Iowa Department of Education

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• Legal Requirements and Reports
• Advisory Group
• Funding Sources
• Supporting Links

The Shared Visions Parent Support programs provide family support for high-risk children in approximately 15 counties. Programs provide individual and/or group opportunities for families to obtain information focusing on parenting skills, child growth and development, building of self-concept, nutrition, positive guidance techniques, family resource management, parent literacy, and accessing the array of supportive services from a network of agencies that are available to families.

Legal Requirements and Reports

Iowa Code section 279.51 and the rules in 281--Iowa Administrative Code  67 govern the parent support programs. In addition, Shared Visions Parents Support programs are required to report to the department annually. A summary of state data is included in the Child Development Coordinating Council Annual Report to the Governor located at:

 2007 CDCC Annual Report 2008-02-21 12:24:11

2006 CDCC Annual Report to Governor (2007-02-07)

2005 CDCC Annual Report to Governor (2006-07-31)

Advisory Group

The Child Development Coordinating Council (CDCC) advises and assists the Department of Education regarding the adminisration and implementration of two state funded at risk programs for children ages' birth to five; the Shared Visions Parent Support Program and the Shared Visions Preschool Program. The CDCC conducts meetings on the third Wednesday each alternating month of January, March, May, July, September, and November in Des Moines. Council meetings are open to the public. Council membership may be found at:

Child Development Coordinating Council (2006-08-02)

The CDCC advocates for comprehensive child development and family support programs for at-risk children and their families. CDCC ensures the development, delivery, and promotion of quality, family-centered comprehensive early childhood services through:

• all preshool programs meeting National Association for the Education of Young Children Accreditation requirements;
• the establishment of parent support programs to enhance the skills of parents in providing for the learning and development of their children;
• cost-effective child development services for at-risk 3- and 4-year-old children;
• comprehensive services such as child care, transportation, family support and education, developmental screening, and referral to health professionals; and
• equity of access to these services for all Iowa's children and their families.

Funding Sources

The application for continued grant funding may be found in this section.

Parent Support Grant

 Parent Support Grant Application 2008-2009

Year End Report 2007-08

 Parent Support Grant Year End Report 2007-08

Supporting Links

ZERO TO THREE's mission is to promote the healthy development of our nation's infants and toddlers by supporting and strengthening families, communities, and those who work on their behalf.
http://www.zerotothree.org/

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) exists for the purpose of leading and consolidating the efforts of individuals and groups working to achieve healthy development and constructive education for all young children.
http://www.naeyc.org/default.htm

The Early Childhood Institute (ECI) sponsors comprehensive and challenging research in order to help ensure that America's young children are successful in school and beyond -- and to enhance their quality of life and that of their families.
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OERI/ECI

National PTA is the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the United States. A not-for-profit association of parents, educators, students, and other citizens actives in their schools and communities, PTA is a leader in reminding our nation of its obligations to children.
http://www.pta.org/index.asp

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