Application for Home Child Care

1. Contact your local CCR&R agency to request a provider registration packet, contact information listed at the top of this page. The registration packet includes the registration application form and at least six additional forms that are required.
   • Do not send packets directly to DHS. To avoid registration delays, DHS only processes applications that have been reviewed for completion by CCR&R. Once your packet has been reviewed, CCR&R will mail it to DHS.
2. CCR&R will guide you through the Department of Human Services (DHS) application process.
   • If you choose to accept Child Care Assistance (CCA) payments as a registered Child Development Home (CDH) providers must complete the Department of Human Services (DHS) application process. The forms for Child Care Assistance (CCA) are included in your Department of Human Services (DHS) application registration packet.
3. Complete Background Checks and Fingerprinting - forms included in your registration packet.
4. Preservice and annual training is required for Child Development Home (CDH) registration.
   • Create your account in Iowa's Early Childhood and School Age Professional Workforce Registry (i-PoWeR). i-PoWeR is an online tool where child care professionals can locate and enroll for approved Department of Human Services (DHS) professional development.
   • Preservice training - proof required to complete application
     • Essentials Child Care Preservice series training or ECE-133
     • Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training for Iowa Early Childhood and School-age Professionals (MCART)
     • Infant and child first aid that includes management of a blocked airway and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (if taken online, a skills in-person test out is required) - approved training organizations
   • Required annual professional development
     • Visit with CCR&R to create your Professional Development Plan (Spanish)
   • i-PoWeR tips and tricks for Home Providers
5. Submit the completed registration packet to your local CCR&R agency and review Next Steps below to prepare for required pre-inspection by the Department of Human Services (DHS) field staff.
6. Application processing may take up to 8 weeks. If there are questions or errors with your application, the Department of Human Services (DHS) will be in contact directly with you.

For a printable version of the steps of the Application Process, click here.

1. Connect with a CCR&R Child Care Consultant to help you prepare your home for a Department of Human Services (DHS) pre-inspection. All pre-inspections are completed by the Department of Human Services (DHS) field staff.
   • Pre-Inspection Self-Assessment (Spanish)
   • Child Development Homes (CDH) implement Comm 143 (Spanish)
   • Child Care Homes accepting Child Care Assistance (CCHA) implement Comm 95
2. Correct any pre-inspection issues.
   • Certificate of Registration will not be issued until the pre-inspection process is completed
3. Continue to work with your CCR&R Child Care Consultant.