Child Development Home
There are three categories of Child Development Homes (CDH) recognized under Iowa law, based on the number of children in care, the space available for child care and the provider’s education and experience:
- Child Development Home A
- Child Development Home B
- Child Development Home C, C1
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) has a Child Development Home Orientation Guidebook to help providers navigate through the registration process. The handbook is a helpful guide for home providers that gives information on CCR&R, staff to child ratios, training, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), parent referrals, Child Care Assistance, Iowa Quality Rating System (QRS) and more. CCR&R provides training and consultation services that support the child care provider’s ability to achieve and maintain regulatory status in good standing and the effort to achieve and maintain performance at higher quality levels in Iowa’s Quality Rating System (QRS). Please contact your CCR&R Child Care Consultant with any questions you may have. Additionally, Child Care Aware of America has a Family Child Care Resource guide that may offer additional suggestions about the type of child care business for you!
A Child Development Home (CDH) provider:
- Is registered with Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS)
- May or may not have a signed Child Care Assistance (CCA) Provider Agreement with Department of Human Services (DHS)
- Is sometimes referred to as a registered home provider
- Must implement Comm 143
- Department of Human Services (DHS) will complete annual inspections
Child Development Home (CDH) regulation guidelines from Department of Human Services (DHS) explain the minimum requirements for each category.
- Comm 143 - Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Development Home (CDH) Registration Guidelines
- Chapter 110 - Department of Human Services (DHS) Registration Rules
- Chapter 170 - Department of Human Services (DHS) Requirements for Child Care Assistance (CCA)
- For Child Care Assistance (CCA) forms and information, click here
- To access the Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Provider Portal, click here
To help prepare providers for Department of Human Services (DHS) annual home inspections, please use the Self-Assessment CDH form or the Self-Assessment CDH with visuals form.
How to Become a Registered Child Development Home
CCR&R strives to help providers create unique environments that allow children to develop and grow in their own way while focusing on the provider’s strengths, education and skills. Explore your registration options here. New provider registration packets are available through CCR&R here.
Required Forms - DHS
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Pre-Inspection Checklist for CDH Registration - ID# 470-5384 |
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Checklist for CDH Registration - ID# 470-0625 |
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Application and Instructions for CDH Registration - ID# 470-3384 |
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Lead Assessment and Control - ID# 470-4755 |
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Authorization for Release of Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Information - ID# 470-3301 (Spanish) |
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Provider Physical Examination Report - ID# 470-5152 (required for all residents of the home age 13 and up) - (Spanish) |
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Pet Health Exam - ID# 470-5153 |
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Child Abuse - DHS Report of Suspected Child Abuse - ID# 470-0665 |
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Providers will be responsible for having their fingerprints "rolled" before submitting their registration materials. The provider is responsible for the completion of all required criminal record check forms. To obtain these forms please contact the Department of Human Services (DHS) at 866-448-4605. |
Suggested Forms - CCR&R
| CDH Forms Book |
Required & suggested forms booklet from CCR&R. |
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Required information from DHS checklist, 110.9(4)A and B. Packet of required information to be kept in the children’s file for each child enrolled. |
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| Child Injury - Incident Report Form |
Required information for DHS checklist, 110.9(4)K. To be completed with a copy to the parent and child's health record. |
| Children's File Checklist |
Checklist of required information to be included in each child's file. |
| Consent & Release (Spanish) |
Required information for DHS checklist, 110.9(4)I and J Parent consent and release form addressing child pick up, trips, transportation, swimming, photos and other. |
| Egress Windows |
Required information for DHS checklist, 110.14(3)C. Child Development Homes (CDH) can use this document to learn about emergency exits. |
| Emergency Medical Treatment Authorization |
Required information for DHS checklist, 110.9(4)B and C. Packet of required information to be kept in the children's file for each child enrolled. |
| Emergency Phone Number List |
Required information for DHS checklist, 110.8(1)A. Information should be readily accessible. |
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Required information for DHS checklist, 110.8(4)A. Information should be readily accessible. |
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Required information for DHS Checklist, 110.8(4)A. Fire and tornado drills are practiced monthly and documentation kept on file for the current year and previous year. |
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This link will take you to the Emergency Preparedness page. Iowa law requires child care providers to have a written emergency plan in place by October 1, 2016. There are templates and tools available for child care providers to help meet your program's needs. You are not required to use any of the templates and tools offered, although the tools and templates will help you meet requirements in Iowa law. |
