Credentials to Child Care Careers (C4) Grant
The Credentials to Child Care Careers (C4) Grant from the Iowa Department of Education supports high school students in earning the CDA credential through coursework and hands-on experience in child care settings.
Funder: Iowa Department of Education
Due Dates: December 18, 2024 (Round 3 project start)
Funding Amounts: $50,000–$75,000 per award over two years; reimbursement in thirds tied to reporting milestones.
Summary: Supports Iowa school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to help students earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and strengthen the child care workforce through partnerships with licensed centers.
Key Information: Only Iowa districts and accredited nonpublic schools are eligible; high school students are the target participants.
Description
This grant program is designed to help Iowa school districts and accredited nonpublic schools provide high school students with the opportunity to earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. The program requires grantees to offer a Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) course series aligned with the CDA credential and to partner with a licensed child care center for hands-on service/practice hours. The initiative aims to build the early childhood workforce in Iowa by creating clear career pathways for students and strengthening community partnerships.
