The Shared Visions Preschool programs provide quality child development programs for children at-risk in 29 Iowa counties. The preschool programs serve children ages three to five and must meet one of the following program standards:

  1. Head Start Program Performance Standards
  2. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation+
  3. Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards (IQPPS)
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Iowa Code 256AIowa Code 279.51, and the rules in Iowa Administrative Code 281-64 govern the preschool programs. In addition, Shared Visions Preschool programs are required to report to the department annually. A summary of state data is included in the Child Development Coordinating Council Annual Report to the Governor.

FY24 Child Development Coordinating Council Annual Report - Describes the future recommendations of the Council and also offers the status of the parent support and preschool programs serving children and families at risk.

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Child Development Coordinating Council

As required by Iowa Code 256A, the Child Development Coordinating Council (CDCC) was established to advise the Department of Education regarding the administration and implementation of two state-funded at-risk programs for children ages birth to five: the Shared Visions Parent Support Program and the Shared Visions Preschool Program. Funding appropriated per Iowa Code 279.51 must be used by the CDCC to award grants for programs that provide services to families and children meeting identified risk factors. The CDCC conducts meetings at a minimum of four times annually. Council meetings are open to the public. Visit the CDCC webpage for a membership list, meeting dates, agendas and minutes.

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FY21-26 Grant Awards

FY26 Shared Visions Preschool Grant Awards - A list of awarded applicants and the corresponding grant awards for FY26 Shared Visions Preschool Programs.

Grants are awarded with a renewal option for up to five years provided grantees meet program requirements. The CDCC has recommended and approved a one-year extension to the current 5-year grant cycle. All funding is contingent upon annual appropriations. The renewal year is the following:

  • Year 6 - FY26: July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026
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Guidance Documents

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AEA Contacts 2024-26

AEAContact PersonEmail
Central Rivers AEAAllyssa Papeapape@centralriversaea.org
Grant Wood AEAJacey Siniff
Ashley Harvey
 
jsiniff@gwaea.org
aharvey@gwaea.org
 
Great Prairie AEAAmi Chounlamanyamichounlamny@gpaea.org
Green Hills AEAAmi Leathaleath@ghaea.org
Heartland AEABrianna Sayre-Geiserbsayregeiser@heartlandaea.org
Keystone AEAAngie Squiresasquires@aea1.k12.ia.us
Mississippi Bend AEAJennifer Jansenjjansen@mbaea.org
Northwest AEAShelley Conoversconover@nwaea.org
Prairie Lakes AEAKelly Olsonkolson@plaea.org
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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is an organization of 67,000 pediatricians committed to the optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. The AAP Parenting Website offers resources for children from birth to grade school and more.

Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) uses local, informed decision making to improve the quality of life for every Iowa child and their families. ECI works through state leadership boards, state advisory, and local structures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of early care, education, health, and human services provided to families with children ages birth to five.

The Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children (Iowa AEYC) promotes high-quality early learning for all children aged birth to eight by connecting practice, policy, and research. Iowa AEYC advances a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and supports all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) leads and consolidates the efforts of individuals and groups working to achieve healthy development and constructive education for all young children from birth to age eight.

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) improves the learning and development of young children by producing and communicating knowledge that transforms policy and practice. NIEER collaborates with a network of local, state, national, and international leaders to design, conduct, and disseminate rigorous research, evaluation, and policy analysis. NIEER also helps prepare the next generation of inspirational leaders and researchers in early education.

ZERO TO THREE promotes the healthy development of our nation's infants and toddlers by supporting and strengthening families, communities and those who work on their behalf.

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