CCR&R connects families with free tools, referrals, and child and family resources to help families explore regulated 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. Families 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
Families 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
Families should 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
Families can 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 families 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 family resources more accessible for families across Iowa.