Official sources and verification (8)
Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
Qualifications / EducationFirst aid, CPR, mandatory child abuse reporter training and other required training.
First aid, CPR, mandatory child abuse reporter training and other required training.
All Child Care Providers must complete First Aid, CPR, Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training and other important trainings.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceIowa regulates licensed centers, registered Child Development Homes and Child Care Homes. Home providers caring for five or fewer children, or six or fewer with at least one school-aged child, are not required to register.
Iowa regulates licensed centers, registered Child Development Homes and Child Care Homes. Home providers caring for five or fewer children, or six or fewer with at least one school-aged child, are not required to register.
The three types of regulated child care in Iowa are ... Licensed Centers ... Child Development Homes, and ... Child Care Homes. ... People who provide childcare in their own homes are not required by Iowa Code 237A.3 to be registered if they provide care to: Five or fewer children ... Six or fewer children, if at least one of the children is school-aged
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceChild Development Homes receive a pre-inspection and an unannounced annual inspection.
Child Development Homes receive a pre-inspection and an unannounced annual inspection.
The Department must complete a pre-inspection and an unannounced annual inspection once per year.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
BoardIowa Department of Health and Human Services
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Health & Human Services
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Apply with the agencyOpen the official agency page
https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/programs-and-services/child-care
Please use the Child Care Provider Portal by clicking either requirements or application & renewal for additional information.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
License term in years2 years
2
Each child care license must be renewed every 2 years. ... Child Development Homes must reapply for registration every two years.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
RenewalEach child care license must be renewed every 2 years. Child Development Homes must reapply for registration every two years.
Each child care license must be renewed every 2 years. Child Development Homes must reapply for registration every two years. Applies to: Licensed centers and registered Child Development Homes
Each child care license must be renewed every 2 years. ... Child Development Homes must reapply for registration every two years.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026