The Johnson County Empowerment/Early Childhood Iowa Area Board is accepting applications for infant, toddler, and preschool scholarships for the 2024-2025 school year. The scholarship programs can assist parents in paying for quality childcare and preschool experience for their child.

Infant and toddler scholarships are available for children who have not yet turned 3 years old by Sept. 15, 2024. These scholarships help fund quality childcare at the eligible program of the family's choice.

Scholarships are available for 3, 4, or 5-year-old children (by September 15, 2024) who will not be attending Kindergarten in the 2024-2025 school year. Applications (including income verification) received by Aug. 1, 2024, will be given first consideration. Applications received after Aug. 1, 2024, will be considered on a first-received, first-considered basis.

Scholarships cannot be used to replace Head Start/Early Head Start slots or Child Care Assistance funds. Eligible programs must meet quality rating standards. A list of eligible programs can be found on the online application. Families must meet income eligibility guidelines and reside in Johnson County.

Every child should begin school healthy and ready to learn.  Many children benefit from quality early educational experiences.  Children in high-quality childcare demonstrate greater school readiness and success through second grade than children in low-quality care, but not every parent can afford quality early education.  Johnson County Empowerment/Early Childhood Iowa Area’s School Ready Scholarship Program may be able to help.

The application is available at https://forms.gle/zq55PEiE377eHwSQ9.

For more information, contact Liz Ernst at 319-356-6090 or [email protected].