Karrie Abbott, chief operating officer for United Way Quad Cities says the organizations that were chosen are working to make sure all kids are ready for kindergarten.
"Before the age of five, 90% of their brain is developed, so every minute counts from zero to five. A lot of people view childcare as a babysitter and that's not at all what it is. It's creating those quality experiences. "
Abbott says the organizations that received funding focus on finding scholarships to help kids attend childcare programs.
"Those are for parents that might fall through the cracks. They might not make enough to receive state aid. This will help take away those barriers for parents. If transportation is an issue and getting kids to the center, it could be used for that."
The organizations that received grant funding from the Women United donor network include Community Action of Eastern Iowa, EveryChild, SAL Community Services, and YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley.