The Johnson County Empowerment/Early Childhood Iowa Area Board announces a new round of mini grants to registered child development homes and licensed child care centers in Johnson County. These Early Care and Education Quality Mini Grants are designed to help providers implement improvements that directly benefit children, families and staff.

This one-time funding is specifically for projects that will be completed by June 30, 2026, and increase quality in local early care and education environments. 

These mini grants will support initiatives such as:

• Classroom materials promoting early literacy, social-emotional development, or STEM learning;
• Inclusive materials that support diverse learners and developmental needs;
• Health and safety upgrades, including outdoor equipment or classroom enhancements
• Technology or tools that improve administrative efficiency or parent communication;

The Early Care and Education Quality Mini Grants are part of a broader initiative to strengthen early childhood education and increase access to high-quality care for all families. By providing small, flexible grants, the program supports both immediate needs and long-term quality improvement efforts. Johnson County Empowerment/Early Childhood Iowa Area is partnering with 4Cs to implement the program with local providers.

For more information or to apply for a mini grant, visit the Quality Improvement Grant page on  https://iowa4cs.com/ at https://iowa4cs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Quality-Improvement-Mini-Grant-Application-FY26-02-28-26-2.pdf.

Applications are accepted on a first-received, first-considered basis, and all projects will be completed by June 30, 2026.