Iowa Department of Human Services
DHS Overview
New Federal Law 

During the late winter months and this spring, DHS policy staff had an opportunity to share information with child care providers about the upcoming changes to child care at some child care trainings, conferences and summits across the state. The changes are based on a new federal law. As we received questions, we also created a questions and answers document. 
 
The information shared was based on Iowa's State Child Care Plan that we submitted to the federal government. This plan identifies how Iowa will meet requirements in the new federal law. As we shared at the in-person meetings and the question and answers document, some plans for how Iowa would implement the new requirements could change based on comments we received on our state plan and updated/clarifying information from our federal partners.
 
Our federal partners have reviewed our state child care plan and Iowa must make a change in how we planned to implement the pre-service and orientation training for Child Development Homes and Child Care Homes with a Child Care Provider Agreement.  
Previous Information Shared  
Letter sent to all providers in Iowa 

Child Development Homes and Child Care Homes with a Child Care Provider Agreement must complete the pre-service and orientation training by the date you renew your registration or your Child Care Provider Agreement beginning October 1, 2016.
Updated Information of Pre-Service and Orientation Training Requirement
Program changes start July 1, 2016 

The federal requirement is that all child care providers receive the pre-service and orientation training by September 30, 2017. 
  • Renewals before September 30, 2017:  If your registration renewal or Child Care Provider Agreement renewal happens between October 1, 2016 - September 30, 2017, you must complete the pre-service and orientation training by the date you renew your registration or your Child Care Provider Agreement.
  • Renewals after September 30, 2017: If your registration renewal or Child Care Provider Agreement renewal is after September 30, 2017, you must complete the pre-service and orientation training by September 30, 2017.
Resources   
Webinars & FAQ 

Both the recorded webinars for child care providers posted on the DHS website last week and the DHS Frequently Asked Questions for CCDBG Changes (FAQ Homes) document available on the Child Care Resource and Referral website have the updated information about the pre-service and orientation training requirements. 
 
The pre-service health and safety training (called "Essentials Child Care Preservice Series") will be available after September 1, 2016. DHS will send you a letter in August with updated information about this training.

Thank you for the hard work you do and patience as we implement these exciting changes to child care in Iowa.
 
Recorded child care webinars  
DHS Frequently Asked Questions for CCDBG Changes document 
Click here to visit the Department of Human Services website.