How to Become a Licensed Day Care Provider in Iowa

Child care is a necessity for many of Iowa's working families.

Child Care Providers in Iowa provide a much-needed service to their communities. Iowa's process of becoming a licensed child care provider allows applicants to open child care centers directly after submitting the application. This expedient process allows for rapid expansion of the child care industry and accommodates the steady rise in population. Although short, this application process is comprehensive and encompasses all the safety requirements needed to become a licensed child care provider.

Things You'll Need

• Form 470-0722
• Floor Plan
• Iowa Fire Marshal’s Certificate of Inspection Report
• Laboratory water report
• Guidelines for qualification of director and on-site supervisor

Instructions

1. Contact the child care consultant assigned to your area and request an orientation packet. Call the Iowa Department of Human Resources child care center licensing office at 515-725-2698 or view the area map (see Resources).

2. Complete form 470-0722, the Application for a License to Operate a Child Care Care Center. Request this form from the licensing office.

3. Draft a floor plan of the facility you will be using in the operation of your child care center. Include the location of all exits, windows and doors. On the plan, specify room functions and dimensions.

4. Contact the Iowa Fire Marshal’s office at 515-725-6145 to schedule an inspection and obtain an approved Iowa Fire Marshal’s Certificate of Inspection Report.

5. Determine whether your facility uses a private or public water source. If private, obtain a laboratory water analysis to determine its bacteriological quality. Include testing for nitrates if the facility is going to provide care for children under the age of two. To obtain a water analysis, ask your child care consultant for a list of companies who provide the service in your area. Contact the company and schedule an appointment.

6. Review the requirements listed on the Iowa Department of Human Resources website (see Resources), and gather information to document the qualifications of the on-site supervisor. Include education, experience and past training.The on-site supervisor oversees the operations of a single location. If the child care center involves multiple locations, you need a director ti oversee the operation of all locations. The director or on-site supervisor can be the owner or an employee of the center.

7. Submit the information gathered in steps 2 through 6 to your area's child care consultant for license approval. Your consultant will inform you of any fees associated with the application process.

8. Wait for notification of approval or denial within 120 days of the date your area's child care consultant receives the application. After submitting an application, you can operate your child care center for 120 days pending the final licensing decision. If you are approved by the Department, you will receive a 24-month license.

Tips & Warnings

• A provisional license may be issued for a period of up to 12 months if you do not meet all the rules and regulations needed to obtain a full license. A provisional license may be upgraded to a full license once you provide documentation that you have complied with all licensing regulations.

References

• The Iowa Department of Human Services: Child Care Centers and Preschools Licensing Standards and Procedures Manual
• US Department of Health and Human Services: National Child Care Information and Technical Assistance Center

Resources

• Iowa Department of Human Services
• Iowa Department of Human Services: Iowa Child Care Licensing Contacts Area Map