CCR&R connects families with free tools, referrals, and child and family resources to help them explore regulated quality child care options across Iowa.
Whether you need infant child care, toddler care, preschool, or before and after school care, CCR&R can help you begin your Iowa child care search.
Search for Child Care in Iowa
Iowa CCR&R helps families search for regulated child care programs across the state, including child care centers, preschools, and Child Development Homes. Users can explore programs based on their schedule, location, child age, and care needs.
The Iowa child care search tool allows families to search by:
- Location
- Child age
- Program type
- Hours of care
- Before and after school availability
Users can also review program details and confirm whether programs participate in Iowa Child Care Assistance programs.
Free Help Finding Child Care
Not sure where to start? CCR&R Parent Specialists provide free support to families looking for affordable child care and quality child care options in Iowa. Parent Specialists help families understand child care settings, explore available programs, and connect with child and family resources.
CCR&R helps families find child care programs and provides referrals. CCR&R does not recommend specific programs, so families can explore options and choose what works best for them.
Families can receive support with:
- Understanding different child care options
- Finding programs that meet their needs
- Learning what to look for in quality child care
- Connecting with local child care referrals
- Exploring available family resources
If you want to learn more about child care options in Iowa and what to look for when choosing quality child care, a CCR&R Parent Specialists can provide referrals and information to help you choose the right program for your family.
- Call: 855-244-5301
(Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:30pm) - Email: childcare@episervice.org
Choosing Quality Child Care
Choosing child care is about more than availability. Iowa CCR&R helps families understand what to look for in safe, healthy, and engaging child care environments that support children’s growth and development.
- Quality child care programs often focus on:
- Positive relationships
- Learning through play
- Safe environments
- Healthy routines
- Communication with families
- Age-appropriate learning experiences
- When visiting a child care program, families may want to ask:
- How does the program communicate with families?
- What are the daily routines and activities?
- How are health and safety practices handled?
- What professional development do providers complete?
- How does the program support infants, toddlers, and older children?
Many Iowa child care programs also participate in Iowa Quality for Kids (IQ4K), Iowa’s statewide quality rating and improvement system.
Help Paying for Child Care in Iowa
Some Iowa families may qualify for Iowa Child Care Assistance (CCA) programs to help cover the cost of child care while parents work, attend school, or participate in approved activities.
Iowa CCR&R helps families understand available child care assistance resources and connect with information about the Iowa Child Care Assistance application process.
- Child Care Assistance may help pay for:
- Infant child care
- Toddler child care
- Preschool-age care
- Before and after school care
Contact Iowa HHS or connect with a CCR&R Parent Specialist for current eligibility information and application support.
Before and After School Care Options
Before- and after-school care programs help families bridge gaps between school and work schedules by providing safe, supervised care for school-age children.
Programs may offer:
- Homework support
- Recreation activities
- Enrichment opportunities
- Flexible schedules
- Summer care options
Use Iowa’s child care search tools to explore programs offering before and after school care throughout the school year and summer months.
Family Child Care Resources for non-English speakers
CCR&R supports Iowa families by helping connect them with child and family resources in multiple languages whenever available. Families may be able to access translated materials, referral assistance, and support for Spanish, French, Vietnamese, and other language communities.
CCR&R works to make child care information and resources more accessible for all families across Iowa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I find child care in Iowa??
Families can use Iowa CCR&R’s Child Care Search to find regulated child care programs throughout Iowa. Search results can be filtered by location, child age, and program type.
How much does child care cost in Iowa?
The cost of child care in Iowa varies based on a child’s age, care type, schedule, location, and provider rates. Infant care typically costs more than care for older children. Visit our Cost of Child Care page for average Iowa child care costs.
How do I apply for Child Care Assistance (CCA) in Iowa?
Families can apply for Iowa Child Care Assistance (CCA) through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Eligibility is based on factors like income, household size, and other program requirements. Visit our Iowa Child Care Assistance page for more information
What is the difference between a babysitter, nanny, and regulated child care?
Families have several child care options, and each type of care is different.
- Babysitter: Provides occasional or short-term care, arranged privately by families for evenings, weekends, or temporary needs.
- Nanny: Provides ongoing care for one family, usually in the family’s home. Nannies are household employees and are not regulated as child care programs.
- Regulated child care (sometimes called day care) includes child care centers, preschools, Child Development Homes, and school-age programs that meet Iowa’s regulatory requirements and are monitored by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
CCR&R can help users understand these options and connect with regulated child care programs that meet their needs.
Does Iowa CCR&R recommend child care providers?
No. Iowa CCR&R provides referrals and information about available child care programs but does not recommend or endorse specific providers. Families choose the program that best meets their needs.
