Provider Information

Legislation on Child Development Homes

As of December 2002, the system of registration in the State of Iowa is called Child Development Homes. There are requirements and safety standards for all registered daycare provider homes. Registered providers may care for more children than a non-registered provider. There are three Categories for registration. The Categories are based on a provider’s experience and education. Also, a provider at a higher Category must meet the facility requirements for that particular Category.

A provider who registers as a Category “A” provider must be at least 18 years of age and complete a criminal background check on themselves and everyone living in the home 14 years of age or older. They are required to have three reference letters to begin the application process. They may care for six preschool-age children; four of the six may be infants. Of these four infants, three of them may be 0-18 months; the fourth infant must be 18 months to two years. The provider also may care for two school-age children for not more than two hours before and after school and all day during an inclement weather day.

A provider who registers as a Category “B” provider must be at least 20 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and have at least two years of experience. A CDA, or two- or four-year degree in a related field, may count as one of these required years of experience. A provider in this category must have two direct exits on each level used for childcare and have a quiet area for sick children. This provider may care for six preschool-age children; four of the six may be infants. Of the four infants, three of them may be 0-18 months, and the fourth infant must be 18 months to two years. They may also care for four school-age children full time when there is no school. When the provider cares for more than eight children, for more than two hours, they must be accompanied by an assistant who is at least 14 years of age. This assistant must have a criminal background check completed, receive two hours of mandatory reporter training, and have a Physician’s Statement of Health. The provider may also care for two part-time children at a time. The total number of part-time hours cannot exceed 180 for the month.

A provider who registers at Category “C” is similar to Group Joint. Two providers must be present, each meeting the individual requirements for registration. Both providers must be 21 years of age, have a High School diploma or GED, and have five years of experience. They may care for 12 preschool-age children; four of the 12 may be infants. All four of these infants may be 0-18 months. However, when all four infants are present, both providers must be present. These providers must meet the same facility requirements as those in Category “B.” They may also care for two school-age children for two hours at a time and all day during an inclement weather day, and two additional part-time children. The part-time children may not exceed a total of 180 hours.

All registered providers must receive the following training within three months of registration:

• Two hours of Mandatory Reporter Training
• Certification in First Aid with rescue breathing. If the provider has a pool, they must certify in CPR for infants and children.
• A Physician’s Statement on themselves and everyone residing in the home to include immunization status.

Within one year the provider is required to have 12 hours of Continuing Education in the Early Childhood field; two of the 12 hours are required to be in Health and Safety.

Registered family providers are eligible for additional training at no cost to them. They also are eligible for grants to assist them with their business.

If you would like to receive additional information or become a registered Child Development Home, please contact Cherie Kennedy, or Kathy Wetter, at Child Care Resource & Referral at (563) 557-1628.

 

Infant Capacity Grants Available

Infant Capacity: Family Child Care Providers — $1,000.00
The purpose of this grant is to increase the capacity, availability, and quality of infant care (0-2 years old) in Dubuque County. All newly registered family childcare providers may apply for grant money for infant equipment and/or other infant resources in order to expand the available number of infant childcare opportunities.

Infant Capacity: Licensed Childcare Centers — Unlimited
The purpose of this Dubuque Area Empowerment Grant is to increase the capacity and availability of infant care (0-2 years old) in Dubuque County, while increasing the quality of care beyond minimum licensing requirements. Licensed centers expanding infant capacity and/or accepting at-risk or subsidized infants may apply for grant money for any or all of the following projects, which expand the capacity and quality of infant care – purchase of infant equipment (cribs, changing tables, high chairs, strollers, etc.); funds to modify existing structures to allow for additional space for infants; enhanced training for infant staff; and subsidies to increase infant staff members and thereby decrease the 1:4 adult to child ratio.

Quality Improvement Grants Available

Quality Improvement Grant: Family Child Care Providers —$500.00
Home centers may apply for $500.00 to be used for quality improvement. The program specialist will assist homes in evaluating their daycare by completing two assessments for each grant recipient. The first assessment will be conducted before the money is awarded. According to the Clifford and Harms Family Daycare Rating Scale, the specialist will identify areas where quality could be improved and discuss this with the provider. Approximately eight months later, another assessment will be completed of the previously identified areas. The goal is that the quality of daycare will be improved by the second assessment. This money could be used on equipment, one-time staff training, etc.

Quality Improvement Grant: Licensed Childcare Centers —$1,000.00
Centers may apply for $1,000.00 to be used for quality improvement. The program specialist will assist centers in evaluating their daycares by completing two assessments for each grant recipient. The first assessment will be conducted before the money is awarded. According to the Clifford and Harms Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale, the specialist will identify areas where quality could be improved and discuss this with the provider. Approximately eight months later, another assessment will be completed of the previously identified areas. The goal is that the quality of the daycare will be improved by the second assessment. This money could be used on equipment, one-time staff training, etc.

For more information on grants or to request an application, please call Tara Roddick, Program Specialist, Child Care Resource & Referral at (563) 557-1628 or toll free 1-866-296-5331.

Business Kit Training Available

Registered providers are eligible for additional free training. Business kit training is offered once a month to newly registered providers. At this training, the provider will receive a file box filled with several resources, which will help them set up their businesses. This training is sponsored by Dubuque County Empowerment.

CPR/First Aid Vouchers Available

There are vouchers available to help childcare providers with the payment of CPR/First Aid Classes. The vouchers are good for $15 per class. Also, we have a training voucher that will help pay for training classes or conferences if the fee is over $10.00. Please call (563) 557-1628 or toll free 1-866-296-5331 to get further information.

Child and Adult Food Care Program

Available for registered providers only. For information on this program, please call Carla Harder at (563) 875-7452.