IOWA NEEDS QUALITY CHILD CARE

According to the U.S. Census Bureau 70% of Iowa’s children under age six need child care because their parents work.

Many parents would be unable to work without care for their children. Quality care supports a productive workforce by allowing parents to go to work confident that their children are well cared for in a safe and secure environment that encourages discovery and learning. Research has shown that children in quality child care environments enter school ready to learn, are more successful in school and helps ensure a future quality workforce. Click here for employer resources.

“The current economic recession makes child care choices even more difficult for parents. CCR&Rs report that parents are moving their children from licensed programs to informal child care settings. These options may be less expensive, but they are of unknown quality. There is no check for basic health and safety standards and other practices that promote healthy child development. NACCRRA is concerned about whether these children will be safe and will start school with the skills to succeed.”

From: Parents and the High Cost of Child Care: 2010 Update Nat’l Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies

Child care regulations in Iowa are rated by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) as among the lowest in the nation.

Click here for We Can Do Better NACCRRA’s latest report on child care centers.

Click here for Leaving Children to Chance NACCRRA’s latest report on child care homes.

Five Things You Can Do About Child Care in Your Community

Resources for Employers