcare workforce.

Foster innovative childcare models.

Advocate for childcare-friendly policies.

Achievements Since 2019:
One of ten pilot programs in Iowa

Milestones:

The City of Iowa City and Johnson County each invest $250k per year to fund operation of the Child Care Solutions program.

Greater Iowa City businesses invest $150 per year/per employee to sponsor Child Care Solutions in our community.

Community Foundation accepts business contributions and holds money until they are distributed to Johnson County.

Johnson County Social Services will work with providers to pay bonuses to new employees and to supplement the wages of employees working within an approved child care center.

4C’s will work with childcare centers to educate them about the program and onboard them.

Childcare Wage Enhancement Program - Johnson County

What It Is

A program to provide fair compensation to childcare providers, making childcare a sustainable profession. Learn more here.

How It Works

Process_Wage_Enhancement.pdf

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Childcare Centers & Programs:
Must be a licensed or registered childcare provider in Johnson County.
Must be in good standing with state and local regulations.
Must agree to pass the wage enhancement directly to qualifying employees.
Eligible Employees:
Must be a full-time childcare provider, working at least 32 hours per week.
Must be directly involved in childcare services.

Ineligible Employees:
Part-time employees working less than 32 hours per week.
Temporary employees.
Staff funded by the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program or Before and After School Programs.
Support staff (janitorial, kitchen, administrative).

Funding Structure

The program is funded through local fiscal recovery funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Johnson County has allocated $750,000 over three years (2023-2026) to sustain the wage enhancement program.

Annual Allocation: $500,000 per year
Wage Enhancement Amount:
- Eligible full-time employees can receive up to $2.00 per hour in wage enhancement.
- Employees enrolled in WAGE$ earning above $17.99 per hour will only receive wage enhancements up to $19.99/hour to maintain WAGE$ eligibility.

Impact on Providers, Families, and Businesses

The Wage Enhancement Program creates a stronger, more stable childcare system that benefits the entire community.

For providers, higher wages lead to greater job satisfaction, reduced turnover, and the ability to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Families experience more reliable and high-quality childcare, giving them peace of mind and ensuring continuity of care for their children.

Businesses benefit from improved workforce participation, as parents have consistent childcare options, reducing absenteeism and increasing productivity.

By strengthening the childcare workforce, this program supports economic stability and helps build a thriving community.