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Community Plan FYE 2014-2016 (Updated Annually/2015 Red) Page
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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]
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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
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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
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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
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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
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"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.
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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%
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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%
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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
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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,
http://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/medical-centershttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/medical-clinicshttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/osteopathic-clinicshttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/nurseshttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/physical-therapistshttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/physicians-surgeons-surgery-generalhttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/physicians-surgeons-surgery-generalhttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/physicians-surgeons-osteopathic-manipulative-treatmenthttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/physicians-surgeons-osteopathic-manipulative-treatmenthttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/physicians-surgeons-orthopedicshttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/physicians-surgeons-orthopedicshttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/physicians-surgeons-pediatricshttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/physicians-surgeons-pediatricshttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/marriage-family-child-individual-counselorshttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/marriage-family-child-individual-counselorshttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/physicians-surgeons-psychiatryhttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/mental-health-clinics-informationhttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/mental-health-serviceshttp://www.yellowpages.com/Oskaloosa-IA/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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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:
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
-
Community Plan FYE 2014-2016 (Updated Annually/2015 Red) Page
30
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.
-
Community Plan FYE 2014-2016 (Updated Annually/2015 Red) Page
31
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
-
Community Plan FYE 2014-2016 (Updated Annually/2015 Red) Page
32
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
-
Community Plan FYE 2014-2016 (Updated Annually/2015 Red) Page
33
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
Agency/Organization Location Type of
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
Agency/Organization Location Type of
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
Agency/Organization Location Type of
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
Agency/Organization Location Type of
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
-
Community Plan FYE 2014-2016 (Updated Annually/2015 Red) Page
34
New Sharon Public Library Mahaska Children’s
Story
Time
2-4Y 10 ? City Staff
Time
Communication
Ottumwa Public Library Wapello Children’s
Story
Time
2-4Y 45 ? City Communication
Agency Public Library Wapello Children’s
Story
Time
2-4Y 6 ? City Staff
Time
Communication
Eddyville Public Library Wapello Children’s
Story
Time
2-4Y 12 ? City Communication
FAMILY SUPPORT AND PARENT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Agency/Organization Location Type of
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
Agricultural Extension
District - Strengthening
Families
Mahaska Family
Support
Group
Parent
Education
10-16Y 0 $0 State Have not
provided
for several
years.
Communication
Wapello County
Agricultural Extension
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
-
Community Plan FYE 2014-2016 (Updated Annually/2015 Red) Page
35
HEALTH SERVICES
Agency/Organization Location Type of
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
American Home Finding
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
American Home Finding
Association
Wapello Shelter
Care
10-19Y ? State Decreased
Funding
Communication
American Home Finding
Association
Wapello WIC 0-5 ? $462,031 Federal Decreased
Funding
Communication
Mahaska Health Partnership
Public Health
Mahaska Healthy
Homes,
Childhood
Lead
0-19Y ? $3294 State IDPH Decreased
Funding
Communication
Mahaska Health Partnership
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
-
Community Plan FYE 2014-2016 (Updated Annually/2015 Red) Page
36
OTHER SERVICES / PROGRAMS
Agency/Organization Location Type of
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
American Home Finding
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