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| How do I apply for the Weatherization Program? |
There are 2 ways that you can apply.
- The first is when an individual applys for the energy assistanace program (LIHEAP), the application for the Weatherization Program becomes automatically referred if the household is eligible.
- You may also apply for weatherization at anytime throughout the year by simply filling out an application and requesting Weatherization Services.
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| Does Head Start/Early Head Start serve children with disabilities? |
Yes, Head Start/Early Head Start actively recruits children with special needs/disabilities.
If your child has a diagnosed disability, please inform the HS/EHS staff at time of application and bring along a copy of your child’s most recent IEP or IFSP.
To ensure that Head Start/Early Head Start can best meet the needs of any child with a disability/special need, a meeting will be scheduled with the family, Head Start/Early Head Start staff and any other person/agency involved with the family.
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| How does child well being impact success at school? |
Medical
- Immunizations: Certain immunizations are required by Iowa law to be completed by entry of school. Can provide more information if desired…
- Well Child Check Ups: Schools may require well-child checkups for school entry and/or extracurricular activity participation.
- Lead Exposure testing: High lead exposure can cause severe brain damage and/or be lethal. It can also affect a child’s intelligence, hearing, and growth. Many children do not show signs of lead poisoning or developmental delay when diagnosed, but may show signs of lead damage later in childhood.
Dental
- Poor oral health has been related to lower school performance and may have difficulty in social relationships at school.
Nutritional
- Children can concentrate better in class if they eat balanced meals.
Mental Health
- Stress can reduce productivity and performance.
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| How long can my child stay with a respite or crisis child care provider? |
Each child’s length of stay in the Crisis Child Care Program is determined on an individual basis, not to exceed 72 hours per placement.
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| Is Crisis Child Care like Foster Care? |
No. Crisis Child Care Program services are voluntary, confidential, and parents retain all parental rights. No one knows your child has been placed but you. No one else may pick up your child without your express permission.
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| How widespread is hunger in Iowa? |
In Iowa 90,000 households are food insecure, or have limited access or availability to safe and nutritious foods. America Second Harvest released a comprehensive study that found more than 23 million people in this country seek emergency food assistance each year – of those 39% are children, 11% are elderly and 64% of all emergency households include someone who is working
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| What does Paces to Quality do? |
HACAP Paces to Quality is available to assist both home and center-based early care and education providers. Services are made possible through funding from Linn County Early Childhood Iowa and United Way of East Central Iowa.
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| When was lead-based paint banned in the United States for residential use? |
Paint containing more than 0.06% (600 ppm) lead was banned for residential use in the United States in 1978 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 Code of Federal Regulations CFR 1303). The U.S. Government defines "lead-based paint" as any "paint, surface coating that contains lead equal to or exceeding one milligram per square centimeter(1.0 mg/cm2) or 0.5% by weight."
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| Does my child need to be toilet-trained before acceptance in Head Start or Early Head Start? |
No, your child does not need to be toilet trained before acceptance into a Head Start or Early Head Start program. Each child’s rate of development is unique and the Head Start/Early Head Start staff respect these differences. Staff will work with you to assist you and your child in this process.
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| If I choose not to participate in the Care for Kids program are my Medicaid/Title 19 benefits affected? |
No, you are still eligible for your Medicaid/Title 19 benefits.
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| Is there any reason why I would not be elgible for the Weatherization Program? |
- If you rent, your landlord may not allow HACAP to do the weatherization work to the unit.
- If your house or apartment has been previously weatherized, after Septmeber 30, 1993.
- If your home is for sale.
- If you are over our income guidelines.
- Certain health and safety conditions may also prohibit HACAP from weatherizing a home.
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| My provider is ill, and I cannot miss work. Can Crisis Child Care help me? |
While The Crisis Child Care Program understands your need to be at work, we are not funded to provide care while you are working. We will be glad to offer a list of temporary providers you may hire as a substitute for your regular caregiver. For ongoing childcare needs we will link you with HACAP’s Child Care Resource and Referral program.
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| What is Section 8 housing? |
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) allows eligible low-income families and individuals to obtain a tenant-voucher that allows the city, utilizing federal grant funds to pay a portion or all of their rent (based upon their income) with any remaining rent paid by the tenant.
