MID-IOWA COMMUNITY ACTION

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.

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.

EMAIL US

ecpinfo@micaonline.org

OUR ADDRESS

Mid-Iowa Community Action

Attn: Early Childhood Programs

1001 S. 18th Ave.

Marshalltown, IA 50158