Iowa Child Care Grants, Programs and Services
We have a special offer for child care centers in Iowa.
Contact us to learn more!
Whether you are looking to start a child care program in Iowa or are a seasoned owner, there are many resources available to help fund your programs. Each state has a primary agency or organization responsible for subsidizing child care programs. They partner with local child care resource and referral (CCR&R) agencies and shared services organizations to raise awareness of grant opportunities and support the distribution of funding. They also provide additional programs and services to help you run your business.
Iowa Child Care Grants, Programs and Services
Primary State Agency (Child Care Development Fund)
This primary agency oversees early care and education programs and services in Iowa, and is responsible for subsidizing child care programs through federal and state grants. Visit the Iowa Department of Human Services.
Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R Agency)
Child Care Resource & Referral agencies (CCR&Rs) are another great resource for assisting child care providers with available grants and funding and other resources. Find your local CCR&R.
Shared Services Organization
The community of ECE leaders working to provide services to support sustainable child care programs is growing all the time. Reach out to your local organizations (Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children (IAAEYC) -WAGES) to learn more about their services.
Champions of Mixed Delivery Monthly Call
The Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC) and National Child Care Association (NCCA) and are partnering to offer Champions of Mixed Delivery, a series of monthly check-in calls to share and receive updates about key proposals, coordinate messaging and talking points and share resources for advocacy. View dates and register for a call here.
Iowa Child Care Licensing Requirements
Learn more about Iowa early learning standards: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Learn more about child care licensing requirements in Iowa: Iowa Department of Education
Iowa Early Childhood Education Quality Ratings, Curriculum and Assessments
Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS)
Child care providers earn a rating when they meet quality standards. Many states require these quality standards in order to receive grants and additional funding. Learn more at Iowa Quality for Kids.
State-Aligned Curriculum
Feel confident knowing your curriculum aligns to your state standards. Procare Early Learning by Learning Beyond Paper provides a 100% digital curriculum and assessments addressing the needs of child care centers, daycares, preschools and early learning teachers.
Assessments
Simplify the assessment process and meet Iowa state standards with a unique early childhood assessment framework that makes clarity a key strength of your child care center’s assessments and communications.
Average Cost of Child Care in Iowa
Understanding the cost of child care in Iowa is important for both parents and child care providers.
Annual Child Care Costs in Iowa
In the State of Iowa, the average cost of placing an infant in center-based child care is $11,129 per year.
Child Care Affordability in Iowa
Iowa is yet another state where families routinely spend more per year on child care services than the cost of college tuition or housing expenses. The median family would spend 10% or more of their household income on center-based infant care for a single child.
More Information on Iowa Child Care
Iowa’s low population density makes it difficult for parents to find affordable center-based care for their kids. Increased access to child care would create new opportunities for kids in Iowa and allow their parents to enter the workforce.
View child care costs in other states.
Professional Development Resources
Professional development programs are designed to encourage, support and recognize early childhood professionals seeking to expand their skills to raise the quality of their programs. View a list of professional development resources for child care providers here.