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| Would the Weatherization Program be able to help me with a roof repair? |
HACAP's Weatherization Program does not help with roof repairs. You may want to contact your local housing rehabilitation services.
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| Does the Weatherization Program replace windows throughout a house? |
The Weatherization Program will not replace any windows in a house.
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| How are children placed in Head Start classrooms? |
Head Start and Early Head Start place children based on age and income eligibility and overall child and family need. Children and families are not placed in Head Start or Early Head Start on a first come-first served basis.
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| How can I find out more about QECE? |
Call (319) 739-1556/800-233-0054 or info@hacap,org
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| How do HACAP Senior Employment Services promote self-sufficiency? |
Self-sufficiency is grounded in secure, economic freedom. Our programs allow seniors, facing a career change, to develop the job skills they need to compete into today’s labor market.
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| How do I apply to the transitional housing program? |
Contact us at info@hacap.org or call (319) 393-7811.
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| How do I get involved with the Homeless Children's Trust? |
For more information on the Homeless Children’s Trust, call Mary Fielder at (319) 270-3583. Donations can be mailed to the Homeless Children’s Trust, P.O.Box 490, Hiawatha, IA 52233.
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| How do I volunteer or donate medical equipment? |
Please contact Linda at llough@hacap.org or call (319) 472-4761.
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| How does CACFP promote self-sufficiency? |
If we want a prosperous community in the future, we need to provide appropriate nutrition and developmental resources for our children today. In verifying that care providers give nutritious meals and snacks to their clients, CACFP-Homes sets the table for our children’s future success today.
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| How does Crisis Child Care promote self-sufficiency? |
Crisis Child Care staff endeavor to help families eliminate the need to live from one crisis to another. The staff assists families in identifying underlying causes of stress, and mobilizes all available resources in securing additional assistance. By working together to find solutions to their needs, Crisis Child Care staff help to foster each family's development of financial and emotional self-sufficiency.
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| How does Paces to Quality help Linn County licensed centers? |
Local early childhood professionals serve as volunteer evaluators and consultants to help centers develop action plans to improve care in areas including: health and safety, activities, room arrangement, furniture for routine care, music, language, and more.
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| How does Paces to Quality support early care and education providers? |
Paces to Quality provides training opportunities to home and center-based early care and education providers.
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| How does Senior Services promote self-sufficiency? |
Senior Services supports the maintenance of good nutrition, health and property upkeep for senior residents of Benton County. Our services promote food security and allow seniors to maintain their independent living arrangements.
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| How does the Homeless Children's Trust utilize donations? |
100% the fund is used to assist homeless children by providing funds for emergency childcare, health care, protective clothing and educational supplies or for coordinating the events. No salaries or indirect expenses are taken from the donations.
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| How does the permanent housing program promote self-sufficiency? |
The Linn County Permanent Housing Program provides affordable housing for families taking the final step from being in a housing crisis to developing barrier reductions and or an eviction prevention program.
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| How does the transitional housing program promote self-sufficiency? |
Transitional housing program provides safe housing for a defined period of time to allow participants to focus on their career and interpersonal skills, transitioning individuals and families from a state of homelessness to a state of independent living.
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| How does Weatherization impact human self-sufficiency? |
By improving the long-term energy efficiency of a home, households spend less for heating, allowing them to apply their savings toward other essential human needs.
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| How is the Weatherization program funded? |
The U.S. Department of Energy provides the core program funding with distribution of funds through the State of Iowa. Additional funds are provided by regulated utilities in Iowa (Alliant Energy, MidAmerican and Aquilla), illustrating the power in uniting government and private sector initiatives.
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| How is the Weatherization program implemented? |
- Households apply for LiHEAP and Weatherization eligibility is determined, or Households contact Weatherization Department directly and make application.
- An energy audit is conducted to assess the condition of the property.
- A list of cost effective health and safety measures is developed.
- Energy efficiency measures are installed
- The client is educated on the use of property updates.
- Post work inspection is conducted to ensure the project meets best practice installation.
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| How much will full day services in Head Start and Early Head Start cost my family and me? |
There are no costs or additional fees for your child to be enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start. HS/EHS receive federal, state, and local funding to provide services for children and families.
