Iowa

Overview of Pre-K Program-Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SVPP)

Program is voluntary and open to all children four year old children.
Families who do not qualify for free or reduced lunch may still participate but may be asked to pay part of the tuition based on a sliding scale.
School districts apply through a competitive grant process. Priority is given to high-poverty districts.
Funding is provided directly to public schools which then either provide services through their schools or collaborate with existing community providers.
Funded from the general revenue fund.
Administered through the Iowa Department of Education.

Serves high risk three to five year olds.
At least 80 percent of children in each room must qualify for free lunch. The other 20 percent can qualify based on other risk factors which include developmental delay, homelessness, low birth weight, or parental substance abuse or incarceration.
Families that are considered “over-income” may need to pay part of the tuition based on a sliding scale.
Program is funded through competitive grants.
Funds are distributed directly to public schools, private agencies, faith-based programs and Head Start programs. These programs can then subcontract to other providers with similar settings.

1989 Iowa launches Shared Visions program serving 3 to 5 year old children in part and full day programs.
2007 Iowa launches Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program, expanding pre-k access to more than 4,500 more children.
2008 Shared Visions serves 2,155 children.
2009 SVPP serves approximately 9,676 children.