mahaska wapello - fye 2014-2016 community plan...community plan fye 2014-2016 (updated annually/2015...

Community Plan FYE 2014-2016 (Updated Annually/2015 Red) Page 1

Mahaska Wapello - FYE 2014-2016

Community Plan

Nicholas Maxwell, Board Chair Pat McReynolds, MVVECI Area Director

323 W. Manning P.O. Box 335

Ottumwa, Iowa 52501 Richland, Iowa 52585

641-682-8326 641-451-5437

[email protected] [email protected]

Signature, Board Chair June 25th 2015

Community Plan Review and Update by the Advisory Committee: June 17th 2015

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section I: General Information Identification of the Early Childhood Iowa Area (ECIA) Use of the Community Plan Early Childhood Iowa Area’s Vision and Mission Area Demographics and Geographic Composition Section II: Community Needs Assessment Development of the ECI Area’s Community Needs Assessment Analysis of the ECI Area Data Collected Priorities of the ECI Area Board and Analysis Indicators of the ECI Area Board and Analysis Indicator Trend Data Matrix Strategies of the ECI Area Board Quality Programming Capacity of Board to Address Priorities ECI Area Board’s Process for Awarding Funds Section III: Fiscal Assessment ECI Area Fiscal Assessment Process Used to Gather Information Collaborative Funding Early Childhood Iowa Area Fiscal Assessment Results Matrix Section IV: Community Collaboration Collaborative and Networking Opportunities Community Partners Section V: Review and Evaluation Appendix: Community Plan Briefs Supporting Quality Programming Documents


SECTION I: GENERAL INFORMATION

Identification of the ECIA The Mahaska Wapello Early Childhood Iowa (MWECI) area consists of a two-county wide area. Mahaska County is a non-metropolitan area located in South Central Iowa. The county is composed of ten incorporated communities and their surrounding rural areas. Its county seat is Oskaloosa, Iowa. Wapello County is a non-metropolitan county located in South Central Iowa. The County is composed of seven incorporated communities and their surrounding rural areas. Its county seat is Ottumwa, Iowa. The Mahaska Wapello Early Childhood Iowa Area serves children ages 0-5 years and their families who reside in the two-county area. Children, birth through age 5 and pregnant mothers, living in the Mahaska Wapello Early Childhood Iowa Area, are eligible to apply for Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) funded services. Number of eligible children:

Children age 5 and under in Mahaska County – 1,419

Children age 5 and under in Wapello County – 2,005 (Data-Woods and Poole 2010)

Per 2012/2013 information there were 267/273 live births in Mahaska County; Wapello County had 432/425. Included in these numbers were the teen births: Live births to teens for Mahaska County was 11/23 and Wapello County was 53/39. Also included in these numbers were the low birth rate numbers (birth weight less than 5 pounds 9 ounces): Mahaska County at 7/17 and Wapello County at 36/37. Data – 2012/2013 Vital Statistics of Iowa (Iowa Dept. of Public Health). Services Out of Area The MWECI Board believes that state and federal funding providing services for children should follow the needs of the child, hence the MWECI Board will fund services for children in bordering counties once the need has been established and assurances have been provided that there is no supplanting of funds or duplication of funding. The Early Childhood Iowa Area Board has policies in regard to

families living in the area but requesting to receive services outside the area

families living outside the area but requesting services within the Mahaska Wapello Early Childhood Area

families living outside the area


Use of the Community Plan: An effective community plan builds a strong foundation for community collaboration. The MWECI Board, in cooperation with community partners, other agencies, programs and services, use the community plan to move our local early care, health and education system forward by:

Keeping our work focused on answering "is it good for children and families?"

Recognizing that we all are a part of the local (and larger) system and working towards keeping everyone well informed and knowledgeable about relevant early care, health and education issues including utilization of current data, reports, legislation and local barriers.

Establishing and building strong relationships between early care, health, and education community partners, agencies, programs and services through joint efforts in effective communication by sharing program information, making referrals, attending local community meetings, braiding and sharing of resources and working toward coordinated intake and case management.

The plan is a living, breathing, ever-changing document that reflects the needs and assets of our community. The MWECI Board invites the MWECI Advisory Committee and other local community providers including parents, to review and provide input into updating the plan. The process includes:

1. Reviewing the Mission Statement 2. Reviewing the Vision Statement 3. Reviewing the Community Assessment completed in the late spring

of 2013 (and other more current localized data collected in the spring of 2015):

a. Identifying barriers b. Identifying needs of families c. Identifying community resources and gaps d. Identifying service priorities that would best meet the needs

of the children in the service area 4. Identifying the area indicators 5. Completing a fiscal assessment for the area

Input is requested and received from our local community providers, service agencies both public and private. Information from parents and consumers is received through the community assessment process and through review of additional community assessments made available.

As the MWECIA board considers funding for services, the Community Plan is utilized in determining the needs of the community and to determine if the requested funding/services aligns with the needs of families with children zero through five. It is also used as a tool to educate the community on Early Childhood Iowa services and


needs in our local area. The Community Plan will continue to be monitored and updated as necessary by the board.

The MWECI Board, community partners, other agencies, programs and services as leaders in our community are encouraged to use the plan to set priorities and guide decision making. A copy of the current MWECI Community Plan and any other documents referred to in this plan are available by contacting the MWECI Area Director or the MWECI Board Chair. Current contact information is located on the coversheet of this document.

Vision Statement "Every child, beginning at birth, will be healthy and successful."

A vision statement is one way to articulate and share an organization's beliefs, passion and shared commitment. The MWECI Board desired to recognize and show support of the state Early Childhood Iowa initiative by adopting their vision statement as their own in 2007. The Board noted that the vision statement was short and easily remembered. They also agreed that the vision statement generated enthusiasm, energy and excitement for a better tomorrow.

More recently, the MWECI Board desired to clarify the organization's ideology by developing and adopting the following mission statement, core values and organizational philosophy on October 31, 2012.

Mission Statement "The Mahaska Wapello Early Childhood Iowa Board of Directors is committed to providing resources and support to local early care, health and education providers to increase their capacity to deliver comprehensive early care, health and education services to children 0-5 years and their families."

Core Values Respect for all children, families, early care, health and education

providers and our community at large.

Advocacy for all children and families.

Encouragement of high-quality services.

Diversity of ideas and people.

Communication and openness to help us achieve our common goals.

To promote partnerships and collaboration at all levels.

To be fair and reasonable in our dealings.

Organizational Philosophy


"The early years in a child's life provide the foundation for his or her emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development. Each child grows and develops at a unique rate. To help children develop to their fullest potential, Mahaska Wapello Early Childhood Iowa provides resources and support to local area early care, health and education providers who utilize best practices in their approach to providing quality comprehensive services for all children and their families that will secure a solid foundation for school success and a future as happy and productive citizens."

The MWECI Board proudly displays and circulates this important ideology so that all who partner with the board will have a full understanding of our organization's meaning. This ideology is also used to ensure that all stakeholders who receive funding utilize these objectives when determining their organization's goals and objectives for short and long term planning.

Geographic/Demographic Profile for the Early Childhood Iowa Area

The Early Childhood Iowa Area (ECIA) consists of Mahaska and Wapello Counties.

Mahaska County is a non-metropolitan area located in South Central Iowa. The county is composed of ten incorporated communities (Barnes City, New Sharon, Leighton, Beacon, Oskaloosa, University Park, Keomah Village, Rose Hill, Fremont, and Eddyville) and six unincorporated communities (Cedar, Evans, Wright, Peoria, Lacey and Taintor). Its county seat is Oskaloosa, Iowa. Community School Districts located in Mahaska County are: North Mahaska CSD, Oskaloosa CSD, and Eddyville/Blakesberg/Fremont CSD. Chief Mahaska was a Chief of the Fox and Sauk Tribes, which inhabited the southern part of Iowa. Although the tribes were moved to Kansas following a treaty with the United States in the 1840’s, they, through their chief, are remembered in Iowa in the name of Mahaska County. Wapello County is a non-metropolitan county located in South Central Iowa. The County is composed of seven incorporated communities (Eddyville, Kirkville, Chilliocthe, Blakesberg, Ottumwa, Agency, and Eldon) and 7 unincorporated communities (Ashland, Bladensburg, Dahlonega, Phillips, Pickwick, Ottumwa Junctions and Rutledge). Its county seat is Ottumwa, Iowa. Community School Districts located in Wapello County are: Eddyville/Blakesberg/Fremont CSD, Ottumwa CSD and Cardinal CSD. Ottumwa is pleasantly situated on the north side of the Des Moines River, very nearly in the geographical center of the county. It is located in the southeastern part of Iowa, and the city is split into northern and southern halves by the Des Moines River. Here intersect the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, the Keokuk and Des Moines, and the St. Louis, Kansas City & Northern Railroads. This county derives its name from Wapello, a subordinate chief of the Sac and Fox Indians, who occupied this section of country immediately previous to the advent of the whites. The county originated in 1844.


