From the Executive Director's Desk

While the calendar says spring is officially here, the Iowa weather has made us think otherwise! As the days get longer and the temperatures start to warm up, I hope you can enjoy a little more sunshine and time outdoors!

As we move into spring, it has been a busy time across our agency programs. Head Start staff are preparing for the end of the school year, WIC staff are gearing up for Farmers Market season, and outreach staff are wrapping up another LIHEAP season.

We are pleased to share that our audit has once again been completed with no compliance issues. This reflects the strong work across the agency - thank you to our fiscal team and all staff for your continued attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate records.

At both the federal and state levels, we continue to closely monitor budget developments and ongoing legislative discussions that may impact our services. Funding decisions remain critical to the sustainability of many of our programs, and we continue to advocate for continued support for the services our communities rely on.

Two Mid-Sioux Financial Management Consultants with the Child Care Collaborative of Iowa program attended the Governor’s signing of House File 2514, a bill supporting child care providers by expanding eligibility for child care assistance reimbursement. This important opportunity reflects our core value of community, as we engage in efforts that support families and strengthen the child care system.

We are looking ahead to our Annual Meeting, which will be held on May 1st. This is an opportunity to bring staff together for a day of learning, connection, and recognition. We look forward to celebrating years of service and acknowledging the contributions of those who make a difference every day in the lives of the families we serve.

As always, thank you to our staff, board members, and community partners for your continued dedication and support.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable spring season!

Respectfully,

Cindy Harpenau

Executive Director

Child Care Resource & Referral

New opportunity for child care providers to earn professional development credits: Coaching for Credit

Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) and Child Care Collaborative of Iowa (CCCI) are creating new opportunities for child care providers to receive coaching that will count toward their required professional development hours. Coaching child care providers through new professional development content is a way to ensure what is being learned is also being implemented. One common problem is that providers may take a training but struggle to implement what they learned to their business. Health & Human Services worked closely with Mid-Sioux’s Statewide Professional Development Specialist Supervisor, Monique Ortiz, to develop guidelines in which Coaching for Credit is approved. The following guidelines need to be followed:

- CCR&R & CCCI identify key topics approved to provide training.

- Coaches need to complete the certification process in the key topic.

- Guided Action Plans will be used to help child care providers implement what is being learned.

- Child care providers need to implement the Guided Action Plan to receive two hours of credit per key topic.

- Child care providers may spend more time implementing their plans, but will only qualify for two hours of credit.

Child Care Resource and Referral is now offering Coaching for Credit for the following key topics in each of the following curriculums:

Early Childhood-Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (Infant Toddler and Preschool)

- Teaching About Feelings

- Daily Schedule Review

- Routines

- Positive Communication with Peers

- Engaging Interactions

- Behavior Expectations

ChildNet 3.0 (Home Providers Only)

- Developmental Monitoring

- Extended Conversations

- Curriculum Planning

- Environments

- Mealtime Practices

Child Care Collaborative of Iowa is now offering Coaching for Credit for the following key topics:

- Cost of Care

- Expense Tracking

Child Care Collaborative of Iowa’s very own Financial Management Consultants, Tiffany Blair, Mindy Amen and mascot Freddy Finance, had the incredible opportunity to attend the Governor’s signing of House File 2514 — a bill that makes child care center staff eligible for child care assistance reimbursement. The Governor signed the bill at one of the 215 child care businesses that are receiving business coaching.  By investing in child care providers, we’re strengthening families, workplaces, and entire communities. We’re proud to have been there to witness progress in action — and even prouder to be part of a field that makes such a meaningful difference.

Cherokee & Ida Counties Outreach

Hello from Cherokee and Ida Outreach! 

We are excited to welcome spring and all the sunshine and warmer temperatures it brings.

LIHEAP Season Ends April 30

We are still accepting applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through April 30. Applying is quick and easy - applications can be completed over the phone, and supporting documents can be submitted by fax, email, or text. It only takes a few minutes! 

To apply, please call:

Cherokee: 712-225-3322

Ida: 712-364-2175

Now Accepting Head Start Applications

We have begun accepting Head Start applications for the upcoming preschool season (September 2026 through May 2027). Head Start is a free, federally funded program designed for children ages 3-4. It offers enriching activities that support mental, social, emotional, and physical development. If you know of a family who may benefit, please encourage them to reach out!

Office Hours:

Cherokee Outreach Office

Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Food baskets are available for pick up during these hours.

Call: 712-225-3322

Ida County Outreach Office

Thursday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Call: 712-364-2175

We are here to help - please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or to learn more about our programs.