Johnson County Social Services accepting 2021-2022 School Ready Scholarship applications

JOHNSON COUNTY — Every child should begin school healthy and ready to learn. Many children benefit from quality early educational experiences, and studies show that children in high-quality child care demonstrate greater school readiness and success through second grade compared to children in low-quality care. However, not every parent or guardian can afford quality early education. The School Ready Scholarship Program may be able to provide assistance.

The Johnson County Empowerment/Early Childhood Iowa Area Board is accepting applications for School Ready Scholarships for the 2021-2022 school year. The School Ready Scholarship program can assist parents or guardians in paying for a quality preschool experience for their child.

Scholarships are available for 3-, 4-, or 5-year-old children who are of-age by Sept. 15, who will begin kindergarten in Fall 2022 or Fall 2023. Priority will be given to children beginning kindergarten during Fall 2022. School Ready Scholarships help fund quality preschool at the eligible program of the family's choice. Eligible programs must meet quality rating standards. Applications received by July 1, 2021, will be given first consideration. Applications received after July 1 will be considered on a first-received, first-considered basis. Families must meet income eligibility guidelines and reside in Johnson County.

Applications are available at https://forms.gle/iZfirmLPc2ZF64AVA.

For more information contact Sam Turnbull at (319) 356-6090 or empower@johnsoncountyiowa.gov.