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Required information for DHS Checklist, 110.8(1)G and H. Information should be readily accessible for equipment checks of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher and evacuation equipment. |
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| Fire & Tornado Symbol |
This link will take you to the Emergency Preparedness page. Fire and tornado symbols may be used as visual aids to help children understand the required written emergency plans posted by the primary and secondary exits. |
| Health Form - Infant, Toddler, Preschool Age |
Required information for DHS checklist, 110.9(4)D. The provider should give this form to the parent/guardian of the attending child, to have the form completed by a physician. The provider should then keep a copy of this form in the child's personal file. |
| Health Form - School Age Child, Parent Statement of Health |
Required information for DHS checklist, 110.9(4)D. The provider should give to the parent/guardian of the attending child for completion. The provider should then keep a copy of this form in the child's personal file. |
| Healthy Child Care Iowa (HCCI) link to website |
Examples of forms and other available information on this site include: Breastfeeding support, child illness guide, diapering procedures, electrical outlet safety, exposure plan, first aid checklist, handwashing instructions, infant daily report, injury report, mandatory reporting site poster, sleep safe policy, etc. |
| Immunization Certificate - Provisional |
When a Certificate of Immunization or Immunization Exempt Form are not available, a Provisional Certificate of Immunization can be used. Expiration date is usually 60 days. If the immunizations are further behind than can be caught up in 60 days, another provisional can be issued for an additional 60 days. As you can see on the record, a child must have received at least one dose of each of the required immunizations for this to be a valid option. |
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Immunization Exempt Form |
Form parents complete if they refuse to immunize their children because of religion or doctor recommendation. |
| Medication Record |
Required information for DHS checklist, 110.8(3)C. Form to be completed by the parent and provider when an enrolled child is given any medicine, topical cream, sunscreen, diaper ointment, breathing treatment, etc. Parent signature is required. |
| Monthly Fire Drills, Smoke Alarms, Tornado Drills |
This link will take you to the Emergency Preparedness page. Form to document when provider has practiced monthly fire/tornado drills and changed batteries in smoke alarms. |
| Part-Time Hours Daily Attendance |
Required information for DHS Checklist, 110.14(1)D. Only two part-time children can be present at one time. Additional copies may be needed if there are more children attending as part-time. |
| Renovation, Remodeling & Repainting Rule FAQ |
Renovation can disturb paint and this includes sanding, cutting, and demolition. Learn how this can hurt adults and children. |
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Renovation, Remodeling & Repainting - Lead Hazard Notification Process |
This applies to all persons who perform renovation, remodeling, or repainting for compensation in target housing or a child-occupied facility. |
| Safe Sleep ABC's |
Required information for DHS checklist, 110.8(5)A through D. Safe Sleep procedures for providers and parents. |
| Self-Assessment Annual Inspection for CDH |
This self-assessment will be used by the provider and Child Care Consultant to assure homes are a safe, nurturing place for children that promote developmentally appropriate practices. Use this form to prepare for your DHS annual inspection. |
| Self-Assessment Pre-Inspection for CDH |
This pre-inspection self-assessment will be used by the provider and Child Care Consultant to help assure homes are ready for the DHS pre-inspection visit. |
| Smoke Free Air Signs |
Required information for DHS checklist, 110.8(1)I. A direct link to the Iowa Department of Health Smoke Free Air Act information including a link to print signs. |
| Transporting Children |
Required information for DHS checklist, 110.8(1)M. This link will take you to the Iowa Child Restraint Law document. |
Sample Policies and Plans
Your Child Development Home (CDH) will benefit from having policies and plans to effectively communicate with parents and staff. The largest benefit of having policies and plans is to protect child care providers. Please click here to learn more.
Training
Iowa’s Child Care Provider Training Registry is an online tool where child care professionals can locate and enroll for DHS-approved professional development. To access and enroll for DHS-approved professional development opportunities, please see their website.
Prior to the issuance of a registration certificate and every five years thereafter, the primary and substitute provider shall complete minimum health and safety trainings approved by Department of Human Services (DHS).
- Two hours of approved child abuse and neglect mandatory reporter training - MCART
- Certification in infant and child first aid that includes management of a blocked airway and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (check with your Child Care Consultant for training options in your area or see this the approved training sites here)
- Twelve hours of approved health and safety training (Essentials Preservice Series or ECE-133)
- Essentials training will always count towards ongoing professional development hours the initial time it is taken.
For the complete DHS registration guidelines on training requirements, please see Comm 143 above.
To view a complete listing of core trainings offered by CCR&R, click here.
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ is a nationally recognized credential earned by those working in the early care and education field. To learn more about the steps to achieve your CDA, click here.
