child care works wage supplement program
Wage Supplement Program
How it Works
In Cerro Gordo County, the child care centers have the physical capacity to add hundreds of additional children, however, they do not have the workforce to care for them. It comes down to wages. The average starting wage for child care workers in Cerro Gordo County is just $9.51/hour, and the average wage for a tenured employee is $11.81/hour. The Wage Supplement Program, launched in January 2024, raises employee pay at qualifying centers by $2/hour, making the average wage more competitive and the industry more attractive for workers. This is possible because of the investment of local businesses and a matching grant from the State of Iowa.
Participating Child Care Centers
All child care centers in Cerro Gordo County are eligible to apply for the Child Care Works Wage Supplement program. There are requirements that must be met in order to be accepted into the program: centers must be quality rated by QRS, IQ4K or accredited by NAEYC; offer year-round, all day care for children ages birth through five, and comply with Child Care Works reporting requirements.
Currently, the following child care centers are participating in the Wage Supplement Program:
Most employees working for a participating child care center are eligible to receive the $2/hour Wage Supplement bonus. Centers will provide new employees with a form to opt-in to the Wage Supplement Program upon hire.
Please click here to view the full eligibility requirements.
Support Child Care Works
Child Care Works requires community buy-in and investment to succeed. Your donation will support the Wage Supplement Program and will directly lead to increased child care accessibility for parents in Cerro Gordo County.
Child Care Works Champion
Child Care Works Supporters
Child Care Works Friends
Kinney Lindstrom Foundation
Wetizel Foundation
Let’s Get in Touch
Contact details
Phone: (641) 423-5724
E-mail: [email protected]
Address: 9 North Federal Ave.
Mason City, IA 50401
Business hours:
Monday — Friday 10:00 – 23:00
Closed Weekends