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Minimum
Training RequirementsQuality
Rating System
Iowa Quality Rating System
TEACH Scholarships
Professional Organizations
In
Iowa, persons employed in child care are licensed (center
of preschool) or registered (in-home setting) by the Department
of Human Services. Child
Care Regulations in Iowa
- In-home child care registration
Persons who care for children in their home must register
with the Iowa Department of Human Services if they care
for 4 or more children, including their own. To be registered,
you must be 18 years of age, pass a child abuse registry
check, criminal records check, agree to meet sanitary
and safety standards, provide a program and equipment
that is appropriate for the ages of the children being
cared for, maintain records on each child and minimum
training requirements. Regulations
for Child Development Homes
- Preschool/Early Learning
Centers/ Before and After School Programs not
affiliated with the Department of Education (see center-based
below)
- Center-based child care
license Contact
for Information on Becoming a Licensed Child Care Center
A center caring for children whose parents are not on-site
must be licensed by the Iowa Department of Human Services
and comply with requirements for personnel, staff ratio,
child records, health and safety policies, activity
programs, discipline policies, building standards and
food services, as well as requirements set by the State
Fire Marshall. Programs must be designed to be appropriate
for the ages of the children cared for by the center.
Iowa has minimum training requirements for persons employed
in registered child development homes and licensed early
childhood and school-age centers.
minimum
training requirements for child development home businesses
minimum
training requirements for centers/preschools
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The
Quality Rating System (QRS) is a voluntary program that
offers providers a guided way to improve the quality
of child care they provide. The QRS includes registered
child development homes, licensed child care centers,
including preschools, Head Start, Early Head Start,
afterschool programs and child care programs that are
operated by school districts. By participating in the
QRS, a provider shows parents and the community that
they are committed to providing quality child care and
are working towards improving the quality of care.
A
list of Iowa's recognized providers can be found on
the QRS web site QRS
Child Care Homes and Centers by County.
Participating providers receive a letter to share with
their parents, a certificate, a poster to display in
their business, and an achievement bonus.
The goals of the Quality Rating System in Iowa are
to:
- raise
the quality of child care in Iowa
-
increase the number of children in high-quality
child care settings
-
educate parents about quality in child care
The
Quality
Rating System for
child care was implemented in February 2006. A quality
rating is in effect for two years. For information
about the QRS in our region, contact Quality
Rating System Specialist. The specialist
can also provide technical assistance with applications
and resources for consultation and technical assistance.
Press
Release Launching Child Care Quality Rating System
Initial
Letter to Providers on the Quality Rating System &
Contact Information
Quality
Rating System Application for Child Development HomesQuality
Rating System Center/Preschool Application
Iowa
Quality Rating System for Child Care
Accreditation
Accreditation is a voluntary process designed specifically
for child care programs, family child care homes and school-age
programs. The accreditation process is an opportunity
for a program to conduct a thorough examination of every
aspect of the program based on recognized quality standards.
Accreditation involves staff, parents, administrators
and children. The process consists of a comprehensive
self-study, a validation visit by an objective, qualified,
trained individual, and a review of the self-study and
parent and staff surveys by a council of peer professionals
and educators. Receiving the award of program accreditation
is highly prized and exemplifies a program that excels
in the care and education of young children. Contact CCR&R
provider services or NAEYC
Center Accreditation
or National Afterschool
Association Accreditaton or NAFCC
Accreditation for child development homes.
Credential
Credentials are awarded to individuals who have successfully
demonstrated their ability in areas identified as critical
to their profession. Through a series of indicators including
experience and education, credentials are awarded to directors,
teachers and family child care providers who are competent
in management and administration, as well as nurturing
and educating young children. The credentialing process
recognizes an individual’s achievements as a professional.
It also advances the professional development of individuals
wishing to move up the career ladder within their respective
program and/or to pursue a career in early care and education.
The Child Development Associate Credential is for entry
level staff in homes or centers. It is offered by
the Ntional coundcil for early childhood Professional
recognition. Contact
www.cdacouncil.org. Information on financial
assistance for obtaining a CDA Credential is available
through the TEACH Counseling Specialist. Center directors
may take the National
Administrator Credential (NAC,) Contact your CCR&R
trainng coordinator for more information CCR&R
Training Coordinator.
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is for persons working in child care who
wish to increase their education level by attending college
and pursue a degree or credential in early childhood education.
Contact
Stacie
Steveson (Iowa AEYC T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood®
IOWA)
Counseling Specialist
5525 Meredith Dr. Suite F
Des Moines , IA 50310
Phone: 515.331.8000 x.14
Fax: 515.331.8995
Stacie@iowaaeyc.org
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NAFCC-National
Association for Family Child Care
NAEYC-National Association
for the Education of Young Children
National Afterschool Association
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