Sioux City, IA: Crittenton Center’s Child Development Director, Erika Fuentes, has been appointed to Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds, Childcare Task Force. Governor Reynolds signed State of Iowa Executive Order Number Eight, which launched a new task force in response to the childcare shortage and barrier to work in Iowa.
The Governor’s Childcare Task Force is comprised of 18 members representing businesses, non-profit and community organizations, childcare providers, and local government from across the state. “I am honored to be able to serve on this task force and play a role in developing solutions to helping Iowa families in these times of crisis, “said Fuentes. The members of the Governor’s Childcare Task Force will work toward developing a comprehensive strategy to address the numerous issues that contribute to the childcare barrier to work in Iowa. In less than 100 days, the task force will present their recommendations for both short-term and long-term solutions to the Governor.
Along with the Task Force, Governor Reynolds has also approved two childcare grant programs totaling $13,053,372 and contributing to the creation of more than 4,000 new childcare slots across Iowa. “When we remove the obstacles to high-quality, affordable childcare, our families can nurture their kids while maintaining maximum freedom to enter and remain in the workforce,” said Gov. Reynolds. These funds will be used to support community projects to establish local childcare facilities as well as providing the necessary equipment, personnel, training, and supplies for ongoing or new facilities.With the addition of the Governor’s Childcare Task Force and the funds of over $13 Million, the State of Iowa hopes to provide Iowans with access to quality, affordable childcare from anywhere in the state.