Every family deserves access to the resources and support they need to help their children thrive. That's why we're grateful to receive continued support through Early Childhood Iowa (ECI), helping Crittenton Center strengthen three of our programs that serve children and families across Siouxland: our Family Resource Center, West High Infant Care Center, and Extended Access Child Care program.
Together, these programs remove barriers to child care, strengthen families, and create opportunities for children to enter kindergarten healthy, confident, and ready to learn.
Family Resource Center
Serving families throughout Woodbury and Ida counties, Crittenton Center's Family Resource Center provides free support and education for parents and caregivers with young children. Services focus on building strong family relationships while supporting healthy child development.
Through ECI funding, families can continue accessing services such as:
- Home visitation
- Parenting education
- Developmental screenings
- Literacy activities that encourage early language and reading
- Car seat safety education and clinics
- Family engagement opportunities
- Connections to community resources and support services
Family Resource Center staff also provide support within Crittenton Center's child development centers, making it easier for families to access resources where their children are already learning and growing.
West High Infant Care Center
Located inside West High School, the West High Infant Care Center is the only program of its kind in the region. It provides quality infant care for students pursuing their education while ensuring their children receive nurturing, developmentally appropriate care in a safe environment.
By reducing one of the biggest barriers young parents face, the program helps students stay in school while giving their infants a strong foundation for healthy growth and development.
Extended Access Child Care
For many working families, affordable child care can be difficult to find. Crittenton Center's Extended Access Child Care program helps fill that gap by providing full-day care for children ages 3 to 5 whose families may not qualify for traditional child care assistance but still need support.
The program allows parents to remain in the workforce or continue their education while their children benefit from a high-quality early learning experience.
More Than Funding
While this funding supports these three programs, the impact reaches much further.
It means more parents gaining confidence through education and home visits. More children building early literacy skills through books and play. More families learning how to safely install a car seat. More student parents earning their diplomas while their infants receive quality care. More working families having access to reliable child care.
Every service provided helps strengthen children, support families, and build a healthier community.
We're grateful to Early Childhood Iowa for investing in these programs and the families they serve. Their partnership helps ensure children across Siouxland have access to the support, care, and opportunities they need during the earliest, and most important, years of life.
Interested in learning more?
If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, we'd love to connect. Visit www.crittentoncenter.org or call (712) 255-4321 to learn more about our Family Resource Center, child care programs, and other services available to children and families.
