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Connecting Families to Quality Child Care

posted by Mary Janssen on Monday, December 23, 2024

Child care isn’t just about finding a safe place for children while parents work— it’s about creating environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Access to high-quality child care sets the stage for a child’s long-term success, and choosing the right provider is an essential decision for families.

That's why, Iowa becomes the first state to adopt an online child care search tool allowing families to find quality child care along the way by entering routes.

Whether you're wanting to look for care near home, work, or any stops along the way - you can customize your search based on your family’s needs using an interactive map displaying providers with current openings.

Follow these three simple steps:

  1. Enter Your Location: Start by entering your city, zip code, or county to find providers nearby.
  2. Filter Your Search: Customize your search by selecting filters such as the type of care (center-based or in home), age group, hours of operation, and transportation options.
  3. Explore Results: Browse detailed information about each provider, including their licensing status, capacity, contact details, and even "favorite" providers to see side-by-side comparisons!

The tool also connects families to additional resources, including information about financial assistance programs, provider quality ratings, and steps to enroll your child.

Find additional search information and a short video on how to use the Child Care Search tool by following the link found here: https://childcaresearch.iowa.gov

About The Author

Mary Janssen is EPI's Children & Family Services Director for Child Care Resource & Referral.