Early Education Matters

Because of federal and state-level funding cuts, Neighborhood Centers is losing over $600,000 each year — putting access to high-quality early childhood education at risk. But together, we can protect what matters most.

How We Change Lives

Neighborhood Centers’ early childhood programs provide children with the strong start they deserve — and families with the support they need. But due to funding cuts, this work is at risk.

Why Early Education Matters

​90%

of a child’s brain develops before age 5

The foundation for learning, behavior, and health is built in the earliest years of life.

60%

of working parents say lack of child care has impacted their career

When early childhood programs close or become unaffordable, parents are forced to reduce hours, turn down promotions, or leave the workforce.
(Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation)

13%

annual return on investment

High-quality early childhood education yields long-term economic benefits through improved education, health, and workforce participation.
(Source: James Heckman)

2x

more likely to be kindergarten-ready​

Children who attend quality early learning programs enter school with stronger language, math, and social-emotional skills.
(Source: NIEER & Urban Child Institute)

25%

higher likelihood of high school graduation

Children who attend high-quality preschool are more likely to graduate, attend college, and succeed in the workforce.
(Source: Perry Preschool Project)

7%

saved for every $1 invested in early childhood

Investing now reduces future spending on remedial education, social services, and the criminal justice system.
(Source: RAND Corporation)

What Is At Stake

This year, we are opening a new center that will expand our reach by 50%, adding 60 new early childhood slots for a population often overlooked — but both this new center and the families we currently serve are at risk without sustainable funding.

Neighborhood Centers provides nationally accredited, culturally responsive early childhood education to families across Johnson County.
​
We currently offer 100 early childhood slots across our sites — and they’re always full, with many more families on our waitlist hoping for a spot.

​​Without increased support, we face:

• The loss of vital child care slots
• Cuts to staff and programming
• Fewer families served — and more community strain

How You Can Help

Donate

to help fill the funding gap

Every dollar supports high-quality early learning and keeps classrooms open.

Share the video

with friends, colleagues, and local leaders

Help raise awareness by sharing this link on social media, by email, or in conversation

Advocate

for increased investment in early childhood at every level of government

Contact your local, state, and federal representatives — your voice matters.

Donate Now

Find Your Representative

​Real Stories. Real Impact.

Bora
Parent & Associate Teacher

"Neighborhood Centers was the first place to welcome me when I came here. They helped me and my children so much — I see their growth, and I know it’s a fruit of this place."

Valencia
Parent

“My kids have been part of Neighborhood Centers for 13 years. It’s more than a program — it’s been our anchor. Every family should have access to this kind of support.”

Jana
Early Childhood Director

"Early childhood education is one of the best ways to give children a strong start in life. In Iowa, affordable, high-quality child care is hard to find — and without the right funding, we can’t keep providing what our families need.”

Jana
Lead Preschool Teacher

“We don’t just care for kids — we build learning environments based on what each child needs. When we meet them where they are, they thrive. That’s what high-quality early education should be.”

You Can Make a Difference

Help protect and preserve the high-quality early childhood
education that our community depends on.
​
​
Every child deserves a strong start.

Every parent deserves reliable support.
​
Every community deserves the chance to grow.

Investing in early childhood education isn’t just about children — it’s about building stronger, safer, more successful communities.

Have questions or want to get involved? Contact us