posted
by Mary Janssen on Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R)’s roots go back to 1989, when across the nation 60 percent of working women were mothers to infants or toddlers. Iowa saw a growing need to establish an agency dedicated to addressing the gaps in care for children to support the growing workforce. What first started in small areas around the state of Iowa was soon offered statewide in 1992.
Making the connection with EPI.
In 1976, Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI) too, saw a need and began offering similar services to connect the child care community to those in need. When CCR&R became statewide in 1992, they formed five regional programs making up Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral. EPI then contracted with the state to provide services in one of the five regions - CCR&R of Northeast Iowa - serving all 19 counties in Northeast Iowa.
How can CCR&R of Northeast Iowa help me?
Whether you're a family or a child care provider, CCR&R is here to help!
- Family Services: Free child care referrals are available for those looking for quality child care. Call 855-244-5301, visit www.iowaccrr.org or email us at childcare@episervice.org to get started.
- Child Care Consultation: Supporting child care providers with licensing and registration, training and achieving quality services for in home care, centers and preschools.
- Business and Community: CCR&R helps bridge the gap between providers, employers and community groups to work toward quality care for all of our youngest citizens.
How does CCR&R of Northeast help Iowa?
To put it simply, CCR&R is a community-based program dedicated to helping families and child care providers.
CCR&R agencies are staffed by early care and education professionals working to support families by…
- Offering a free, confidential service that provides parents customized referrals to quality child care services
- Providing several educational tools to aid in their search to find quality care
CCR&R employs Child Care Consultants to offer on-site and virtual consultation to licensed preschools, centers, registered and non-registered home providers in the following areas…
- Supporting providers in complying with state regulations coming from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
- Offering trainings in a variety of topics to not only meet licensing/registration requirements, but to also improve the quality of care.
- They also facilitate many types of professional development opportunities for the adults who care for our youngest citizens.
But they don't stop there! CCR&R also works to build the supply of quality child care options in communities by collecting data that impacts local decisions and solutions to our child care needs collaborating with other communities along the way.
So, why did Iowa CCR&R rebrand?
"Rebranding is an opportunity to cause a stir, grab people’s attention, and draw them in so they can learn about all the important work that is being done," shared Mary Janssen.
Over the years, CCR&R has expanded its services, reached new heights, and adapted to the changing needs of families and child care providers. Their new brand identity reflects the commitment to innovation, excellence, and providing quality care that meet your needs.
What's changed?
Iowa CCR&R has given their brand a complete makeover with a new logo, updated color scheme, and redesigned website. Our new visual identity is modern, sleek, and user-friendly, ensuring you have the best experience when interacting with us. Check it out here - www.iowaccrr.org.
What remains the same?
While the CCR&R look has changed, their name, core values and commitment to quality remain unwavering. You can continue to expect the same level of dedication, reliability, and excellence that you’ve come to know from them.
EPI and CCR&R of Northeast Iowa would like to express our deepest gratitude to child care providers, families, partners, and employees. Your support and trust have been instrumental in our growth and success. We’re excited about this new chapter and look forward to continuing to serve you.
