Selecting a Home Childcare Provider

By Cherie Kennedy, Home Consultant, Child Care Resources & Referral

A child’s intelligence develops at a very young age according to research. So, it is vital that parents ensure their children are in an environment that is stimulating and enhances learning. If a family needs childcare, one option might be to select a provider who offers childcare services in his or her home.

Home childcare providers who live in Iowa and care for more than five children are required to become registered with the State of Iowa. Registered childcare providers agree to comply with the regulations set by the State of Iowa.

These regulations state the number of children a provider may care for at one time. All registered childcare providers register based upon their education and experience. There also are safety requirements for all homes. For example, each room occupied by children is required to have a smoke detector installed. Each level of the home used for childcare requires a 2A-10BC fire extinguisher (or higher).

In addition, providers are required to complete CPR and First Aid training and complete 12 hours of continuing education each year. Providers are not allowed to smoke during the hours of operation in a registered home. All registered providers in Dubuque County have a checklist visit completed to ensure they are in compliance with the regulations set by the State of Iowa.

All of these things are done to ensure children are in a safe, happy, loving, and learning environment. For more information on childcare providers or to find a registered home provider in Dubuque County, contact Child Care Resource & Referral at (563) 557-1628 or 1 (866) 296-5331 or go to www.neiowachildcare.org/parents.html.