Starting Strong
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
Discounts and Scholarships
You will receive a discount to our annual Early Learning Institute that is held in the Fall and scholarships for CPR/1st Aid!
Iowa Children’s Museum
FREE entry is available to our Starting Strong participants and their students. If you would like to be added to our exclusive provider list, reach out to Allison Bettine [allison@iowa4Cs.com] to learn more about the Starting Strong Program.
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. Contact Allison Bettine to request one today!
Resource Room
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! If you are a provider looking to donate curriculum, supplies, or toys to other childcare providers, feel free to drop it off at the 4Cs office or email Allison Bettine to schedule a pick-up.
Curriculum Library
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 to schedule a delivery direct to your daycare!
Bookmobile Stop
NEW! 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 this Summer every Friday from 2:00 – 3:30 in front of the 4Cs building. This is a great field trip idea!
Business Center
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 8:00 am – 1:00 pm on weekdays or upon appointment. To schedule time to use the business center outside of those times call 319-338-7684.
Teaching Lab
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.
