Early Head Start is a locally operated, federally funded program that provides a comprehensive child development program serving children birth to three and their parents/guardians with guidance, information, and direct services to foster healthy development by young children.
Head Start is a locally operated, federally funded program that provides a comprehensive child development program for 3-to 5-year-old children from low-income families in 98 of 99 counties in Iowa. The program provides services to promote academic, social, and emotional development, as well as providing social, health, and nutrition services. Program eligibility is for children and families at or below the federal poverty level, those who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, or for children with disabilities.
Licensed centers are required to follow specific requirements and each center receives at least one unannounced monitoring visit annually from Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) consultants.
This is the highest standard for preschool programs for children to receive the highest quality early education. These preschools must complete the NAEYC accreditation process.
This is considered the highest standard for early childhood programs. These centers must complete the NAEYC accreditation process.
Often located in a child care facility, a preschool provides a program of three hours or less per day designed to help children ages 3-5 develop intellectual, social, and motor skills; and to extend their interest and understanding of the world around them.
Any person providing early care and education in the home may apply to register with DHS. Those serving more than 5 children are required to register and must reapply every two years. The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) seeks to visit all child development homes at least once per fiscal year. There are 3 types of child development homes, with an increase in requirements by type.
The Shared Visions Preschool program provides quality child development programming for children who have identified risk factors in 51 Iowa counties. These programs serve age 3-5 children and are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
This program provides an opportunity for all 4-year-old children in the state of Iowa to enter school, ready to learn, by expanding access to research-based preschool curriculum and licensed teaching staff.