1. Population

The population of Mahaska County is 22,381. Mahaska County has 1,455 / 6.5% children age five and under. (Data source 2010 US Census Bureau Quick Facts)

The population of Wapello County is 35.325. Wapello County has 2,316 / 6.5% children age five and under. (Data source 2010 US Census Bureau Quick Facts)

2. Ethnicity Mahaska County: White - 96.2%; Black – 1.2.%; Hispanic – 1.8% Wapello County: White – 95.3%; Black – 1.6%; Hispanic – 9.2%

(Data source 2010 U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts)

3. School Districts Mahaska County: North Mahaska CSD, Oskaloosa CSD, and

Eddyville/Blakesberg/Fremont CSD Wapello County: Eddyville/Blakesberg/Fremont CSD , Ottumwa CSD

and Cardinal CSD

4. High School Graduation Rates: The following are the graduation rates for 2013/2014 for the individual schools. State rate is 89.68%/90.5%. 1. Mahaska County

North Mahaska Community School – 86.96%/90.7% Oskaloosa Community School – 85.62%/84.91% Eddyville/Blakesberg/Fremont Community School – 85.37%

/92.87%

2. Wapello County Cardinal Community School – 84.62%/90.28% Ottumwa Community School – 88.96%/89.44% (Data source Iowa Dept. of Education Iowa School Profile 2013/2014 Graduation Rates)

5. Bachelor’s degree or higher, pct of persons age 25+ 2000 State 24.9% Mahaska County – 18.9% Wapello County – 15.5% (Data source 2010 U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts)

6. Income/Poverty Data Mahaska County: Median household income $46,477; Persons

below federal poverty level 16.1%


Children in poverty – 2009 – 17.1% 2010 – 18.0% 2011 – 17.9% 2012 – 18.1% 2013 -

Number of families in the Family Investment Program (FIP) 2009 - 2.2% of population 2010 - 2.2% of population 2011 - 2.1% of population 2012 – 1.9% of population 2013 – 1.5% of population

Number of families in the Food Assistance program 2009 – 13.2% of population 2010 – 15.2% of population 2011 – 17.3% of population 2012 – 17.6% of population 2013 – 17.2% of population

Wapello County: Median household income $40,269; Persons below

federal poverty level 17.8% Children in poverty –

2009 – 22.8% 2010 - 26.3% 2011 – 26.4% 2012 – 21.8% 2013 -

Number of families in the Family Investment Assistance program 2009 - 2.8% of population 2010 – 2.9% of population 2011 – 3.3% of population 2012 – 3.0% of population 2013 – 2.6% of population

Number of families in the Food Assistance program 2009 – 18.0% of population 2010 – 19.6% of population 2011 – 21.8% of population 2012 – 22.5% of population 2013 – 22.2% of population

(Data source U.S. Census Bureau and Kids Count 2009-2011, 2012-2013)

7. Unemployment Data – Since 2009 the unemployment rate has

continued to decrease for this area. Mahaska County:

2009 – 7.8% 2010 – 7.1% 2011 – 6.3% 2012 – 5.5% 2013 – 4.8%

Wapello County: 2009 – 8.2% 2010 - 8.0% 2011 - 7.6%


2012 – 7.3% 2013 – 6.2% (Data source Iowa workforce and Kids Count 2009-2011, 2012-2013)

8. Child Abuse Statistics: Types of Child Abuse 2008-2011 Average Child Abuse Statistics: Types of Child Abuse 2011-2014 Average Mahaska County: Among highest 15 for 1 type of abuse.

Denial of Critical Care: 23.16% (117) (Average rate /1,000 children) State Rank 43

Physical Injury: 2.07% (10.5) (Average rate / 1,000 children State Rank 59 Sexual Abuse: 2.02% (10.3) (Average rate / 1,000 children) State Rank 4 Presence of Illegal Drugs: 0.54% (2.8) (Average rate / 1,000 children) State

Rank 57 Physical Injury: 2.4 average rate / 1,000 children State Rank 30 Sexual Abuse: 1.9 average rate / 1,000 children State Rank 5 Presence of Illegal Drugs: 1.4 average rate / 1,000 children State Rank 28 Meth Manufacturing: 0.2 average rate / 1,000 children State Rank 42

Wapello County: Among highest 15 for 3 types of abuse 2008-2011. Denial of Critical Care: 60.72% (429) (Average rate /1,000 children)

State Rank 1 Physical Injury: 4.92% (35) (Average rate / 1,000 children State Rank 2 Sexual Abuse: 1.63% (11.5) (Average rate / 1,000 children) State Rank 13 Presence of Illegal Drugs: 1.28% (9) (Average rate / 1,000 children) State Rank

19 Among highest 15 for 1 type of abuse 2011-2014 Physical Injury: 3.3 average rate / 1,000 children State Rank 9 Sexual Abuse: 1.3 average rate / 1,000 children State Rank 30 Presence of Illegal Drugs: 1.2 average rate / 1,000 children State Rank 35 Meth Manufacturing: 0.3 average rate / 1,000 children State Rank 30

(Data source Iowa Dept. of Human Services / Prevent Child Abuse Iowa 2008-2011, 2011-2014)

9. Teen Pregnancy – Live Births to Teens Mahaska County

Total Live Births – 11 or 4%, 23 or 8.4% Out of Wedlock – 86 or 32%, 93 or 34%

Wapello County – Ranked Number 1/ no longer ranked #1 Total Live Births – 53 or 12%, 39 or 9% Out of Wedlock – 209 or 48%, 220 or 51.7%

(Data source – 2012/2013 Iowa Dept. of Public Health Vital Statistics)

10. Child Care/Preschool Facilities

Business Name City Age Range

Total Licensed


Capacity

Kids Corner Child Care Inc. University Park 6wks to 3Y 93

Little Creations Preschool Oskaloosa 3Y-5Y 21

Mahaska County Head Start @ Webster Oskaloosa 3Y-4Y 45

Mahaska County YMCA Educare Oskaloosa 3Y 90

Mahaska County YMCA Preschool for 3-5Y @ Webster Oskaloosa 3-5Y 80

Oskaloosa CSD Preschool @ Webster Oskaloosa 4Y 80

New Sharon Child Care and Preschool New Sharon 3Y-5Y 87

Peek-A-Boo Point Children’s Learning Center Oskaloosa 6wks-12Y 98

SONshine Christian School Preschool Oskaloosa 4Y-5Y 20

TLC Daycare & Learning Center Oskaloosa 6wks-12Y 15

American Home Finding Child Care Center Ottumwa 6wks-3Y 28

Cardinal CSD – Head Start Preschool Partnership Eldon 3Y-4Y 96

Eddyville Child Care Center & Preschool Eddyville 6wks-12Y 85

First Presbyterian Preschool Ottumwa 3Y-5Y 40

God’s Little Rascals Daycare & Preschool Ottumwa 6wks-12Y 49

IHCC Child Development Center Ottumwa 6wks-12Y 126

Living Hope Preschool Eldon 3Y-5Y 20

Ottumwa Christian School Preschool Ottumwa 3Y-5Y 53

Ottumwa CSD Preschools & Head Start @ Agassiz Ottumwa 4Y 160

Ottumwa Preschool Child Care (Wrap Around) @ Agassiz Ottumwa 3-5Y 20

Ottumwa Y Discovery Lane Ottumwa 6wks-12Y 184

Seton Catholic Preschool Ottumwa 3Y-5Y 40

Trinity Lutheran Preschool Ottumwa 3Y-5Y 24

Wapello County Head Start – 1st Assembly Ottumwa 3Y-4Y 12

Wapello County Head Start / Shared Visions @ Wesley Ottumwa 3Y-4Y 30

11. Health Services

NAME OF FACILITY LOCATION TYPE OF SERVICE

River Hills Community Health Ottumwa Eddyville

Medical Services: provides comprehensive Primary Care, OB/GYN and Pediatric services

Ottumwa Regional Health Center Ottumwa

Health Services: offer a wide range of health care services, including emergency medicine, critical care services, medical / surgical, obstetrics, pediatrics and home care, as well as specialty services such as cardiac catheterization, diagnostic and therapeutic radiological services, wound care, pain clinic and pathology.

