Helping Those Less Fortunate

The Dubuque Y Announces Participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program

The Dubuque Community YMCA/YWCA is thrilled to announce their participation in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). CACFP helps the Y ensure that nutritious meals are provided at no separate charge to children enrolled in the following programs: Dubuque Y Early Learning Center – Finley and Booth locations, Before and After School Care at 9 school sites (Bryant, Carver, Eisenhower, Epworth, Irving, Kennedy, Sageville, Table Mound, Hoover), and their School Day Out program. Meals are provided without regards to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and the Dubuque Community YMCA/YWCA’s Child Care receives partial reimbursement based upon the income information provided by the children’s parent or legal guardian. Eligibility guidelines for reduced price meals can be found on the page attached.

In addition to following these income eligibility guidelines, the Dubuque Y Early Learning Centers, Finley and Booth locations are recognized as a level 4 on the Iowa Quality Rating System (QRS) for Child Care Providers. QRS is a voluntary program that rates child care providers on quality indicators such as professional development, health and safety, environment, family and community partnerships, leadership, and administration. Dubuque Y’s Executive Director of Child Care and Social Services, Deb Gustafson, says “We believe that quality is an ongoing process and we continually strive towards maintaining and improving the quality of care we provide. This rating shows along with our participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program that we are committed to nurturing the whole child, and his or her family, all while making sure they have a healthy and safe environment to grow and learn in.”

In total, the Dubuque Y serves 150 children each year through their Early Learning Centers, Before and After school Care, and School Day Out Care. The Dubuque Y’s Child Care programs are committed to maintaining federal and state standards, which meet the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social needs of children. All Dubuque Y child care programs are licensed by the State of Iowa and staff members are trained to meet initiatives, above and beyond licensing requirements.

The Dubuque Y is and will always be a place where the health and well-being of all comes first and foremost. We are dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected, and secure children, adults and families. Every day our impact is felt when a child in our early learning center reaches a new milestone, a woman and her children move into their first apartment after staying at our Victim Services Shelter, and when the community comes together for the common good.

About the Y: The Dubuque Community YMCA/YWCA serves 10,000 individuals annually in membership and programs with 10 childcare sites located throughout Dubuque and surrounding areas. The Y offers health and wellness activities and programs that include youth sports, school-age and pre-school child care, summer day camp, aquatics, Zipline and classes for all ages. The Dubuque Community YMCA/YWCA is a leading nonprofit strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, eliminating racism, and empowering women.