In the 2022 Iowa Family survey, mental health was the most commonly used service by families. However, while mental health use increased since 2019 for higher-income families (from 25% to 34%), it decreased for low-income families (from 47% to 39%). 

Compared to children participating in a half-day Head Start program, Head Start children with dual enrollment in Statewide Voluntary Preschool programs had 49% higher literacy and 39% higher math scores.

Cost of Living in Iowa 2022 - This report from Common Good Iowa details what it takes to get by in Iowa. Their findings show that 1 in 7 Iowa working households can't meet the basic-needs budget. These findings were brought up by many families in the recent 2022 Statewide Family Survey, as families discussed the challenges of the cost of services and finding jobs that support their families needs. 

Breaking the Cycle? Intergenerational Effects of an Anti-Poverty Program in Early Childhood - Since the launch of Head Start in 1965, there have been many studies of its effectiveness. Recently, researchers have begun to be able to examine the impact of Head Start's positive effect across generations. I2D2's recent addendum to the Early Childhood Iowa Longitudinal study includes Head Start data which allow us to analyze the bigger picture impacts of involvement multiple programs.