Mahaska Health Partnership Hospital New Directions Behavioral Health Services Community Health

Oskaloosa

Health Services: Medical Centers, Medical Clinics, Osteopathic Clinics, Nurses, Physical Therapists, Physicians & Surgeons, Surgery-General, Physicians & Surgeons, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, Physicians & Surgeons, Orthopedics, Physicians & Surgeons, Pediatrics, Marriage, Family, Child & Individual Counselors, Physicians & Surgeons, Psychiatry, Mental Health Clinics & Information, Mental Health Services, Clinics,

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Hospitals, Surgery Centers, Emergency Care Facilities

University of Iowa Hospital Iowa City Medical, dental, mental health services

Child Health Specialty Clinics Ottumwa Developmentally Disabled & Special

Needs Services & Products

Family Planning Clinic Ottumwa

Family Planning Women & Men’s Health Care Clinic Women & Men's Health Care Clinic/Family Planning

Ottumwa Pediatrics MD

Ottumwa

Physicians & Surgeons, Pediatrics, Medical Clinics, Clinics, Hospitals, Physicians & Surgeons

Iowa Health Physicians & Clinic Ottumwa Internal Medicine

Maternal and Women’s Health Clinic Ottumwa Family Planning and Women’s health care.

Southern Iowa Mental Health Center Ottumwa Provide mental health services

Optimae Mental Health Services Ottumwa Provide mental health services

Mid-Iowa Mental Health Services Ottumwa Provide mental health services

Ezra Clinic Ottumwa Free clinic assistance

Pella Regional Health Center Ottumwa Internal Medicine

12. Public Service Agencies – All listed programs serve children and families throughout Mahaska and Wapello Counties.

NAME OF SERVICE Type of Service

Sieda Community Action

Variety of services – Head Start and Early Head Start;

Parents as Teachers, FaDSS Program; Home Energy

Assistance, MIECHV, Behavioral Health, Coordinated

Intake, SHARE Food Program

Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Region IV

Provides variety of services and training to child care and preschool providers

Central Point of Coordination, General Assistance, Case Management Mahaska County

Information and Referral

Central Point of Coordination, General Assistance, Case Management Wapello County

Information and Referral

Department of Human Services

Medicaid, Hawk-I, Family Investment Program, Food

Assistance Program, Child Care Assistance, Child

Protective Services, Case Management, Iowa Care

Mahaska County Public Health Immunization; flu shots; infant checks; emergency medical services

Women’s Crisis Center (Domestic Violence)

Provides safe shelter for mothers and children

Food Pantries There are several food pantries in each county and these pantries are very helpful in helping families provide food for their children

Great Prairie Area Education Area Special Education Services and Early ACCESS Services

First Resources Corporation Variety of services, HOPE House In-patient Rehabilitation

Children and Families of Iowa Parent Partners, 24/7 DADs

Iowa Legal Aid Free legal services for those who qualify.

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services Services to individuals who have disabilities to achieve employment

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ISU Extension Services – offices in Mahaska & Wapello Counties

Financial education, parent education, nutrition education, recreational activities

Iowa Works Unemployment Comp; Job referrals; Education components

Wapello County NEST Variety of services – e.g. food, non-food items; items for newborns and babies, and offer parent education programs

Planned Parenthood Reproductive health care, cancer screenings , community education

Promise Jobs Employment and Education Programs

Public Libraries Provide learning experiences for children with story time and reading groups; access to computers and internet resources

Salvation Army / Mahaska County Only Provides food, clothing, shelter, counseling

10/15 Transit Provides transportation for families to critical services

W.I.C. Wapello County (AHFA) Services to parents and children. Nutrition service

YMCA Day Care & Preschool, recreational services

United Way of Mahaska County

Financial support for educational community impact

grants 0-18Y.

United Way of Wapello County

Financial support for educational community impact

grants 0-18Y.

Wapello County Public Health Immunization; flu shots; infant checks; emergency medical services

Strengths and Challenges of our Early Childhood Area:

Numerous agencies in our MWECI area collaborate and partner with each other to provide services to children and families. This is accomplished through referrals, resources, screenings, family services, training/education and counseling, and community partners who attend the inter-agency meetings in each of our counties. These community partners are also encouraged to participate in the MWECI Advisory Committee. The advisory committee consists of community representatives including but not limited to: parents, childcare providers, preschools, health, school districts, Great Prairie Area Education Agency (GPAEA), service providers, mental health clinics, community action, public health, local hospitals, Maternal Child Health / Women Infant Children (MCH/WIC), Child Health Specialty Clinics, and any interested citizen. As the initial part of our 2013 community assessment, the MWECI Advisory Committee and the Board each conducted a SWOT analysis to begin identifying MWECI area strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

MWECI - SWOT Analysis Summary

Strengths – internal factors that allow an organization to take advantage of opportunities and excel in the marketplace


Weaknesses – internal factors that stand in the way of an organization taking advantage of opportunities or excelling in the marketplace Opportunities – real or potential external situations and conditions that an organization could take advantage of, given the right circumstances and planning Threats – real or potential external situations and conditions that could limit an organization’s effectiveness and competitiveness, if not dealt with in a pro-active manner

Mahaska and Wapello Counties

Strengths Opportunities Advisory

quality early childhood positions (well-informed, passionate, dedicated)

ECI Director has a background in Early Childhood

willingness to work together (collaboration) both individuals & agencies (no competition & sensitive to duplication)

quantity and quality of referrals between programs

priority of connecting families to services

higher education opportunities (William Penn University, IHCC, Job Core)

child care and preschool availability and accessibility good

high volume of local services available for families

numerous professional development training opportunities and of good quality Board

Board asks appropriate questions

long history of collaboration between agencies

board is better organized (handbook, director's abilities & knowledge)

board members are committed to the work

increased financial strengths (review of claims)

good local providers to do service

diverse background of board members helpful

balance of healthy discussion and effective decisions by board members

board and area welcoming to new CCR&R involvement

Advisory

increase agency collaboration (shared funded)

see change as opportunities not barriers

freedom to adapt / respond to identified "holes/gaps"

freedom to change focus when needed Board

address community needs through more development of current programs

board member terms (last year for some)

need for board member recruitment (time)

seeking like-minded (intelligent, thoughtful)

Weaknesses Threats


Advisory

lack of community at large knowledge of ECI work and services

continuous decrease in funding at state level

rural transportation issues continue

county is more than Ottumwa or Oskaloosa

state seems to have more control than local level Board

need to make more data driven decisions

increase clarity on policies and practice (precedent sensitive)

sometimes "too nice"

rely on director too much

Advisory

reactions to change

living wage jobs vs. poverty

Obama Care ( employer insurance requirements)

hard economic times

stable funding

staff turnover

time needed to develop relationships with community resources Board

board member terms (last year for some)

need for board member recruitment (time)

seeking like-minded (intelligent, thoughtful)

ECI as a business

uncertainty of new partners / relationships changing (CCR&R)

SECTION II: COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Development of the Community Needs Assessment In reviewing other community assessments, the MWECI Board and Advisory Committee determined most were limited in availability or too general in scope for the two-county area. Therefore the MEWCI Board engaged the MEWCI Advisory Committee to assist with development and execution of a new community assessment focused on early care, health and education for families with children 0-5 years to help determine the strengths, gaps, and service needs for our early childhood area in the fall of 2012. This assessment helped in the local decision making process in regard to funding services for children, ages zero through five, and their families. The information gained from the assessment also helped our families and community partners in working together toward one goal and to speak with a shared voice to support, strengthen, and to help meet the needs of our families and children. The Mahaska Wapello Early Childhood Iowa Advisory Committee researched, developed and coordinated disbursement of the community needs assessment survey. The survey was distributed to 400 families through child care centers and preschools in both counties as well as to the community at large via Survey Monkey® on the internet and at numerous local community meetings. All hand completed surveys were input into the SurveyMonkey® electronic data system manually in order to utilize the SurveyMonkey® data analysis capabilities. The total number of surveys returned was 258 (65%) which was a high return. The information from the community assessment survey was very helpful to determine the strengths, needs, and gaps in our communities as well as the strengths, needs, and gaps in the actual services in our early childhood area.


