Childcare Workforce Development
Empowering in-home childcare providers with hands-on support, free resources, and expert guidance to build successful, high-quality child care programs.
Getting Started
Have you always dreamed of starting your own home daycare but are having a hard time getting started? Our workforce development team is here to coach you through the steps towards registration. We will connect you with local and state-wide resources to ensure that you not only cross that finish line but are supported throughout your new career. Call today to learn more!
Starting Strong Program
Our Starting Strong Program is designed to support Registered Child Development Homes who may need additional support including on demand technical assistance and training support. Participants in this program typically take a higher number of children on Child Care Assistance (CCA). Our consultants work with these providers on program development, best business practices, and increasing early learning activities. Free classes, networking opportunities, and special discounts are just a few benefits to joining!
What Our Program Offers
Networking Opportunities
Each quarter we will host events at our administrative building for you to spend time getting to know the other Starting Strong participants. We hope that not only do you make new friends but that you can share challenges and success with one another. We kick these off each Fall to welcome the start of another year and we end each year with a celebration of our successes with a thank-you lunch.
Free Trainings
Each month we will provide trainings specific to the needs we see in your programs. These trainings are JUST for this group and allow you to receive continuing education credits to help your program with a quality rating, to keep your registration current, or even to further your career in the field of early childhood!
Free Iowa Children's Museum Entry
FREE entry is available to our Starting Strong participants and their students. If you would like to be added to our exclusive provider list, email us!
Library Starter Packs
Through a partnership with Antelope Lending Library, we offer FREE Library Starter Packs to help you grow your children’s book collection. Email us!
Quarterly Learning Kits
These kits are delivered every quarter and are meant to enhance your learning environments. We will infuse early literacy, early math, science, and PLAY into every kit you receive.
Discover our Program Resources
Sharing is caring – and good for the environment! We have books, toddler cups, toys, art supplies; in the Resource Room, you’ll never know what you’ll find. Come browse and take what you need. All items are free to early childhood educators!
Designed by early childhood education specialists, curriculum kits are offered in a variety of themes and topics! Bundles always include books, craft, music & movement activity, and toys. Curriculum should be returned after use. Email Allison Bettine schedule a delivery direct to your daycare!
Beginning in Summer 2025, Antelope Lending Library will be adding 4Cs to their bookmobile route. Antelope Lending Library provides fees-free book check-out and activities to neighborhood residents of all ages. Catch them every Friday from 2:00 – 3:30 in front of the 4Cs building. This is a great field trip idea!
Aspiring childcare workers and current early childhood educators are invited to use the Business Center to take online trainings or work on writing documents like handbooks and contracts. The business center is open 9:00 am – 1:00 pm on weekdays or by appointment. To schedule time to use the business center outside of those times call 319-338-7684.
Do you need space to spread out while you prep your activities? Is it too loud at home to focus? Come to the Teaching Lab to do your prep-work! This space can also be reserved for conducting trainings on early education topics. Great for CDH Owners to have meetings with their team or host orientations for new staff.
Get Involved
Donate
Your donation helps us provide essential child care services, support local educators, and ensure every child—regardless of circumstance—has a strong start in life.
Volunteer
Whether you volunteer your time, share your skills, or help spread the word, getting involved is a meaningful way to support children, families, and early childhood professionals in your community.