Des Moines daycares serving more than five children must be licensed.
According to the Iowa Department of Human Services, more than 75,000 children in Iowa are cared for in day care environments, either home daycares or child care centers. In an effort to protect the health, safety and well-being of all children in daycare environment, there are strict standards for daycare licensing. Anyone who wishes to care for more than five children at a time in Des Moines must follow a specific set of steps to license their business. It is important to license your daycare, since operating your Des Moines daycare without a license could lead to fines or imprisonment.
Instructions
1. Call the Department of Human Services' child care licensing office in Des Moines at 515-725-2731. You will be assigned a child care consultant who will provide you with an application packet and help you through the application process.
2. Contact the Des Moines zoning board at to confirm that your center complies with all zoning regulations. Acquire a certificate of use and occupancy from the zoning office.
3. Meet the education and experience requirements to qualify as a center director. In general, you must be at least 18 years old, a high school graduate and have significant education and experience working with children, as well as CPR and first aid certification. A complete list of requirements is available in your application packet.
4. Undergo a criminal background check. Iowa requires all childcare workers to pass a check of the Iowa criminal registry and the child abuse registry.
5. Design your daycare center in accordance with Iowa regulations. The regulations can be found in the licensing packet.
6. Develop policies and procedures for your center. Iowa law requires daycare center operators to submit a written description of the program, as well as documentation of curriculum and proposed schedules, menus, policies and fees. You must also submit a copy of your staff orientation and training plan.
7. Create a scale floor plan drawing of you center, being sure to note the location of all windows, doors and exits. Describe each room, including its dimensions and planned use.
8. Arrange for an inspection by the Des Moines Fire Marshal. Your child care consultant will provide the forms and contact information to request the inspection. A copy of the inspector's report must be included in your application.
9. Arrange for a water test, if your facility is not served by a public water supply. Your child care consultant can help you find an approved testing laboratory. If the laboratory determines that your water contains too much bacteria or nitrate, make arrangements for an alternative water supply.
10. Complete Form 470-0722, Application for a License to Operate a Child Care Center. Submit the form and all supporting materials to your child care consultant.
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