The MWECI Board also contracted with Carol LaFaver, Regional Extension Education Director (Region 18) to provide facilitation of several community conversations and to produce a comprehensive two-county wide early care, health and education community conversation assessment report. Carol LaFaver facilitated two community conversations in each county, each with a different stakeholder audience. Family community conversations were designed to allow parents and community citizens the freedom to express their thoughts, concerns and solutions without being intimidated by local service providers being present. By holding a separate early childhood community conversation especially for local early care, health and education providers, they too, were able to freely express their thoughts, concerns and solutions within the context of their peers. Each community conversation included identifying and examining strengths of individuals, families, agencies, organizations, and communities, and identifying additional challenges and stresses they face. The community conversations process with Carol LaFaver included a written summary report of key findings of all four community conversations and evaluations.

Key Findings: Strengths

Supportive Environments for all families: Family support programs, Nest programs, preschools, child care programs, medical community; preventative and education programs, conservation programs, library services, school activities, ISU Extension.

Safe and strong communities: Neighborhoods have strong social connections, neighborhood resources.

Building an early care and education system: Effective early childhood education programs; screening programs; links between programs and agencies; options for parents; and community awareness. Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) provides a multitude of services to child care providers and families.

Recreational Opportunities – Encourage families to take advantage of free and reduced cost recreation and other services. Community partners share information regarding these opportunities.

Educational opportunities at local schools and community colleges close by.

Community belief that the family unit is the ultimate cornerstone in child development.

Key Findings: Challenges

Current economic conditions


Current high unemployment rates Lack of higher paying jobs – low percentage of population

with a Bachelor’s degree or above Declining population

Funding Early Childhood Funding (Federal, State, and Local) being

reduced Uncertainty of funding to continue successful programs Grant funding availability decreasing Family finances Family priorities

Travel Cost of travel for families Cost of travel for employees, e.g. Family Support workers,

child care workers Availability of transportation

Availability of qualified staff

Difficult to find staff with higher education because of low pay

Difficult to find staff with higher education credentials. Rural area

Family Barriers Affordable and available child care Affordable and adequate housing Work schedules Transportation Housing One parent households Parent education Drug/Alcohol abuse Blended families Teen parents Lack of crisis child care Transient population Mental health issues

Analysis of the Data Collected The process for analyzing the data from both the Survey Monkey community assessment and the community conversations was an opportunity for the community at large. Stakeholders were invited to participate in a facilitated, post-assessment session to examine results, identify significant key findings and solutions to address those findings; revise any community priorities and indicators based on the new assessments; and develop short-term and long-range plans for funding focuses for the two-county area.


In review of the assessment information it was also determined that Mahaska and Wapello County families are satisfied with the services they are currently receiving and also utilize services from various agencies within our community. Families are in need of continued assistance with family support services, child care services, and preschool services. Families continue to have financial hardships due to an unstable economy. The early care and education providers are in need of finances to continue to provide quality care. They would like to provide more education/training for their staff; they would like more parent involvement; and less paper work. The results were helpful to the board and provided direction when setting priorities for the ECIA. The finished product of this collaborative effort was a comprehensive two-county assessment covering needs with a focus specifically on the 0-5 years of age population and the five State ECI result areas.. The community assessment results and state result areas were shared with community partners at interagency meetings and input was solicited from them in regard to the strengths and challenges of the communities in the ECIA. Input was also solicited from the current contracted providers of early childhood services funded by MWECI. Ultimately, concrete findings from this assessment have ensured that early childhood human service needs and state result areas are being addressed in the two-county area. This has benefited hundreds of lives and has created a better place to live and work, not only for the 0-5 population, but also for those who are responsible for their care and well-being.

Community Plan Priorities for Early Childhood Iowa Area

Mahaska Wapello Counties

PRIORTY Rationale for Identification of Priority

Support services and training for the prevention of infectious disease, prevention of child injuries, development of health emergency protocols, administration of medications, care for children with special needs, and early childhood screenings (development, vision, hearing, nutrition and social-emotional).

The MWECI area board, based on community assessment and input from community partners, has identified a great need for health and safety training in quality child care settings. Professional development training for child care staff has been a priority in the past and will continue to be a priority. Working in partnership with Child Care Resource and Referral and the Child Care Nurse Consultant, the board will continue to support the QRS process. State Result Area: Healthy Children

Support services and training to improve the quality of early learning environments (child care centers, preschools, child

The MWECI area board, based on community assessment and input from community partners, has identified a great need for professional development in quality child care settings. Professional development training for child care


development homes, and FFN (friends, family & neighbors).

staff has been a priority in the past and will continue to be a priority. Working in partnership with Child Care Resource and Referral and the Child Care Nurse Consultant, and BASEC/PBIS staff, the board will continue to support the QRS process. State Result Area: Healthy Children, Secure and Nurturing Child Care Environments

Support services to help families’ access quality preschool experiences for all children 3-5 years.

The MWECI Area board, based on community assessment and input from community partners, has identified that financial assistance for preschool is a need for families. With the implementation of the State 4Y Voluntary Preschool Program, the board determined there was still a need for early childhood funds for preschool tuition for low income families. The board encourages use of funding to allow more children to become school ready by the time they enter kindergarten. Utilizing the scholarship program allows more families to participate. State Result Area: Children Ready to Succeed in School

Support services to provide family support through home visitation and group parent education. Support services and community awareness for prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Throughout the community assessment the need for family support programs and parent education was identified. The MWECI area board will continue to support effective family support home visitation programs and parent education programs by implementing evidence based and/or research based programs. MWECI supports the Iowa Family Support Credentialing program, understands that effective home visitation and parent education programs increase program credibility by implementing evidence/research based curriculum. The Family Support programs help families to:

Improve or maintain healthy family functioning, problem solving, and communication

Increase or maintain social supports

Become connected to concrete supports

Increase their knowledge about child development and parenting

Improve nurturing and attachment between parent(s) and child(ren)

Parent Education Services promote family functioning, problem solving and communication. Programs focus on:


Needs of both parents and their children

Promoting healthy interactions

Discussing child development and age appropriate expectations for children

Providing support to young parents

Connecting participants to concrete, community supports

State Result Area: Secure and Nurturing Families, Secure and Stable Communities

Identified Priorities The Mahaska Wapello Early Childhood Iowa Area Board has identified the following as the priorities in providing services to families with children zero to five in the early childhood area. They are:

Support services and training for the prevention of infectious disease, prevention of child injuries, development of health emergency protocols, administration of medications, care for children with special needs, and early childhood screenings (development, vision, hearing, nutrition and social-emotional).

Support services and training to improve the quality of early learning environments (child care centers, preschools, child development homes, and FFN (friends, family & neighbors).

Support services to help families’ access quality preschool experiences for all children 3-5 years.

Support services and community awareness for prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Support services to provide family support through home visitation and

group parent education.

