Shared Visions Programs

Iowa’s Shared Visions Programs are state-funded early childhood initiatives that support the healthy development and early learning success of young children across the state. Through high-quality preschool and parent support services, these programs help build strong foundations for learning, strengthen families and ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

• Parent Support Programs offer educational support to families of children from birth through age five who are considered at risk, with a focus on those serving children from birth to age three.
• Preschool Programs exist in 29 Iowa counties, providing high-quality early learning experiences for at-risk children ages three to five.

Together, these programs represent a vital investment in the future of Iowa’s youngest learners.

FY27 Preschool Grant Application

The Iowa Department of Education is now accepting grant applications for the Shared Visions Preschool Program for fiscal years 2027-31. Iowa schools and programs serving preschool children who meet certain at-risk criteria are encouraged to apply for the five-year grant opportunity. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application system, IowaGrants.gov by Feb. 6, 2026 by 4:30 p.m.

Application Materials

Completion Instructions: FY27 Shared Visions Preschool Application

FY27 Shared Visions Preschool Application Scoring Rubric

FY27 Shared Visions Application Information Webinar

Timeline

Supporting Documents

Questions? All questions must be submitted in writing to Marianne Adams at marianne.adams@iowa.gov by Jan. 2, 2026. Questions will be addressed in an FAQ document posted to this webpage by Jan. 16, 2026.

Applicants should provide a detailed analysis of the area to be served based upon factual public reporting sources such as:

• Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Percentage by District  or School Building
• Iowa’s Integrated Data System for Decision-Making
• Kids Count Data Center

Grant Awards

Grants are awarded for up to five years, with the option to annually renew if program requirements are met. The CDCC has approved a one-year extension to the current five-year grant cycle. All funding depends on annual legislative appropriations. The renewal year, Year 6 - (FY26), runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

• FY26 Shared Visions Parent Support Program Grant Awards
• FY26 Shared Visions Preschool Grant Awards and Locations
• Shared Visions Preschool and Parent Support 2025 Income Eligibility Guidelines

To apply for a Shared Visions Program, eligible organizations (public schools, licensed nonprofit child care centers, Head Start agencies, community action agencies, and other public nonprofit agencies) must submit a competitive grant application through IowaGrants.gov.

Maps

2024-25 Preschool Programs Map - Includes Statewide Voluntary Preschool Programs, Head Start Programs and Shared Visions Programs.

FY26 Shared Visions Preschool Map - Includes Shared Visions Preschool Programs in a PDF version.

FY26 Shared Visions Parent Support Map - Includes Shared Visions Parent Support Programs in a PDF version.

Program Requirements

The Shared Visions Parent Support and Preschool Programs are governed by Iowa Code 279.51 and Iowa Administrative Code 281-64. Preschool programs are also governed by Iowa Code 256A. Both programs are required to report to the Department annually. Statewide data is summarized in the Child Development Coordinating Council’s annual report.

Iowa’s Shared Visions Preschool Programs are required to meet one of the three approved preschool program standards:

1. Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards (IQPPS)
2. Head Start Program Performance Standards
3. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC Accreditation+)

See the Early Childhood Standards webpage for more information.

Child Development Coordinating Council (CDCC)

Created under Iowa Code 256A, the CDCC advises the Department on Shared Visions Parent Support and Preschool Programs. Iowa Code 279.51 directs the council to use appropriated funds to award grants to programs serving families and children with identified risk factors. The CDCC meets at least four times annually, and meetings are open to the public. Visit the CDCC webpage for membership, meeting dates, agendas and minutes.

Technical Assistance

AEA Contacts

Resources