The Knoxville Chamber of Commerce will be administering a new Knoxville Childcare Solutions Program.

In response to the pressing needs surrounding childcare in the area, the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce has formed the new Knoxville Childcare Solutions Program in partnership with the State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and the Iowa Women’s Foundation. This program, which will be administered by the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, aims to address challenges regarding childcare staffing, including high turnover rates and low starting wages, via wage enhancements without increasing the costs of tuition and creating more burden for parents. 

The program is currently funded using State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services funds, with investments from local employers and businesses required as match funding. The Weiler Foundation is providing $50,000 as seed funding in order for the Knoxville community to take advantage of doubling the impact of the DHHS matching funds, which were available on a short time frame. The chamber will establish an advisory board made up of community members to provide guidance and help fundraise for the program. Certain requirements need to be met to qualify for the program. 

Eligible daycare providers can apply on the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce website at https://www.knoxvilleiachamber.com/knoxville-childcare-solutions-program/.