Child Care Professional Attraction Grant Announced

To support strategic initiatives that address regional needs, we've recently launched the Greater Dubuque Child Care Professional Attraction grant in partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College to offer $1,000 grants to eligible child care workers entering the field.

Childcare is a critical community infrastructure component that impacts overall workforce participation. Integral to the Greater Dubuque region’s childcare system is the attraction and recruitment of skilled childcare professionals to fill the growing number of openings in this rewarding career field.

To support regional efforts, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation is now offering the Greater Dubuque Child Care Professional Attraction Grant, a $1,000 grant to eligible child care workers entering the field and receiving training through Northeast Iowa Community College.

Eligibility Requirements
• Enrolled in Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Child Care Level 1 career pathway certificate course (tuition support available through Opportunity Dubuque).
• Must be working with NICC College and Career Coach.
• Secure employment (full or part-time) that counts towards the staff-child ratio at a participating child care center.
• Not employed in child care industry prior to enrollment in Child Care Level 1 course.
• Grant award available after maintaining employment at participating child care center for at least 30 days.

In addition, the Opportunity Dubuque program provides child care assistance at no cost to qualifying Child Care Level 1 students. Full-time employed graduates of the program may also qualify for additional child care support for up to 12 months.

To take the next steps, contact Adrianna Johnson, NICC College and Career Coach at 844-642-2338 Ext. 3305 or johnsonad@nicc.edu.

For more about participating child care centers contact Nic Hockenberry, Director of Workforce Programming at Greater Dubuque Development via phone 563-557-9049 or at nicolash@greaterdubuque.org.