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| What ages of children does Early Head Start serve? |
The Early Head Start program serves children birth to three years of age. In addition it provides support for pregnant moms and their families.
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| What are full day Head Start/Early Head Start services? |
‘Full-day’ means Head Start/Early Head Start classrooms that offer services beyond 3.5 hours/day.
Parent(s) must meet a requirement of 28 hours of working/school/approved activity for child to be eligible for full day Head Start services. Parent(s) who do not meet the minimum requirement of 28 hours of work/school/approved activity will be offered a part day Head Start slot for their child. Early Head Start center-based services (birth to three years old) DO NOT require parent(s) to meet the 28 hours of work/school/approved activity to be eligible for full day EARLY HEAD START services.
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| What benefits has the A&R program provided for the local households? |
In the past eighteen months 1885 households (89% of program enrollees) have applied what they learned through the A&R Program, avoiding another crisis situation.
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| What does CACFP-Homes do for parents? |
If your children attend a home childcare provider while you work, you can be assured that they are receiving the nutritional building blocks they need to grow and develop appropriately.
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| What does Rural Senior Services do? |
Rural Senior Services provides:
- Senior dining opportunities (lunch Sunday through Friday),
- Tuesday evening dining (first, third, fourth and fifth Tuesdays of the month),
- Home meal delivery:
-Garrison & Mt. Auburn on Tuesdays and Thursdays
-Newhall on Wednesdays and Fridays
-Urbana on Mondays through Fridays, and
-Vinton on Sunday through Friday.
- Frozen meals,
- Liquid supplement meals,
- Assistance with prescription drug coverage,
- Assistance with lawn care and snow removal,
- Case Management and Social Work,
- Medical equipment loans, and
- Information about Medicare, Medicaid, supplemental insurance, prescription drug coverage and long-term care insurance.
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| What does the concept "housing first" mean? |
Housing First emphasizes that a person needs a safe and secure place to live before they can begin to address other individual needs. Rehabilitation rarely occurs while a person is living on the street. Once a chronically homeless person can obtain a stable living environment, the individual is in a position confront and overcome the difficulties that caused the homeless condition.
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| What does the Food Reservoir do? |
The HACAP Food Reservoir is a member of Feeding America Food Bank. We channel donated products to over 100 of our partner agencies in our seven county service area.
The Food Reservoir also:
- We provide over 5,000 food boxes a year to families with food needs.
- Serves as a clearinghouse and food distributor for the Holiday Assistance Programs in Linn County. These programs serve approximately 2,800 families each year.
- Operates the HACAP Adopt-A-Family Program. Every year more than 350 families are linked with individuals and organizations wishing to donate food and gifts to families in need.
- Distributes over 1.3 million pounds of food annually
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| What else is needed for my child to apply for Head Start or Early Head Start? |
In addition to providing all the information needed in a child’s application, parent(s) will need to provide a current copy (within the past year) of the child’s physical, and a current certificate of immunization that is signed by a medical professional before the child can be considered for Head Start/Early Head Start services.
The child’s physical must include the child’s age, weight, height, head circumference (0-24 months), hemoglobin/hematocrit results, blood pressure (3-5 years), lead screen results, and the actual date of the physical.
The child’s certificate of immunization must show that the child has had all immunizations required for the child’s age and it my also have the dates and source of all immunizations.
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| What is a crisis? |
A crisis situation may include, but is not limited to:
- Domestic abuse
- Medical emergencies
- Housing Problems
- Death in the family
- High levels of stress
All Crisis Child Care placements are dependent upon the availability of providers.
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| What is Care for Kids program? |
Care for Kids informs families of the benefits associated with Medicaid/Title 19 for their children/young adults under age 21. The main focus of the program is to support and assist families in making informed health care choices and assisting in establishing and maintaining a medical home where they can receive preventive health services such as well child check-ups and routine dental cleanings. Team members are available to help answer common questions and give referrals for family needs.
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| What is chronically homeless? |
A chronically homeless unaccompanied individual is a person with a disabling condition who has either been continuously homeless for at least a year or more OR has had at least four episodes of homelessness in the past three years. The person must have been on the streets or in an emergency shelter (not in a transitional housing program) during those episodes.