Community-wide Indicators of the Early Childhood Iowa Area Board

Mahaska Wapello Counties

Indicator Rationale for Selection of Indicator

Immunization Rate: the number of children up to date on childhood immunizations at the age of two years and again at

Although the MWECI board continues to recognize this as an important measure of child health, and funds the CCNC to audit immunization records, IRIS does not seem to be representative of a community wide pool of data. Not all providers enter data into


kindergarten entry.

the system. The MWECI Board will continue to track this as “Immunized Children” in hopes that IRIS will be more widely used and this will become more representative of the community as a whole. Kindergarten immunizations are tracked by the school districts and school nurses and provide accurate immunization rates.

Teen Birth Rate: the number of live births to mothers below 20 years of age. Rate is per 1000 live births. The number of teen birth rates for a 2nd birth.

Since teen births are recognized as risk factors for infants, the MWECI Board continues to utilize this as a tracked indicator. The number of teen birth rates for a 2nd birth, may be dropped if the board cannot find accurate state data to track.

Quality Early Learning Environments: the number of all early learning sites participating in Quality Initiatives as defined by ECI to include: NAEYC, Head Start, QRS, IQPPS, or ERS.

High quality care is what the board is striving for in providing child care services and preschool services for the area’s children. The board will track the number of QRS facilities with a rating of 3 or above and preschools involved in IQPPS, NAEYC, Head Start, or ERS.

Parents in Workforce: the number of families with children under 6 years with both parents employed in the workforce.

Although economic development efforts are underway, the rate of both parents in the workforce remains high and the issue is addressed at many community events and appears on many surveys. This indicator has a direct effect on the number of children placed in child care.

Child Abuse and Neglect: the number of confirmed or founded reports divided by the number of accepted reports (confirmation rate).

This indicator continues to remain a high priority. The MWECI area continues to struggle with a persistently high rate of child abuse and neglect as compared to the rest of Iowa. This issue also continues to be evident in the community planning efforts we take part in with partnering agencies (PCA Councils) and when talking to our target population.

Quality Family Support Programs: the number of family support programs that meet the criteria of “evidence-based or

High quality family support services are what the board is striving for in providing home visitation services and parent education services for the area’s children and families. The board will track the number of family support programs that meet the


promising program” as defined in ECI Tool FF.

criteria of “evidence-based or promising program” as defined in ECI Tool FF.

Adopted Indicators and Definitions:

Immunization Rate: the percent of children up to date on childhood immunizations at the age of two years and again at kindergarten entry.

Teen Birth Rate: the percent of live births to mothers below 20 years of age. The number of teen birth rates for a 2nd birth. Unable to find a suitable state source of information.

Quality Early Learning Environments: the percent of all early learning sites participating in Quality Initiatives as defined by ECI to include: NAEYC, Head Start, QRS, IQPPS, or ERS.

Parents in Workforce: the percent of families with children under 6 years with both parents employed in the workforce.

Child Abuse and Neglect: the number of confirmed or founded reports divided by the number of accepted reports (confirmation rate).

Quality Family Support Programs: the number of family support programs that meet the criteria of “evidence-based or promising program” as defined in ECI Tool FF.

The following matrix lists the indicators adopted by the Mahaska Wapello Early Childhood Area Board. For column 2 of the matrix, use the following key:

A – Children Ready to Succeed in School B – Healthy Children C – Secure and Nurturing Families D – Safe and Supportive Communities E – Secure and Nurturing Child Care Environments


A – Children Ready to Succeed in School B – Healthy Children

C – Secure and Nurturing Families D – Safe and Supportive Communities E – Secure and Nurturing Child Care Environments

EARLY CHILDHOOD IOWA AREA INDICATORS

Community Empowerment Area

Indicators

Identify the State Results Linked to the Indicator by A, B, C, D, E

Identify Source of data

for each Indicator

Baseline Data

(date & numerical

value)

Subsequent Year’s Data (Trend Line) Identify Year

Goal (numerical value & projected timeline)

Progress Update (Brief Analysis of data)

2010 2011 2012 2013

% 2Y fully immunized B IDPH - IRIS

FY08 M-64% W-67%

M-58% W-61%

M -51% W -63%

M - 67% W - 73%

M-66% W-71% 2014 M-66% W-70%

75% of 2 year olds will be fully immunized by 2016

As more private medical sources utilize the IRIS reporting system, these % should continue to increase. Maintaining %. Program wide tracking indicates higher % of 2Y immunizations are being confirmed.

% Kindergarten fully immunized (new)

B IDPH – Kindergarten Immunization Audit

Begin tracking 2012-13

Not Available

M- 99.1% W-95.76%

M – 93.01% W – 95.95%

M-98.88 % W-88.98% 2014 M-97.72% W-95.24%

97% of kindergarteners will be fully immunized by 2016

Foreign-born families and faith-based families may opt out of getting required immunizations and will keep records from reaching 100%. Significant increases for kindergarteners.

% of births to mothers under age 20

B IDPH – Vital Statistics

FY08 M-6% W-15%

M- 6.5% W- 14%

M-6.5% W-12%

M-4.1% W-12.2%

M-8.4% W- 9.0%

2% decrease in births to teens under age

These figures include mothers under the age of 20. Not all of these births are unplanned or “out-of-wedlock”. Mahaska numbers have increased while Wapello numbers


20 by 2016

have dropped. Local Mahaska community groups looking into addressing this concern.

% of quality early learning environments (new)

A, E DHS and CCR&R #program listed with CCR&R / % QRS rated

Begin tracking FY2013

N/A N/A M-64 / 7 9.3% W-95 / 11 11.5%

2013 No Data 2014 M-56/7 12.5% W-92/11 11.9% 2015 M-45/5 11% W-74/8 10.8%

5% increase in quality ratings for early learning environments by 2016

With the loss of local incentive programs and lack of public awareness on QI, a number of providers have not renewed QRS. The number of early learning environments registered with CCR&R continues to decrease each year and few providers seem to be interested in getting their QRS. Overall loss of 5 QRS ratings 18 to 13.

2010 2011 2012 2013

% of parents in the workforce (new)

A, E Kids Count

FY08 – Iowa 74%

76% 74% 74% 77% 2014 76%

Maintain current % of both parents in the workforce through 2016.

Iowa continues to be a community in which both parents need to work to provide for their families. % back on the rise again although unemployment has continued to decrease.

% of confirmed child abuse cases

C, D Prevent Child Abuse Iowa (DHS)

FY09 M-18.37% W-45.06%

M-20.94% W-43.08%

M-27.26% W-35.14%

M-25.87% W-35.99%

M-32.1% W-28.3% 2014 M-28.4% W-27.4%

5% decrease of confirmed child abuse cases in each county by 2016 and Wapello

DHS differential response may make a difference in continuing to lower these rates balanced against mandatory reporters / providers ability to identify and follow through with responsible reporting. FYE 2015 – Mahaska County increased in number of confirmed child abuse cases with a slight decline this past year. Wapello County shows a steady decrease


County move out of the top 5 for neglect.

each year of confirmed child abuse cases of 18% reduction and is no longer in the top 5 counties.

% of quality family support programs (new)

C, D Tracking through multiple sources. (LSI-IFSC, FaDSS, etc.) 2010 HV Needs Assessment or 2014 State Coordinated Intake Website Lists

Begin tracking FY2013 – Total number of family support programs in MWECI=0/3 funded programs.

N/A N/A 2014 Data 33% ECI funded family support programs received IFS credential.

2015 3 of 4 or 75% ECI funded family support program have received the IFS credential.

5% increase in quality ratings for family support programs by 2016.

The first of 3 MWECI funded family support programs have received the Iowa Family Support Credential and the other 2 programs have peer review visits scheduled. MWECI area will continue to identify additional family support programs in the community not funded through ECI and encourage credentialing process. FYE2015 – MWECI funded a new family support program, PBIS for Families, through Great Prairie AEA. All other MWECI funded family support programs have received the IFS Credential = 42% increase.

For specific/required MWECI program performance measures data, see the FYE2014 and FYE2015 Annual Reports. Copies of these reports may be accessed by contacting the MWECI Area Director or MWECI Board Chair. Contact information is included on the coversheet of this document.


Strategies of the Mahaska Wapello Early Childhood Iowa Area Board: Over the past three years the Mahaska Wapello Early Childhood Iowa Area Board has implemented or improved upon their practices in order to move the early childhood system forward and provide effective services to our children, families and service providers. These opportunities included:

Board review of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process and implementation of a 3 year contract renewal cycle.

