Congratulations to our T.E.A.C.H. Graduates!

At the end of Fall semester 2023, multiple T.E.A.C.H. recipients earned a degree, CDA, or EC endorsement:

- 6 Associate’s degree

- 1 Bachelor’s degree

- 25 CDAs

- 2 Early Childhood Endorsements added to teaching licenses

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 3^rd Tuesday of each month from 1:00-2:00 pm. Feel free to come and go as you please.

Our next counselor chat will be held on Tuesday February 20^th, 2024 from 1-2:00 pm.

Here is the zoom information to join:

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

§ Meeting ID: 845 0073 6957

A New Recommended Salary Scale for ECE Professionals

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$ 101

Mark your calendars for our upcoming T.E.A.C.H. and WAGE$ 101 on February 13th, 2024 at 6:00 pm

This is an opportunity to learn about program information and eligibility requirements. Please click here for registration.

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

What's New? FAFSA Changes for the 2024/2025 Year

The Department of Education is simplifying FAFSA. Check out the Federal Student Aid website for updates.

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.

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

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should 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?