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| What is LIHEAP? |
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded block grant administered by the Iowa Department of Human Rights/Division of Community Action Agencies. It is designed to help eligible low-income Iowa households in the payment of a portion of their non-business residential heating costs for the winter heating season. The state contracts with community action agencies throughout the state for local program delivery.
The LIHEAP payment is made directly to energy suppliers for households who heat with natural gas, electricity, liquid propane, fuel oil, wood, and coal.
Five-percent of program funds are allocated under the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). These funds can be used for emergency fuel delivery, emergency service reconnection, repair or replacement of furnace/heating system, temporary shelter, and purchase of blankets and/or heaters, fans and air conditioners.
Up to five percent of program funds may be allocated to conduct assessment and resolution activities. Such activities include: budget counseling, energy education, outside referrals, arranging deferred or budget payment plans, staying a disconnect or negotiating payments or reconnections on the behalf of clients. Other activities include improving accessibility to the program to potential clients, making home visits, traveling to alternate intake sights and providing publicity concerning availability of Energy Assistance.
Fifteen percent of program funds are transferred to the Weatherization Assistance Program.
Last year, 82,431 households (201,350 individuals) received benefits from LIHEAP. The average assistance award was approximately $314.
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| What is Early Childhood Iowa Linn County? |
Early Childhood Iowa Linn County (formerly Linn County Community Empowerment) is a citizen-led collaboration with Education, Health and Human Service partners to improve early childhood development opportunities for children age birth to five years and their families.
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| What is the cost for my home to be weatherized? |
If you are income eligible any weatherization assistance that you receive is provided at NO COST to you. The weatherization work is paid for with federal and utility funds.
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| What is the origin of the A&R program? |
The A&R Program was conceived and developed by HACAP, building on staff expertise and observations of human needs within local communities. The desire was to create a cost-effective program that would have measurable and significant positive impacts within the local low-income population. Following its fourth successful year, the A&R program has been recommended for statewide use in Iowa.
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| What is the Paces to Quality First Steps program? |
A free program to assist new or non-registered home-based child care providers in creating healthy, happy environments for children. Services are made possible through funding from Linn County Early Childhood Iowa and United Way of East Central Iowa.
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| What is the Senior Internship Program (SIP)? |
SIP is a paid training-for-employment program, primarily for low-income adults over fifty-five years of age.
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| What is transitional housing? |
Transitional housing is a resource for homeless individuals and families to move from economic dependency and hardship toward economic freedom and self-sufficiency. Transitional housing is a compliance-based program that exchanges subsidized housing and access to quality child care for an individual’s commitment to improving life skills, maintaining employment or status as a full-time student in a degree program.
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| What property maintenance services does the Rural Senior Services Program provide? |
Our primary services include lawn care and snow removal on a sliding fee schedule based on income. For information on additional Elderly Chore Services, please contact Jennifer at (319) 472-4761.
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| What services does the Senior Employment Services Program provide? |
- Participants are assessed to determine individual needs for training, supportive services and potential for regular employment.
- Training Assignments are developed within the community to provide participants with valuable training and practical work experience consistent with their employment goals, as well as to provide a benefit to the general welfare of the community.
- Participants are paid at least minimum wage, plus the legally required benefits of Social Security, Medicare and Worker’s Compensation.
- The option of a physical examination is offered annually.
- Referrals to community resources for non-employment assistance such as health/mental health, dependent child care, transportation, housing, clothing or other issues that may represent an impediment to employment.
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| What supplies will my child need for Head Start/Early Head Start? |
Head Start/Early Head Start furnishes all the supplies your child will need for the daily experiences and opportunities for healthy growth and development. Healthy snacks and nutritious breakfasts and lunches are served each day.
If your child is not toilet trained, we do ask that you provide diapers for your child, as well as any creams or ointments your child may need during diaper changes. We do ask that each child comes to Head Start/Early Head Start each day in comfortable clothing that is suitable for the weather and for messy play. Shoes should be suitable for running and climbing and should protect the child’s toes. We also ask that each child have an extra set of clothing at Head Start/Early Head Start to be used for spills, accidents or after wet play.