Board review of and updates with the individual contract form and process.

Completed their first local community assessment.

Reviewed and completely revised the community plan and utilized the plan in their decision making.

Annual review of the By-Laws.

Encouraged early childhood service provider participation at open board meetings with monthly meetings scheduled; assuring a quorum present at each board meeting.

Utilized the advisory and other committees to make recommendations to the board.

Yearly site visits to providers of services by the Area Director and Board Members.

Continued building community partnerships by the Area Director and Board Members participating in local community meetings such as: Child Abuse Prevention Councils, Community Partners Protecting Children, Community Wide Positive Behaviors Intervention Supports, and Inter-agency County meetings.

Continued co-sponsoring of the annual South East Iowa Early Care & Education Symposium with local community partners.

Quality Programming:

The Mahaska Wapello Early Childhood Iowa Board and Advisory Committee promotes quality programming in the community by investing in programs/services/activities that move, improve or maintain high quality. The Board supports and promotes quality programs/services for the ECIA in meeting the community priorities as established in this community plan. The MWECI area will continue to move forward in providing quality programs by requiring:

All participating child care centers, preschools and child development homes are required to begin, make quarterly progress and receive state identified quality recognition by June 30th, 2015 through one of the following quality initiatives: Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC/NAFCC accreditation, Iowa QRS 3-5, IQPPS, , or inter-rater reliable ERS. Or MAINTAIN CURRENT ACHIEVEMENT if already received at quality level.

All quality rated child care centers, preschools, and child development homes must be actively striving to implement PBIS in their early care and


education setting. Participants must meet established criteria to be recognized (at the local level and as part of the community-wide PBIS structure) as a PBIS site, classroom, home, etc.

All quality rated child care centers, preschools, and child development homes are required to receive training and implement one of the following statewide early childhood evidence based curricula: Healthy Footsteps, Teaching Strategies GOLD, Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC), and/or Creative Curriculum for Home Providers.

All indirect service staff and supervision offering professional development, training and/or coaching must have a minimum educational degree BA/BS in a health, education or human service field or certificate of specialized training (train the trainer) for specific training offered.

All professional development training opportunities must be offered through an approved (recognized by the state) training entity.

All family support programs must participate in the Iowa Family Support Standards Credentialing Program and receive the IFS Credential within time frames established by the program or provide proof of other national credential.

All home visitation direct service staff are required to have a minimum educational degree BA/BS in health, education or human service field. Short term home visitation staff and dual language personnel serving as temporary or interim service providers are not required to have a degree.

All long-term and short-term home visitation programs must utilize research-based and/or evidence-based home visitation model and materials.

All home visitation programs must offer a minimum of 24 visits per year for families who fall below 200% FPL and staff must strive to complete a minimum of 85% of offered visits.

All group parent education program management staff are required to have a minimum educational degree BA/BS in health, education or human service field. Short term group parent education facilitators and dual language personnel serving as temporary or interim service providers are not required to have a degree.

All parent education programs must utilize research-based and/or evidence-based parent education courses as their core curricula designed for no less than 6 – one hour teaching sessions. Dual sessions cannot be offered on the same day.

All parent education programs must offer a minimum of 8 monthly classes with parents completing a minimum of 85% attendance.

Current capacity within our ECIA to address our priorities established in the Community Plan: The Mahaska Wapello Early Childhood Iowa area currently has strong, long-term family support programs covering the entire ECIA. We also have many quality rated child care providers and preschool providers in each county. All five


community school districts are actively engaged in providing 4Y voluntary preschool for all 4Y olds regardless of income. All of our early childhood professionals seek new professional development opportunities and maintain quality programming as a high priority. We have good working relationships with many agencies and individuals who are willing to come to the table to assist young families. And, lastly, the MWECI Board has well-seasoned and experienced board members who work very well together and commit the time necessary to operate efficiently in the best interest of young families. Identify what might be missing in the decision making process What may be missing?

One thing that may be missing, or may be a barrier to moving our plan forward, is the restrictive nature of our funding. When the allocation we have to work with is divided into “categorical funding” with specific limitations on how the funds can be used, it is difficult to react to and fund initiatives that are a response to local community need. Over the past five years, because of the economy and a reduction in the number of children birth to five in our ECI area, we have received a reduction in program funds. However, working with our community partners, the MWECI Board, has been able to continue to provide successful services to our community, children and their families, even though some have been at a reduced rate.

Strategies for continued services in the future: In moving the community plan for services forward in our area, the MWECI board will:

1) Continue to support training and education of early childhood providers.

2) Partner with local community providers in sponsoring the annual South East Iowa Early Care & Education Symposium.

3) Participate in and assist with family support Coordinated Intake process.

4) Continue the partnerships with area agencies in sharing data and assessments.

5) Work on policies related to preschool scholarships and programs to reward early childhood providers for participating in quality initiatives.

6) Further develop the marketing/public awareness plan throughout the ECIA and make use of statewide materials when they are made available to promote a consistent message.

7) Continue to support family support programs and parent education programs.

8) Continue to support the involvement of community partners, families, community leaders in the process of determining the strengths, the gaps, and the needs in our early childhood area.


9) Focus on utilizing funds for appropriate services needed within the area at a reasonable cost and using the appropriate funding stream.

10) Devote one board meeting a year to legislative issues by inviting our local legislators to the board meeting. Participate in the annual Wapello County local legislative forum sponsored by the Healthy Communities Group.

11. Continue to develop and revise the Quality Program Matrixes for the Early Learning, Family Support and Healthy Children’s Oval. See Appendix.

The MWECI Board’s Process for Awarding Funds: The Mahaska Wapello Early Childhood Iowa (MWECI) Board of Directors determines who will be receiving ECI funds from year to year. The MEWCI Board addresses funding decisions as soon as possible in the spring prior to the new fiscal year beginning on July 1st. Historically, the MWECI Board has made funding decisions based on successful and prioritized annual Request for Proposals (RFP). Due to the previous years' continuous funding reductions, the MEWCI Board of Directors chose to move to a three year contract renewal cycle process, beginning and utilizing the approved FYE 2014 RFP's (Cycle: 1st year FYE2014, 2nd year FYE2015, 3rd year FYE2016). Justification for this new process included the MEWCI Board's concerns regarding current and future funding reductions balanced against providing contractors with a minimal sense of funding security, based on priority and successful program performance. Request for Proposals shall be issued every three years, with contract renewals for 2 subsequent years, based on an annual submission of logic models and revised budgets, and successful site reviews. The MWECI Board of Directors will award annual funding amounts as soon as a proposed/anticipated (next fiscal year) FYE budget can be determined; by the direction of the state ECI Office and the current legislative session and signed appropriations. The MWECI Board of Directors holds the authority to award funding based on local contractors successful RFP, logic model and revised budget submission to the Area Director. The MEWCI Board of Directors also holds the authority to modify and/or deny funding based on the contractor's performance, annual site review, and community priorities and additional community input. Funding Priorities are given to: Continuation of proven successful MWECI funded programs, programs that address one or more community plan priorities and state result areas, programs addressing recognized gaps in services, programs that are built upon research- based and evidence-based practices, programs with multi-agency collaboration or programs which work across disciplines, programs that utilize multiple sources of funding and/or leverage other sources of funding, and programs that are creative and customer focused in their approach. All appeals to the Mahaska Wapello Early Childhood Iowa Board must be in written form to the Chairperson of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors


will review the appeal at the next scheduled Board Meeting or with respect for timeliness, the Board may call a special board meeting to review the appeal. The Board will take the appeal under advisement and direct the Area Director regarding any further action to be taken.

The Mahaska Wapello Early Childhood Area Board utilizes the Community Plan and current available information in making decisions in regard to services and funding for our area. Engaging community partners in the planning process is critical for successful programming. The committees established by the board also provide valuable input into the decision making process. The Community Plan and budgeting process is part of the open board meeting policy.

