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Programs & Services
Family & Community Services

The three types of regulated child care in Iowa are 

  1. Licensed Centers
  2. Child Development Homes, and
  3. Child Care Homes. 

All licensed providers are able to participate in a quality rating program to increase their program's quality and receive a quality score based on their training level.

Those providing care to children in the family home who receive child care assistance funding are also subject to background checks and must complete the below minimum health and safety training.  

Because these providers are serving families in their own home, the parent is responsible for maintaining safe and adequate housing for the children.  The Department may follow up on complaints of health and safety concerns identified in the household.

All Child Care Providers must complete First Aid, CPR, Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training and other important trainings.

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Iowa's Child Care Data

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Iowa Child Care Connect

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Shared Services is a nationally recognized strategy in which small, independent programs share the cost of administrative services, in order to reduce overhead and improve financial performance.

Governor's Child Care Task Force Report (November 2021)

Re-invent vs Re-build: Let's Fix the Child Care System (January 5, 2022), Opportunities Exchange Presentation

Understanding the Business Environment for Iowa Providers (March 4, 2022), Opportunities Exchange Presentation 

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Professional Development

Professional Development opportunities are intended to enhance the knowledge and skills of the child care workforce.  Individuals that work for regulated child care programs are required to obtain professional development contact hours on an annual basis.  The number of hours required depends upon the individual’s specific role. 

Professional Development contact hours must be provided by entities approved by Iowa HHS and can take any of the following forms:

  • Training (learning experiences on specific topics)
  • Education (formal coursework through an accredited college or university)
  • Coaching (process led by an expert to develop specific skills or behaviors)

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