On the podcast: A boost for ECI? We know the first years of life are the most important for kids. Early Childhood Iowa creates and supports systems that benefit young children and their families. By coordinating health, early care, education and human services at both the local and state levels, ECI strives to provide families with the resources they need to help Iowa kids grow up healthy. On the podcast this week, Barb Bremner, who directs local ECI work in Polk County, noted that "since 2008, the ECI system statewide has been 'status quo' funded, putting a stressor on local communities. ... These agencies and programs are being asked to do more with less." The House human service budget includes a $1 million boost to ECI; the goal now is to make sure the Senate includes that funding as well. Listen the conversation with Barb and CFPC policy director Sheila Hansen on iTunes, Stitcher or Soundcloud. | |
Campaign highlights kids ahead of caucus | |
Oh my, it's that time again. Presidential hopefuls are campaigning in Iowa—bringing with them attention from the media, national interest groups and fellow Americans. It's an opportunity to place kids and families in the national spotlight. The Children's Policy Coalition's #Caucus4Kids campaign, supported by 20+ child and family advocacy organizations in Iowa, is intended to raise the profile of kids' issues by getting candidates to offer their thoughts and ideas while on the campaign trail. The Center will be supporting the campaign, and we plan to keep you, our engaged supporters, in the loop. We encourage you to join us at a candidate forum, ask candidates their vision for kids and pledge to attend your caucus Feb. 3, 2020. Visit childrenspolicycoalition.org or join the campaign's Facebook group to learn more. | |
Foster youth speak up Dozens of current and former foster youth gathered at the Capitol earlier this week with a single goal—to advocate for themselves and their peers. They met with key legislators, shared personal stories and offered a bright vision for the future of foster care in Iowa. These youth are with Achieving Maximum Potential (AMP), a youth-driven, statewide group that seeks to unleash the full potential for personal growth among foster and adoptive children in Iowa. The Center actively engages with AMP to ensure all kids in Iowa—especially foster youth—have a voice at the Capitol. Visit our Facebook page to view additional photos from the event. | |