Section III: Fiscal Assessment

Early Childhood Iowa Area Board’s Fiscal Assessment As required by Iowa law, the MWECI Board has identified the federal, state, local, and private funding sources available within the ECIA of Mahaska and Wapello Counties that provide services to children prenatal through five years of age. In completing this annual process, state reports were used such as Iowa Dept. of Human Services (IDHS) funds, Iowa Dept. Public Health funds (IDPH), and Iowa Dept. of Education (IDOE). In addition to these reports the community partners were asked via inter-agency meetings, written requests, via e-mails, and telephone calls for information regarding their funding sources and amount of funding. Follow up requests at meetings, e-mails, and telephone calls were made to those who did not reply. Annually, the area director, board members and advisory committee utilize many different tactics over several months to gather this information including: 1) The area director sends out emails and makes phone calls to community partners and known providers of services, searches public data online, and consults with state ECI websites, fellow ECIA directors in regards to sources of information. 2) The MWECI Board members independently seek data on services in their own communities and within civic groups with which they are familiar. 3) The MWECI Advisory Committee, Child Care Nurse Consultant and Child Care Consultant share existing data they have on file and following up with phone calls and emails to providers with whom they have established relationships. The MWECI Board works diligently to be aware of the constantly shifting sources of funding in the ECIA and make funding decisions based on this information.


1) The MWECI Board requests information on the amount of funding each funded provider brings in from non-ECI sources in the RFP process and this is considered in the process of awarding of funds. 2) The MWECI Board has a history of giving priority to agencies and programs which show an effort to further support the funded programs through agency in-kind and blending of multiple funding sources to maximize the possibility of sustaining programs through uncertain economic times. 3) The MWECI Board has made efforts to investigate and pursue the blending of services over the years in order to use the most funds possible for direct services for children versus administrative charges. 4) The full board participates in the budgeting process and works each year to fit the programs which match its priorities into the legislated carve outs. 5) In regard to the program sustainability, the MWECI Board takes into consideration the location (rural area), the availability of other funding, the need for the service and the outcomes of the program.

Descriptive Example: The Cardinal 3 Year Old Preschool Partnership includes a braiding of school district funds, Head Start funds and MWECI funds. The 48 students represent three classes of 3 year old students from Wapello County. Several of these students are “open enrolled” into the Cardinal district, by those parents who desire a smaller school district and smaller classroom approach. All three classrooms follow national Head Start Performance Measures and each student receives comprehensive benefits of all Head Start offers as well as all that the school system offers. These benefits include: all day preschool / 4 days a week; small class size (16) with 1 licensed teacher and 1 degreed classroom assistant; general developmental and health assessments (including vision & hearing, nutrition and mental health); parent involvement (monthly meetings and literacy activities); busing; school lunch & snacks; music; art; P.E. and janitorial room maintenance. Although the following matrix is not a complete representation of all funds in the ECIA for children prenatal through age five, it the best representation of the current economic picture for young families in Mahaska and Wapello Counties that was able to be secured. As this Community Plan is a living, breathing document the MWECI Board welcomes any and all input regarding all aspects of the plan throughout the years.


MAHASKA WAPELLO EARLY CHILDHOOD IOWA FISCAL ASSESSMENT (Conducted FYE2013-14) (Codes for identifying sources of funding: Federal Funding =F, State Funding=S, Local Funding=L, Private

Funding=P, ECI Local Funding=E)

AGENCY AND ORGANIZATIONS SERVICES

Agency/Organization Location Type of

Service

Provided

Ages of

Children

Served

Number

of

Families

Served

Yearly

Estimated

Funding

2015

Identifie

d

Sources

of

Funding

Identified

Gaps in

Funding

Agency's Level

of

Collaboration

De-categorization M/W Support

Services

0-18Y $320,000 State Hispanic

services

Coordination

CCR&R - Region IV M/W Child

Care

Assistance

for

Providers

and

Families

Infant,

Toddler,

Preschool

and

School

Age

218 Not

separated

by county.

State Advanced

trainings

Collaboration

Great Prairie Area

Education Agency

M/W IDEA Part

C IDEA

Part B

0-3Y

3Y-19Y

89 Not

separated

by county

State

Federal

Referrals Coordination

DHS MW FIP,

Medicaid,

Hawk-I

0-18Y $1.7m State

Federal

Communication

EARLY CARE ENVIROMENTS Agency/Organization Location Type of

Service

Provided

Ages of

Children

Served

Number

of

Families

Served

Yearly

Estimated

Funding

2015

Identified

Sources

of

Funding

Identifie

d Gaps

in

Funding

Agency's Level

of

Collaboration

SIEDA Head Start M/W Preschool 3-5 Y 90 $45,000 Federal Transpor

tation

Collaboration

SIEDA CACFP M/W Child

Care Food

Program

3-5 Y 350 ? State Communication

Cardinal CSD Wapello Preschool

State Aid

4-5Y 60 $127,320

$

State DE

Federal

Head Start

Collaboration

Cardinal CSD Wapello Preschool

Support

for Low

Income

Families

3Y 48 $92,730 MWECI

Federal

Head Start

Collaboration

Eddyville/Blakesberg/

Fremont CSD

Mahaska

/

Wapello

Preschool

State Aid

4-5Y 25 $210,078 State DE Communication

North Mahaska CSD Mahaska Preschool

State Aid

4-5Y 18 $89,124 State DE Collaboration

Oskaloosa CSD Mahaska Preschool

State Aid

4-5Y 65 $439,254 State DE Collaboration

Ottumwa CSD Wapello Preschool

State Aid

4-5Y 123 $712,870 State DE Coordination

Kids Corner Child Care

Center

Mahaska Child

Care and

Preschool

Services

Infant,

Toddler,

Preschool

and

School

Age

67 ?

$3,600

DHS –

CCS

MWECI

Licensed

Teachers

Collaboration


Mahaska County YMCA

Educare

Mahaska Child

Care and

Preschool

Services

Infant,

Toddler,

Preschool

and

School

Age

87 ?

$9846

DHS –

CCS

MWECI

Collaboration

Ottumwa YMCA

Discovery Lane

Wapello Child

Care and

Preschool

Services

Infant,

Toddler,

Preschool

and

School

Age

136 ?

$5495

DHS –

CCS

MWECI

Licensed

Teachers

Collaboration

American Home Finding

Association

Wapello Ottumwa

High

School

Child

Care

0-5Y 15 ? DHS –

CCS

Cooperation

Eddyville Child Care &

Family Resource Center

Mahaska

Wapello

Child

Care and

Preschool

Services

Infant,

Toddler,

Preschool

and

School

Age

? ? DHS –

CCS

Communication

No reply

New Sharon Child Care and

Preschool

Mahaska Child

Care and

Preschool

Services

Infant,

Toddler,

Preschool

and

School

Age

67 ?

$1710

DHS –

CCS

MWECI

Collaboration

Peek A Boo Point Mahaska Child

Care and

Preschool

Services

Infant,

Toddler,

Preschool

and

School

Age

58 ? DHS –

CCS

Staff

Turn

Over

Cooperation

God's Little Rascals Wapello Child

Care and

Preschool

Services

Infant,

Toddler,

Preschool

and

School

Age

38 ?

$8760

DHS –

CCS

MWECI

Collaboration

TLC Day Care & Learning

Center

Mahaska Child

Care and

Preschool

Services

Infant,

Toddler,

Preschool

and

School

Age

? ? ? ? Communication

No reply

Indian Hills Child Care

Center

Wapello Child

Care and

Preschool

Services

Infant,

Toddler,

Preschool

and

School

Age

95 ?

