Dubuque County’s child care providers are essential to the success of our regional economy. They make it possible for thousands of parents to participate in the workforce each day. Yet they themselves face persistent challenges in hiring and retaining qualified staff. That’s why the Business Champions for Child Care program is stepping up once again in 2025, investing in 20 providers across Dubuque County with a total of $230,000 in direct support for workforce recruitment and attraction efforts.
Now in its second year, the initiative is part of the Business Champions for Child Care Fund, which has transitioned administration to the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. This shift represents a continued commitment to strengthening early childhood systems by building long-term, sustainable infrastructure through trusted community partners.
The 2025 program supports proven, high-impact recruitment strategies, including:
Backed by local employers, this effort recognizes what local businesses already know: access to child care is a workforce issue. When providers can’t recruit staff, families remain stuck on wait lists, and employers lose access to reliable talent.
This year’s 20 participating providers serve a diverse mix of families and communities across Dubuque County, including Cascade and Dyersville. By supporting their efforts to grow and stabilize their teams, we’re investing in the foundation of our economy—ensuring working parents have access to safe, reliable, and high-quality care for their children.
In short, when we support child care, we support the workforce. And with community and business leaders continuing to step up, Dubuque County is showing what it means to champion the future, one classroom at a time. When we invest in child care, we build a community where YOU can be great here.
For more information or to become a Business Champion for Child Care, contact Rick Dickinson, President & CEO of Greater Dubuque Development at rickd@greaterdubuque.org or 563-557-9049.