As Child Care Works enters its third year, the Greater Mason City Chamber of Commerce remains committed to strengthening North Iowa’s child care workforce and expanding access to quality, reliable care. Thanks to strong
local collaboration and early seed funding, the program has delivered measurable results. Since launching the Wage Supplement Program in January 2024, staffing at Cerro Gordo County child care centers has increased 28%, total slots filled have risen 7.2%, and the countywide waitlist has decreased by 22%. All seven operating centers are participating, and three centers have now earned IQ4K quality ratings.
This is the second year without state funding, and Child Care Works is now sustained solely through local support…even as the need continues to grow. To provide a $2/hour bonus, the Wage Supplement Program required approximately
$525,000 each year. Due to lack of state funding, in October, Child Care Works was forced to cut the bonus to $1/hour, with centers backfilling the bonus to sustain a $2/hour raise. Meanwhile, the community still faces significant shortages: nearly 400 children are currently on waitlists, and the unexpected closure of a large center earlier this year displaced almost 100 children. Despite these challenges, Child Care Works continues to support the child care workforce, including
helping centers hire higher-quality applicants and improving staff morale across the county.
Local investment is what keeps this progress moving forward. Donations to Child Care Works via the Chamber Foundation are fully tax-deductible and stay right here in North Iowa – directly supporting child care professionals, families, and the employers who rely on a stable workforce. By contributing, supporters help preserve the gains that have been made, prevent cuts to successful programs like the Wage Supplement, and ensure the region continues to build the child care capacity essential for economic growth