$3239

DHS –

CCS

MWECI

Inclusive

Environ

ment

Collaboration

First Presbyterian Preschool Wapello Preschool

Only

4-5Y 40 $0 Private

Pay

Communication

Trinity Lutheran Preschool Wapello Preschool

Only

4-5Y 24 $0 Private

Pay

Communication

Living Hope Preschool Wapello Preschool

Only

3-5 Y 18 $2150 MWECI Licensed

Teachers

Collaboration

Little Creations Preschool Mahaska Preschool

Only

3-5 Y 12 $0 Private

Pay

Communication


Ottumwa Christian

Preschool

Wapello Preschool

Only

3-5 Y 30 $6150 MWECI

Private

Pay

Hot

Meals

Collaboration

SONshine Preschool Mahaska Preschool

Only

4-5Y 20 $3105 MWECI

Private

Pay

Collaboration

Seton Catholic Preschool Wapello Preschool

Only

4-5Y 35 $0 Private

Pay

Communication

RELIGIOUS ENTITIES


Service

Provided

Ages of

Children

Served

Number

of

Families

Served

Yearly

Estimated

Funding

2015

Identified

Sources

of

Funding

Identified

Gaps in

Funding

Agency's Level

of

Collaboration

First Presbyterian Preschool Wapello Preschool

Only

4-5Y 40 $0 Private

Pay

Communication

Trinity Lutheran Preschool Wapello Preschool

Only

4-5Y 24 $0 Private

Pay

Communication

Living Hope Preschool Wapello Preschool

Only

3-5 Y 18 $2150 MWECI Licensed

Teachers

Collaboration

Little Creations Preschool Mahaska Preschool

Only

3-5 Y 12 $0 Private

Pay

Communication

Ottumwa Christian

Preschool

Wapello Preschool

Only

3-5 Y 30 $6150 MWECI

Private

Pay

Hot Meals Collaboration

SONshine Preschool Mahaska Preschool

Only

4-5Y 20 $3105 MWECI

Private

Pay

Collaboration

Seton Catholic Preschool Wapello Preschool

Only

4-5Y 35 $0 Private

Pay

Communication

CITY MANAGED SERVICES


Service

Provided

Ages of

Children

Served

Number

of

Families

Served

Yearly

Estimated

Funding

2015

Identified

Sources

of

Funding

Identified

Gaps in

Funding

Agency's Level

of Collaboration

General Relief Mahaska EMR

Assistance

County No responses

General Relief Wapello EMR

Assistance

County No responses

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS


Service

Provided

Ages of

Children

Served

Number

of

Families

Served

Yearly

Estimated

Funding

2015

Identified

Sources

of

Funding

Identified

Gaps in

Funding

Agency's Level

of Collaboration

LIBRARIES


Service

Provided

Ages of

Children

Served

Number

of

Families

Served

Yearly

Estimated

Funding

2015

Identified

Sources

of

Funding

Identified

Gaps in

Funding

Agency's Level

of Collaboration

Oskaloosa Public Library Mahaska Children’s

Story

Time

2-4Y 35 ? City Communication


New Sharon Public Library Mahaska Children’s

Story

Time

2-4Y 10 ? City Staff

Time

Communication

Ottumwa Public Library Wapello Children’s

Story

Time


Agency Public Library Wapello Children’s

Story

Time

2-4Y 6 ? City Staff

Time

Communication

Eddyville Public Library Wapello Children’s

Story

Time


FAMILY SUPPORT AND PARENT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES


Service

Provided

Ages of

Children

Served

Number

of

Families

Served

Yearly

Estimated

Funding

2015

Identified

Sources of

Funding

Identified

Gaps in

Funding

Agency's Level

of

Collaboration

SIEDA Parents as Teachers M/W Family

Support

Home

Visitation

0-5 Y 70 $163,590 State -

MWECI

Reduced

funding

and

services

Collaboration

SIEDA - MIECHV Wapello

Appanoose

Mahaska

Family

Support

Home

Visitation

0-5 Y 55 $275,000 Federal Staff Turn

Over –

Loss of

Federal $

Cooperation

SIEDA FaDSS M/W Family

Support

Home

Visitation

0-18 Y 108 $412,814 State Staff Turn

Over

Cooperation

First Resources Helping

Hands Nurturing Program

M/W Family

Support

Home

Visitation

0-5 Y 46 $50,785 State -

MWECI

Collaboration

Wapello County

Agricultural Extension

District NEST

Wapello Family

Support

Group

Parent

Education

0-3 Y 97 $17,590

$7,900

State -

MWECI,

PCAI

Collaboration

New Hope NEST Mahaska Family

Support

Group

Parent

Education

0-5Y ? $0 Private

Donations

Only

Communication

Mahaska County


District - Strengthening

Families

Mahaska Family

Support

Group

Parent

Education

10-16Y 0 $0 State Have not

provided

for several

years.

Communication

Wapello County


District Strengthening

Families

Wapello Family

Support

Group

Parent

Education

10-16Y 0 $0 State Have not

provided

for several

years.

Communication

Mahaska Health Partnership

Public Health

Mahaska Family

Support -

Parent

Education

Prenatal

and

Newborn

35 $11,523

$1,500

State -

MWECI

Public

Health

Communication


HEALTH SERVICES


Service

Provided

Ages of

Children

Served

Number

of

Families

Served

Yearly

Estimated

Funding

2015

Identified

Sources of

Funding

Identified

Gaps in

Funding

Agency's Level

of

Collaboration

Child Health Specialty

Clinic

M/W Evaluatio

n,

diagnosis

and care

coordinati

on for

children

with

special

needs.

Birth-21 ? ? Federal

State

Decreased

Funding

Communication


Association

Wapello MCH,

Hawk-I

Outreach,

CHIPRA

II Teen,

Oral

Health

and

Family

Planning

PN, 0-5Y,

0-19

? $247,502 IDPH -

State and

Federal

Decreased

Funding

Communication


Association

Wapello Shelter

Care

10-19Y ? State Decreased

Funding

Communication


Association

Wapello WIC 0-5 ? $462,031 Federal Decreased

Funding

Communication


Public Health

Mahaska Healthy

Homes,

Childhood

Lead

0-19Y ? $3294 State IDPH Decreased

Funding

Communication


Public Health

Mahaska Immuniza

tion

Services

0-19Y ? $8,381 Federal &

State

IDPH

Decreased

Funding

Communication

Southern Iowa Family

Planning Clinic, Inc.

Wapello Maternal

Health,

Child

Health,

Hawk-I

Outreach,

Oral

Health

and

Family

Planning

0-19Y ? $201,846 Federal Decreased

Funding

Communication

Southern Iowa Mental

Health Center

Wapello Profession

al

Shortage

Area

Program

0-18Y ? $25,840 State Decreased

Funding

Communication

Wapello County Public

Health

Wapello Healthy

Homes,

Childhood

Lead

0-18Y ? $5,558 State Decreased

Funding

Communication

Wapello County Public

Health

Wapello Immuniza

tion

Services

0-18Y ? $8,381 Federal Decreased

Funding

Communication

Wapello County Agricultural

Extension District

Wapello INNSGP 12-16Y ? $21,913 State-

Other

Decreased

Funding

Communication


OTHER SERVICES / PROGRAMS


Service

Provide

d

Ages of

Childre

n

Served

Number

of

Families

Served

Yearly

Estimated

Funding 2015

Identified

Sources of

Funding

Identified

Gaps in

Funding

Agency's Level

of

Collaboration


Association

Wapello Foster

Grandpar

ents

0-5 Y 16 $36,000 Federal Communication

Cardinal CSD Wapello Early

Intervent

ion

0-5 Y $41,273 State DOE Collaboration

Eddyville/Blakesberg/

Fremont CSD

Mahaska/

Wapello

Early

Intervent

ion

0-5 Y $45,980 State DOE Communication

North Mahaska CSD Mahaska Early

Intervent

ion

0-5 Y $36,325 State DOE Collaboration

Oskaloosa CSD Mahaska Early

Intervent

ion

0-5 Y $158,069 State DOE Cooperation

Ottumwa CSD Wapello Early

Intervent

ion

0-5 Y $327,969 State DOE Communication

Perceived level of collaboration definitions:

Communication - There is a process for the exchange of information and common understanding.

Contribution - There is a deliberate, joint, often formalized relationship among partners involving communication, planning and division of roles,

and longer term goals.

Cooperation - There is a defined relationship in which partners plan together, negotiate mutual roles and share resources to achieve joint

goals.

Collaboration - Partners engage in a process through which they constructively build an interdependent system which includes a common

mission, comprehensive communication and planning, pooled resources,

and shared risks and products.

Section IV: Community Collaboration

Collaborative and Networking Opportunities Together, we can achieve more. That can truly happen when community partners continuously engage in networking opportunities in which the