Child Care News & Initiatives

Effective March 1, 2023 the income eligibility limit for those initially applying to the Child Care Assistance (CCA) program will increase from 145% to 155% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Note: This is for families that are not currently on the CCA program and are submitting new applications.  Families that are already on the CCA program and are up for redetermination may be eligible for our CCA Plus or CCA Exit program which have different income eligibility limits.

Effective March 1, 2023 the CCA provider rate tables will increase.  The new rate tables can be viewed in the copy of the letter sent to child care providers below.  Please note that while the rate table reflects the maximum that can be paid to a provider by the Child Care Assistance (CCA) program, the state cannot be charged more for a child who receives state child care assistance than is charged to families not receiving assistance (“private pay”).

• Provider Letter

The State of Iowa and HHS recognize the importance of those that care for Iowa’s children.  Access to educational opportunities as well as competitive compensation for the child care workforce is important to ensure retention of the workforce as well as quality care for Iowa’s children.  The T.E.A.C.H. and WAGE$ programs support both of these priorities. 

HHS has been a long-time funder of the T.E.A.C.H. and WAGE$ programs.  During the pandemic, funding for these programs was increased with stimulus funds, however HHS is now happy to announce that CCDBG funding has been budgeted for these programs that will sustain these increases beyond the availability of stimulus funds.

For more information about eligibility and to apply to participate in either program please visit the IA AEYC website at:

• T.E.A.C.H.  http://www.iowaaeyc.org/teach.cfm
• WAGE$  http://www.iowaaeyc.org/wage.cfm

For HHS funding opportunities to support child care providers please visit our Funding Opportunities webpage.