Iowa Code chapter 237A sets statewide capacity limits, registration thresholds, and standards for child care homes and child development homes. Iowa HHS administers categories A, B, and C, preempting local licensing of in-home child care.
Iowa Code 237A.1 defines a child care home as a person caring for five or fewer children at one time without registration, while a child development home is registered under 237A.3 and may serve six or more children. Nonregistered child care homes may serve up to six children if one is school-enrolled. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services issues registration in three categories with progressively stricter staff, capacity, and safety standards. Background checks under 237A.5 are mandatory statewide, and Iowa Admin Code 441 chapter 110 supplies the detailed home standards regardless of locality.
Operating an unregistered child development home, exceeding capacity, or failing required background checks can result in civil penalties, denial or revocation of registration, and criminal charges under Iowa Code 237A.
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See how Iowa City's home daycare rules stack up against other locations.
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