Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced $1 million in initial funding for competitive grants to support school districts that partner with or create local child care centers to help more high school students earn a national child development credential. Through the new Credentials for Child Care Careers grant, available through the Iowa Department of Education, eligible school districts can apply for up to $15,000 for each of the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years, for a total of $30,000. Allowable costs include student exam fees, textbooks, CDA course materials, student stipends, licensed child care partner stipends and other approved expenses that help remove barriers to participation. Applications for the Credentials for Child Care Careers grant will be accepted until the deadline at noon on March 29. More information is available on the Iowa Department of Education website.