A new quality rating system for Iowa’s child care providers, Iowa Quality for Kids (IQ4K), rolled out statewide on April 1, 2022.

IQ4K is available for all DHS licensed Child Care Centers and preschools registered Child Development Homes, and programs operating under the authority of an accredited school district or nonpublic school. 

IQ4K is a voluntary program that offers a way for child care providers to assess their current level of quality across all areas of their programming and devise a structured plan for improvement. The new system provides guidelines and benchmarks to help providers build off successes, identifying five levels of quality that can be achieved. After reaching a new quality level, providers will be eligible to receive bonuses and may receive higher Child Care Assistance reimbursements that can be used for any area of their business 

“Iowa’s child care providers want the best for the children, families, and communities they serve and share our commitment to quality. IQ4K recognizes and rewards the progress they make while offering guidance and incentives to continue these improvements,” said Julie Allison, State Child Care Administrator. 
“It’s a win for Iowa’s child care providers, who will have increased support to achieve their quality goals. And it’s a win for Iowa families, who will have the assurance that their child is receiving the best care possible.”

To learn more about IQ4K, or the benefits for parents and providers, visit https://iowaccrr.org/providers/iq4k/

About Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral
Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) is a program to support quality child care throughout the state of Iowa. Child Care Consultants provide on-site consultation to licensed preschools, Child Care Centers (CCC), nonregistered Child Care Home (CCH) providers, and registered Child Development Home (CDH) providers. The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) is the regulatory agency for early childhood care and education and contracts with CCR&R to fund the statewide provision of services. 


Shirley Urich 
Community Development Specialist
Child Care Resource & Referral of SW Iowa
West Central Community Action
Surich@westcca.org

p (712) 579-9057 | f (712) 323-0038
300 West Broadway Suite 35 | Council Bluffs, IA 51503 | www.iowaccrr.org  westcentralca.org

  
Funding provided by the Iowa Department of Human Services through the Child Care Development Fund
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