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Little Eagles Childcare opens in Keota
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
KEOTA — Community leaders, educators, and residents gathered Jan. 14, 2026, to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Little Eagles Childcare, the first childcare center launched through the Keokuk County Childcare Network (KCCN).
KCCN, a nonprofit working to establish a countywide network of childcare centers, is partnered with Keota CSD utilizing two rooms in the Keota elementary building.
The event marked a significant milestone in addressing one of the county’s most pressing challenges: access to affordable, reliable, and nearby childcare.
Board members and staff from KCCN were joined by representatives of the Keokuk County Economic Development (KCED) Board to commemorate the opening. Photos from the open house captured the sense of celebration and progress as the community formally welcomed the new center.
For years, Keokuk County families faced a severe shortage of licensed childcare options. At one point, more than 500 children under the age of five had no licensed childcare available to them, placing the county among the most extreme childcare deserts in Iowa. The lack of access affected not only parents, but also employers, schools, and the broader economic health of the region.
Little Eagles Childcare represents a turning point. The center is the result of sustained community collaboration, local leadership, and significant financial support. More than $127,000 was raised through individual, business, and grant donations to opening the doors.
The Keota School Board played a key role in advancing the vision, recognizing the link between strong schools, strong families, and dependable childcare. Numerous partners and volunteers also contributed time and expertise throughout the planning and development process.
Leadership from the Keokuk County Childcare Network was central to the effort, with KCCN maintaining a focus on creating high-quality, licensed childcare that meets the real needs of working families. Board President Gary Iosbaker was recognized for his leadership and commitment in guiding the project from concept to reality.
Community leaders emphasized that the opening of Little Eagles Childcare is about more than a single facility. It signals renewed momentum for Keota and Keokuk County, supporting workforce stability, family well-being, and long-term community growth.
As the first KCCN childcare center, Little Eagles Childcare is viewed as a foundation for future efforts to expand access to childcare across the county. The Jan.14 celebration underscored a shared belief that investing in families is essential to building a stronger, more resilient community.
