In a groundbreaking initiative, the City of West Liberty will become a pioneering hub for a new childcare program catering to members of the United States National Guard.
If it sounds familiar, it’s because the city is already participating in the same program with the United States Army Reserve.
"We are the only city in the state of Iowa that will be offering the program right now. There will be some other states that will eventually bring on their guard, but we will be the first," said Geertz.
City Manager Lee Geertz was talking about the partnership during the most recent West Liberty city council meeting on Tuesday, April 16.
With Upwards, a leading childcare provider, the city is spearheading a pilot program aimed at supporting Army Reserve and Guard soldiers and their families during drill weekends.
The council approved the resolution that provides intergovernmental support between the federal government, the State of Iowa, and the City of West Liberty.
Specifically, the resolution approved further arrangements for the U.S. National Guard and City of West Liberty.
Right now, the federal level pays in one lump sum, the state would like to move to monthly sums to follow their compliance.
“With this being the national guard, and this being a monthly payment, we do anticipate that the city may have more administration and tracking,” said Geertz.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing the childcare needs for military members, allowing them to focus on their duties with peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in safe and capable hands.
The U.S. Army has launched the pilot program as part of its efforts to enhance access to high-quality childcare services for Army Reserve Soldiers and their families.
Last year West Liberty, along with Clay County, Missouri, were competitively selected by Upwards (formerly WeeCare) to assist in providing childcare services for U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers.
Upwards was chosen for its technological capabilities and extensive childcare network; it is one of the largest childcare networks in the country.
One of the standout features of the program is Upwards' mobile app, which streamlines the process of finding, touring, and enrolling with local, licensed childcare providers.
It uses an advanced matching algorithm to ensure real-time childcare availability, thereby reducing administrative burdens and wait-lists for military families.
Council member Dana Dominguez first learned about the program while visiting a friend in Los Angeles, where Upwards is headquartered.
“It might not seem like it, but it has such a huge impact,” said Dominguez.
In March 2024, the Baltimore bridge collapsed when a 300-meter-long ship collided with one of the bridge’s supports.
Should a similar tragedy occur in Iowa, members of the local military could be deployed to deal with the situation without having to worry about childcare.
Council member Dominguez stated that she has been in contact with Jessa from Upwards to see if the City could meet with the local hires to put a face to the name and thank them for their work completed with this pilot program.
As for this most recent agreement between the city and U.S. National Guard:
“The Program addresses the essential need for weekend childcare, recognizing its impact on Soldier readiness and retention.”
“It is aimed at enhancing unit readiness, supporting retention efforts, alleviating financial burdens, and harmonizing military commitments with parental responsibilities.”
The program provides childcare services to dependent children of single soldiers, dual military families, and married Soldiers with spouses working on drill weekends.
The initiative is designed to facilitate a more manageable balance between service obligations and family life, thereby removing a potential barrier to enlistment and service continuity.
For military families interested in participating in the program and accessing covered childcare during drill weekends, detailed information and sign-up instructions are available at Upwards' website.
West Liberty's role in this endeavor not only benefits the military but sets a precedent for other communities across the nation to follow suit in supporting their men and women in the service.
Back in 2023, former Mayor Ethan Anderson, council member Dominguez, and city manager Geertz traveled to Washington D.C. for a ceremony to sign an agreement for the program, known as the Childcare Intergovernmental Support Agreement.
WeLead director Ken Brooks also assisted in helping West Liberty’s success in joining the program.
Geertz, Anderson, and Dominguez were joined at the Pentagon ceremony by Clay County, Mo., presiding commissioner Jerry Nolte, Upward’s Jessa Santangelo, and Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general of U.S. Army Reserve Command.
Members of the city will make another trip out to Washington D.C. to sign a similar agreement, though this time it will be with the U.S. National Guard.
Upwards has a team of dedicated Care Managers who work solely with families to match them with providers in their neighborhood who meet the criteria of their needs.
The team supports families through finding care, setting up tours, helping with enrollment, managing the families post-enrollment experience, and even more.
This current pilot program is strictly for drill weekends, battle assemblies, and emergency deployments.
Tuition payments for parents are fully covered only during drill weekends, battle assemblies, and emergency deployments.
Upwards pays the provider as a reimbursement once care has been provided to families. Families are not responsible for paying the providers, Upwards handles all payment to providers.