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State-private program in Knoxville aims to make child care more accessible

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A new initiative in Knoxville will attempt to reduce gaps in child care in the Marion County city. The Knoxville Chamber of Commerce announced recently that it will administer the program. Partners include the state of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and the Iowa Women’s Foundation. The program aims to address challenges regarding child care 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 Department of Health and Human Services funds and investments from local employers and businesses with a 1:1 dollar match. The Weiler Family Foundation is providing $50,000 as seed money in order for the community to take advantage of doubling the impact through the matching funds, which were available on a short time frame. “We recognize the importance of day care within the Knoxville community and are proud to be a funding catalyst for this program,” Katelyn Freeseman, Weiler Family Foundation treasurer, said in a prepared statement. “It will take the support of many local businesses to keep the program running past this initial period.” The Chamber will establish an advisory board made up of community members to provide guidance and help fundraise for the program. Eligible child care providers can apply on the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce website.

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