Home Ties
Providing an inclusive environment with a stimulating play-based curriculum to meet the individual needs of each child!
Home Ties is a small center that feels like home. We provide a warm, safe, and nurturing environment for children to grow and learn. The center has been in operation since 1995 and is licensed under the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. We make every effort to maintain low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring that students receive individualized attention and support, which is particularly important in early care.
Social Emotional Development
In the first five years of life, social- emotional development forms the foundation for all future learning. We are a small, intimate center that allows for individual attention and the development of strong relationships with each child and family. We provide many cooperative play- based experiences for children to learn about friendships and social skills such as taking turns, sharing, and helping one another. A strong component of our program is supporting the development of a secure base from which children can move out and explore their world, and the development of basic social skills that will support their later successful transition to school.
Early Learning
Our curriculum is play-based, it also includes field trips out into the community for the older children and provides many outdoor activities to help develop a love of science & nature. Community members also enrich our program by sharing their interests and knowledge with the children–singing, gardening, reading or cooking! Daily activities are planned to develop curiosity, discovery, problem- solving, and communication. Home Ties serves Johnson County families by providing supportive early care to a diverse population of families. We participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and maintain a quality-rated program. We have one of the only Registered Apprenticeship programs for the childcare workforce in the State of Iowa, and we promote training opportunities for all our teachers.
Our Mission
We strive to emphasize the importance of quality education from birth, while ensuring that early care is accessible and affordable for all families.



Ages: 6 weeks – 6 years
Hours: Monday – Friday
Times: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: 405 Myrtle Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52246
Fees: We offer different payment options based on families circumstances. We accept private pay and child care assistance. In addition, Home Ties offers some funded child care slots that provide temporary child care at no cost to families that are at risk of homelessness.
Home Ties receives funding from Johnson County Social Services, Johnson County Empowerment, The First Mennonite Church, The Child and Adult Care Food Program, United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties and many generous supportive private donors.
To learn more about our program or to set up an interview please contact Home Ties Center Director, Michele, at 319-341-0050 or email HomeTies@iowa4cs.com