A Parent's Guide to Finding Child Care in DSM
Child care is continually top of mind for working parents and finding the right fit can feel like a marathon of running across LEGOS barefoot while on a work call and carrying the work bag, the diaper bag and the car seat, all at once.
Thankfully, in Greater Des Moines (DSM), you have smoother sailing options, and a community that cares. DSM shows up for families through several programs and initiatives. For example,
United Way of Central Iowa sets Early Childhood Success as one of its United to Thrive priorities and provides funding for numerous programs that serve children across DSM.
Women United also puts early childhood at the forefront.
Capitol Crossroads, the region’s vision plan, also centers children and has set Youth Investment as one of its cornerstones.
Early Childhood Iowa (ECI), an initiative of the State of Iowa’s Department of Health and Human Services, champions a mission of “Every child, beginning at birth, will be healthy and successful.” ECI service areas, established by geography and covering the entire state, work to fund and support programs in their communities to advance this mission at the local level.
As you look for child care in DSM, you’ll see that this community commitment is reflected in the resources, services and programs available within the community.
Here are some tips to guide your search for daycare, after school programs and summer camps in DSM:
Finding Child Care in Greater Des Moines
Iowa Child Care Connect
The State of Iowa recently launched this first-of-its-kind program to help parents find available child care spots near their homes and on their work routes. The directory houses details for licensed in-home and centers and notes what providers accept Child Care Assistance and participate in the IQ4K program. What’s that? Read on...
IQ4K – Iowa Quality for Kids
IQ4Kis the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) that measures quality benchmarks for providers. As you tour facilities and interview providers, ask if they participate in the program. (Check out the program’s parent guide for more details.)
Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral
Iowa CCR&R is a program with a mission to support quality child care throughout the state of Iowa. Consultants work with providers to improve quality, implement best practices for safety, processes and education, and meet state requirements. As a parent, you can reach out to Iowa CCR&R for resources and support, including guidance on finding child care and accessing payment assistance.
ChildServe
Among its robust list of services, Child
Serve offers care solutions for kids with unique needs. The organization's Medical Childcare program serves children and young adults with significant medical needs and developmental delays include on-site therapy services and their Autism Day Program provides specialize weekday care for children with ASD.
Affiliate Chamber Members
The Greater Des Moines Partnership, DSM’s economic and community development organization, maintains a network of 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce and counts numerous child care businesses among its membership ranks. Visit the
directory for a list of members focused on child care.
After School and Summer Programs
Before and after the bell, no school days and summers — what's a parent to do? DSM has solutions. Many school districts offer wraparound care and summer programs. The YMCA of Central Iowa offers programs at their John R. Grubb Community YMCA and Waukee Family YMCA branches. Boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa also has programs throughout Des Moines.
The Chrysalis Foundation offers an after school program for girls starting at age 9 and it emphasizes resilience, connectedness, self-confidence, and health and includes volunteerism, academic support, leadership development, STEM engagement, financial literacy, and mentoring.
For budding artists, check out the After School Arts Program. It runs art classes, camps and programs for free in several disciplines such as literary arts like poetry and storytelling, 2D and 3D visual art, drama, music, dance, culinary art and more.
When school’s out for the summer (or a break), tap into these options for fun, care and learning, too:
Check with your city’s Parks and Recreation department too, as many offer robust summer programs. Dsm4Kids, Des Moines Mom and Des Moines Parent publish annual summer camp directories, which are helpful to uncover new options and ideas.
Find Your Family’s Greater in DSM
Build your life in Greater Des Moines, the #6 Best Place to Live for Families (U.S. News & World Report) and a Top 10 Best City for Work/Life Balance and Mental Health (CoworkingCafe). Learn more about living here, job opportunities and having fun in DSM.
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