Join Us! Counselor Chat Sessions

Join us for a monthly virtual chat session with T.E.A.C.H. and WAGE$ counselors!

This live chat will be held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 1:00-2:00pm. Feel free to come and go as you please.

Our next counselor chat will be held on Tuesday December 19, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 pm.

Here is the Zoom information to join:

o https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84500736957

o Meeting ID: 845 0073 6957

Congratulations to Nichole Green, T.E.A.C.H. Recipient, on Receiving the 2023 Terri Lynne Lokoff Teacher Award

Nichole shared “The experience with the Terri Lynne Lokoff award and First Up were awesome!

The Awards are designed to recognize and celebrate the achievements of outstanding early care and education teachers and bring attention to the critical role these teachers play in the lives of young children. Please view the website here about award eligibility. The 2024 award applications are open!

T.E.A.C.H. Reminders

o Turn in fall form Bs, B/Cs, and Cs with release hours turned in by Friday, January 12th, 2024

o Remember to send your fall grade reports to your counselor as you receive them

o Inform your T.E.A.C.H. counselor of your spring course plans ASAP!

2023 Iowa Child Care Workforce Study

The 2023 Iowa Child Care Workforce Study has been published by Iowa AEYC and i2d2. This study was created to generate a deeper understanding of who Iowa’s child care workforce is and the challenges they are facing.

To read more about the study and solutions to these key findings, click on the link here: 2023 Iowa Child Care Workforce Study

T.E.A.C.H and WAGE$ Videos

Take a look at our list of T.E.A.C.H. and WAGE$ videos that share information about program requirements, eligibility, and how to apply! You can find the list of videos on YouTube.

Some of our newest videos include:

o How Does Release Time Work with T.E.A.C.H.?

o Why Should My Program Sponsor My T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship?

o What is the Difference Between Official and Unofficial Transcripts?

Are you Interested in Moving up the WAGE$ Supplement Scale?

If you need Early Childhood Education (ECE) college credits to move up the WAGE$ supplement scale or to become eligible for WAGE$, you could do so with the help of our T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program. T.E.A.C.H. can help pay for a portion of books and tuition towards Early Childhood degrees, credentials, endorsements, and credits needed for WAGE$. View program information for T.E.A.C.H. here on our website or reach out to a T.E.A.C.H. staff member at teach@iowaaeyc.org. Deadline to apply for a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship starting summer 2024 is April 30th, 2024.

*If you are a WAGE$ participant and unsure how many college credits you need to move up the scale, please reach out to your WAGE$ counselor or wages@iowaaeyc.org

FAFSA Changes for the 2024-2025 School Year

The Department of Education is simplifying FAFSA. The new, simplified FAFSA will be available by December 31st, 2023.

For the 2024-25 school year, FAFSA will be reduced to just 36 questions from 108, include detailed financial information, and be easier to import income data from tax records.

Using Modern Technology and Coaching to Improve Child Care Business Operations

Iowa Health and Human Services (IHHS) launched a strategy to help child care providers improve their business. The strategy pairs business coaching through the Child Care Collaborative of Iowa and the use of child care management system (CCMS) software through either Playground or brightwheel. Check out the video below on how this new strategy has improved child care provider’s business.

IHHS video

Learn how to be an Advocate for Child Care

Join our Advocacy Professional Engagement Group on January 18^th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for Advocacy Training with John Wilson, Kansas Action for Children. Register on I-PoWeR.

Here is a brief summary of what he will be discussing: Shaping policy and influencing ideas in the Capitol can often feel intimidating or like something reserved for “political” people. The reality is that policy can be shaped by anyone - but the only way that decision-makers in Iowa will start supporting ideas that improve your life, strengthen your profession, and help families is when they hear from YOU. During this discussion-based workshop, you will be introduced to practical skills for engaging with elected officials and policy-makers. You will leave this training feeling more confident about using your voice and leveraging your experience to strengthen early care and education in Iowa.

A speaker on an advocacy zoom once said “the biggest failing in our field? Not bringing more voices together!” Learn how to make change in child care possible. See you there.

CCA Eligibility for Child Care Teachers

Has the CCA change allowing for all teachers to access CCA impacted you? Share your stories with Jeannine Laughlin at jlaughlin@iowaaeyc.org! We will pass these stories along to our legislators to ensure the workforce is heard.

Additional Funding Available from the American Rescue Plan Act

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced another round of stipends for licensed and registered child care providers. For information about the program and how to apply please follow this link: FAQ.