Shared Visions Preschool Program

The Iowa Department of Education is offering a competitive funding opportunity under the FY27 Shared Visions Preschool Program. This grant supports classroom-based preschool services for at-risk children ages three to five across Iowa. The program was established through Iowa Code 256A and is administered by the Department with oversight from the Child Development Coordinating Council (CDCC). Its mission is to advocate for Iowa’s children and support comprehensive early childhood programming targeting families with specific risk factors. The FY27 grant provides a one-year funding term from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with the potential for up to four additional years of renewal through FY31, contingent upon annual state legislative appropriations and compliance with program requirements. Awarded programs must meet state-approved preschool quality standards such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards, Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards, or Head Start Program Performance Standards. Programs must maintain a 1:8 adult-to-child classroom ratio and deliver comprehensive services in alignment with Iowa Administrative Code 281-64. To qualify, at least 80% of enrolled children must meet financial eligibility for free or reduced-price meals, while up to 20% may be enrolled based on other documented risk factors. Applicants must provide an in-kind match equivalent to at least 20% of the total grant award. The program requires participation in the GOLD® assessment system and mandates three checkpoints per year for developmental evaluation. Applicants must also support the creation of unique student IDs and submit mid-year and year-end budget reports, as well as annual renewal applications. Applications must be submitted through the IowaGrants.gov portal no later than 4:30 p.m. on February 6, 2026. The application opened on December 8, 2025. All applicants are required to submit a cover sheet, a minority impact statement, and multiple narrative and budget sections, following the instructions in the completion packet and scoring rubric. The review process will be conducted by trained evaluators and scores will determine award recommendations. In case of score ties, further evaluation may occur. Notifications of award decisions are expected by March 23, 2026. Contracts will be issued within 45 days of the finalization of the state appropriation. Applicants may file for reconsideration under specific criteria defined in Iowa Administrative Code 281-64. The grant prioritizes communities with high child poverty rates, large populations of underserved children, and demonstrated need for quality preschool programming.

Ensure alignment with Iowa Code 256A and 281—Iowa Administrative Code 64; prioritize underserved counties with unmet need; clearly identify program standards and capacity.