The Iowa Department of Human Services regulates day care centers.
The Iowa Department of Human Services regulates the facilities, personnel and actions of day care centers in Iowa. To become a registered day care center, the facility must apply for registration and record checks must be done on every employee. The facility, activities and provider must meet certain standards to pass the registration process.
Identification
There are three levels of day care centers defined by Iowa law. Class A centers may care for up to eight children, with a maximum of four children under the age of 24 months in the center at one time. A maximum of six may be under school age at one time, and two may be school age, but they can only be at the center for two hours at a time. Class B centers may care for up to 12 children. Up to four may be under 24 months, up to six may be under school age and up to four may be school age. Class C centers may care for up to 16 children. Up to four children may be under the age of 24 months, up to 12 children may be up to school age, and two may be school age but may only be at the center for two hours at a time.
Record Checks
Each child care provider, employee of a day care center and person over the age of 14 living in the home where the center is located must submit to record checks. Two types of checks are done; a criminal record check and a child abuse record check. If a person has a record of sexual child abuse, neglect or abandonment of a dependent, domestic abuse, a forcible felony, or is on the sex offender registry, he may not be a provider of child care, may not live in the home where the center is located and may not be employed in a day care center.
Facility Standards
A day care facility must be located in a single-family home or apartment. It must be leased, owned or rented by the provider or one of the providers. A class A center must have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors. Class B and C centers must have 35 square feet per child of indoor space and 50 square feet per child of outdoor space, a quiet place where sick children can remain, plus fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and at least two exits. All centers must be safe and have no hazards such as chemicals within the reach of children or uncapped electrical outlets. Emergency plans must be created, and fire and tornado drills must be done monthly.
Activity Standards
Each type of program must have planned activities that meet certain standards. All plans must have active and quiet play time and play activities that develop both large muscle groups and small ones. Discipline must be consistent and teach children self-control and respect. Corporal punishment is not allowed, nor is any form of punishment that may humiliate or frighten a child. Verbal abuse or threats as a form of punishment are also strictly forbidden.
Provider Standards
All providers must be present to provide supervision and exchange information with parents regularly. Providers must be trained in CPR and first aid, plus have two hours of child abuse and neglect training. An additional 12 hours a year of training must be completed, half of which must be in a group setting. Approved training includes support child development and providing a safe and healthy environment. A class A provider must be at least 18 years old and have reference letters. A class B provider must be 20 years old and have a high school diploma or G.E.D. She must also have either two years of experience or a two- or four-year degree in child care and one year of experience. A class C provider must be 21 years old with a high school diploma or G.E.D. and must have either five years of experience or a two- or four-year degree in child care and four years of experience.
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