Suggested Training
Department of Human Services (DHS) requires 24 additional training hours during each 2-year registration period for Child Development Home (CDH) providers and substitutes. Minimum health and safety training may be required prior to the five year period if content has significant changes that warrant the training be renewed. CCR&R offers low- or no-cost training designed to help early childhood professionals meet registration requirements and become more successful in developing skills for working with children and families.
| ChildNet 2.0 |
This series provides the foundational skills needed to operate a successful child care business. Upon series completion, providers will be eligible for ChildNet Certification and to obtain points in the Quality Rating System (QRS). |
| Every Child Reads |
This Iowa Department of Education series training provides insight about how to integrate literacy skills into a child care program. Due to the varied developmental needs, a separate series is presented for providers who care for children birth to 3 and 3 to 5. |
| Emergency Preparedness |
Resource page only - Iowa law requires child care providers to have a written emergency plan in place by October 1, 2016. Emergency plans must include procedures for 6 key areas. There are templates and tools available for child care providers to help meet your program's needs. You are not required to use any of the templates and tools offered, although the tools and templates will help you meet requirements in Iowa law. |
| Essentials Preservice Series |
This series offers providers important information on 10 key health and safety topics and was developed to meet Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) professional development requirements. |
| Environment Rating Scale |
This series is a nationally recognized tool used to assess and improve the quality of center, school age, infant/toddler and family child care programs. Workshops offer step-by-step guidance for making helpful changes that can make a real difference in the work that is done with young children. |
| This basic orientation training will focus on behavior shaping through a trauma-informed lens. It will use the latest science from multiple fields to support the practice of staff engaged in helping children overcome challenges that are not of their own doing or choice. Changing the question of “what’s wrong with you” to “what happened to you?” | |
| Iowa Early Learning Standards |
This series addresses developmental areas of young children, which are based on research and theory in early care and education. It is a guide in understanding how children learn, as well as the importance of play, routine and relationships in regards to their development. |
| This course is designed to address the principles and skills needed to administer medications to children. | |
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Providers are required to attend this Iowa-specific training to learn how to identify the signs of child abuse and the steps needed to report incidents. |
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| NAPSACC |
This Nutrition And Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAPSACC) is available to providers as a tool to set goals and implement healthy activities in their programs. Training and on-site consultation is provided. |
| PALS |
The Physical Activity Learning Session (PALS) training is for early childhood providers to learn the best practices of physical activity for children birth to five. |
| Positive Behavioral Support Systems |
This training is an effective, evidence-based approach for supporting social competence and addressing challenging behavior in young children. |
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This training approach equates good care with training infant/toddler providers who are preparing themselves and the environment so that infants can learn. |
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| School-age Matters |
School age children have a specific set of developmental needs that are different from younger children. Attendees will learn the skills needed to effectively adapt their programs to accommodate this age group. |
| Universal Precautions |
In this training, providers will learn what can be done to protect the children in their care from the spread of germs and disease. Additionally, they will gain an understanding of the importance of post-exposure policies and procedures. |
Update Your File
Having accurate information on your child care program in the CCR&R database allows us to assist in marketing your child care program to parents looking for child care. To match your program to the needs of families we need to know important information like hours of operation, ages served, changes in phone numbers or email address. Update your program file here.
Benefits of Registration
Benefits of registration as a Child Development Home (CDH) provider include:
- Satisfaction of knowing you meet the minimum requirements for child care in accordance with the Iowa Administrative Code.
- Prestige of a Certificate of Registration that shows the parents and the public that you meet the minimum requirements for child care in the state of Iowa.
- Eligibility for consultation from the Department of Human Services (DHS) in all aspects of child care.
- Registration identifies your Child Development Home (CDH) for the referral system maintained by the local office of Human Services and the Child Care Resource & Referral agency.
- Registration identifies your home to child care organizations and other community resources, such as extension services, Community Action programs, Head Start and Child Care Resource & Referral agencies. These agencies can provide services such as training, consultation, collaboration and resource development.
- Registration can open communications with a variety of child care resources, which tends to lessen the isolation of the home provider.
- Registered homes may qualify for participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) for reimbursement for meals and snacks.
Quality Rating System
Iowa's Quality Rating System (QRS) is a voluntary child care rating system for Child Development Homes (CDH). The Quality Rating System (QRS) was developed to raise the quality of child care in Iowa, raise the number of children in high-quality child care settings and to educate parents about quality in child care. To learn more about becoming a QRS-rated provider, click here.
Child Care Assistance
For more information about accepting Child Care Assistance (CCA), click here.
Communities of Practice
Join facilitated discussions driven by YOU! CCR&R is committed to improving communication with child care providers across Iowa. It is through the sharing of information and experiences that participants can learn from each other and have an opportunity to develop themselves personally and professionally.
Communities of Practice, also known as “CoPs”, are groups of people who share a passion for something they do and want to learn how to do it better as they interact. CoPs allow attendees to learn and collaborate as content is driven by the participants.
View our statewide event calendar here!
Other Program Referrals
- Child Care Nurse Consultant - CCNC
- Child and Adult Care Food Program - CACFP
- Area Education Agency - AEA
- Teacher Education and Compensation Helps - TEACH
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - FAQ for child care programs
- US Department of Justice, ADA - FAQ for child care programs
- American Academy of Pediatrics - Model Child Care Health Policies
Helpful Links
For a list of resources that you might find helpful, click here.
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