Early Childhood Programs

The Iowa Community Empowerment Initiative was established by legislation during the 1998 Iowa legislative session in an effort to create a partnership between communities and state government with an initial emphasis to improve the well-being of families with young children.

The purpose of creating the community empowerment initiative is to empower individuals and their communities to achieve desired results for improving the quality of life for children through the age of five and their families.

It is believed that the desired results identified by communities, with the support of the state, will be achieved as individuals, governments, and agencies work collaboratively within communities.

It is believed that local individuals in local communities working together will identify and implement the best means for attaining the desired results.

The role of the Iowa Empowerment board and the State is to support and facilitate growth of community responsibility.