All full day classrooms also have a rest/nap time each afternoon. Resting cots, sheets, and a small blanket are provided for each child. Children are encouraged to bring along a favorite blanket or sleeping toy (i.e. stuffed animal, baby doll) for rest time.
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| What supplies will my children need to take with them when they are placed in crisis care? |
It is your responsibility to supply formula, diapers, any special dietary needs, and clothing your children may need during their stay in the Crisis Child Care Program. Nutritious meals and snacks are provided for each child. If you have infants or toddlers, please remember to bring their pacifiers, special blankets, cups, or other familiar items that will provide comfort.
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| Where can child care providers find information about classes for continuing education? |
CCR&R publishes the Caring Imprints, a quarterly newsletter, which lists training opportunities for Benton, Iowa, Jackson, Jones and Linn Counties.
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| Who are considered a child’s “family” when determining income eligibility? |
The term “family” means all persons living the same household who are either a) supported by the income of the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the child enrolling in a Head Start program or b) related to the parent(s) or guardian(s) by blood, marriage, or adoption.
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| Where can child care providers find information about classes for continuing education? |
Paces to Quality publishes the Caring Imprints newsletter twice a year listing training oppotunities for home and center-based child care programs. Caring Imprints is available online on the HACAP Website under the Paces to Quality program tab or providers may request an electronic copy by calling 319-739-1556 or 800-233-0054.
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| Who can pick-up food directly from the Food Reservoir |
The HACAP Food Reservoir provides food grocery products to area food pantries, soup kitchens, senior and childcare centers, homeless shelters and other non-profit programs.
Each month, thousands of needy people receive food from our reservoir.
For a complete list of our agencies by county, click on Agency Partners (your county) on the left hand side of your screen
If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call United Way 2-1-1 (just dial 211). They will direct you to a shelter or pantry near you.
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| Who can provide Crisis Child Care or Respite Care? |
In order to provide Crisis Child Care for children in their home, providers must be registered with the State of Iowa, complete at least 24 hours of approved training, and go through an application process. A complete list of requirements and the application process can be found in the ‘Forms’ section of this website.
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| Who can use Paces to Quality? |
Currently, any home or center-based program in Linn County caring for children ages 0-5 willing to make quality improvements.
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| Who do I contact to enroll the Senior Internship Program (SIP)? |
For additional information, please call George or Joe at (319) 393-7811. You may e-mail us at info@hacap.org.
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| Who is categorically eligible for WIC in Linn County? |
- Any pregnant woman up to six weeks postpartum,
- Any non-breastfeeding woman up to 6 months postpartum,
- Any breastfeeding woman up to 1 year postpartum,
- Any infant under 1 year of age, or
- Any child up to their fifth birthday.
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| Who is eligible for Crisis Child Care? |
Linn or Jones County families with children ages newborn through fourteen may be eligible for Crisis Child Care Program services. All placements are dependent on the availability of providers.
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| Why does Head Start/Early Head Start require my child to have all the extra things done at a physical? |
Assuring regular and complete health care for children is an important part of the Early Head Start/Head Start program. The health component of HS/EHS includes immunizations, physicals, dental check-ups and mental health screenings. Head Start and Early Head Start want to ensure healthy development in all areas of your child’s growth.
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| Why is Parent Involvement such an important piece of the Head Start and Early Head Start programs? |
Parents are a child’s first and most important teacher. Head Start/Early Head Start encourages parents to be actively involved on all levels of their child’s experiences at Head Start/Early Head Start.
Parents are involved in many ways such as volunteering in the classroom, participating on the Head Start Policy Council, sitting on the HACAP Board of Directors, and advocating for children and families in their communities.
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| Why should my child care provider be enrolled in Paces to Quality? |
Your child could…
- Enjoy nutritious meals, served in accordance with Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) standards
- Learn from a provider who receives continuing education
- Engage in developmentally appropriate activities
- Benefit from fun, educational home visits from a Paces to Quality child care educator
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| If I do not live within the HACAP service area, where do I go to sign-up for CACFP? |
For home care providers, please contact Suzanne Secor Parker at (515) 281-3744 or e-mail her at suzanne.secorparker@iowa.gov. You may write her at:
Bureau of Nutrition Programs and School Transportation; Department of Education; Grimes State Office Building; Des Moines, IA 50319-0146.
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