Early Childhood Programs
Currently, in the United States, one in five children under the age of six is born into poverty. In today’s world, that makes them more likely to live in poverty as adults and have children who will then grow up in poverty. However, many public policy experts and leading economists have suggested that high quality educational opportunities can create better lives for our children and stop this vicious cycle of poverty within families.
A study by the Economic Policy Institute found that investment in early childhood educational programs, such as Head Start and Early Head Start, yields a significant return on investment: around 14-15% for each dollar invested. The reasoning? Knowledge and social skills. Children involved in MICA’s early childhood programs are consistently learning new shapes, colors, numbers, and more while developing social skills through interaction with teachers, home visitors and other children. This is why MICA places an emphasis on the impact of early childhood programs.
In addition to following Head Start standards, an indicator of high quality programming, the majority of MICA's classrooms are accredited by the NAEYC. All MICA Head Start and Early Head Start programs are licensed by the Iowa Department of Human Services. MICA's EHS home-based programming meets or exceeds performance standards set by Head Start.
MICA's early childhood programs are generously funded by the U.S. Administration for Children and Families, the Iowa Department of Education, the Iowa Department of Human Services, CACFP (USDA), BooSt Together for Children, Iowa River Valley Early Childhood Area (IRVECA), Better Tomorrows, and the Iowa Department of Public Heath (IDPH).
Head Start
MICA's Head Start program operates centers in all five of our service counties for children aged 3 and 4. Our educational programs are widely recognized for their quality and are free to families that qualify.
Early Head Start
MICA's Early Head Start programs for pregnant women and children aged 0-3 include both home visiting and center-based options. Early programs help your child develop the foundations of later educational and social success.
For Parents
We've gathered together useful resources for parents who have young children. Follow the link for information on encouraging early literacy through play, health and safety tips, services available in the area, and more!
CACFP
MICA runs two different Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) services. One is designed to provide good nutrition to children in our center-based early childhood classrooms, and the other is intended for child care providers in the area.
Tama Healthy Families
Tama Healthy Families provides regular home visitation, child screenings and assessments, and socialization opportunities so that children start school ready to learn.
CALL US
Marshall County
First United Methodist: 641-485-1896
High St 1: 641-691-7046
High St 2: 641-691-7043
High St Infant: 641-691-7032
High St Toddler: 641-691-7036
Hope 1: 641-691-7048
Hope 2: 641-750-6106
St. Paul's 1: 641-750-1190
St. Paul's 2 (am): 641-485-1568
Poweshiek County
Grinnell: 641-990-1086
Hardin County
Iowa Falls: 641-640-8759
Iowa Falls Toddler: 641-373-0898
Story County
Nevada: 641-485-8246
Tama County
Tama: 641-481-2185
EMAIL US
OUR ADDRESS
Mid-Iowa Community Action
Attn: Early Childhood Programs
1001 S. 18th Ave.
Marshalltown, IA 50158