Iowans can now view childcare availability near their homes, schools and work with a first-of-its-kind website featured nationwide. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced today (Thursday) the Iowa Child Care Connect website, using a mapping system to display different childcare centers in select locations, providing details of availability, hours of operation, type of childcare setting, and more. Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with Iowa State University and Resultant, a data and technology consulting firm, made this platform possible, adhering to one of the recommendations from the Governor’s Child Care Task Force. Reynolds says, “Using Iowa’s Child Care Connect, Iowa parents can locate any opening child care spots in their neighborhood or along their route to work- almost in real-time. This new innovative solution is just one way we are meeting the critical childcare needs of working families in our state. Iowa Child Care Connect is a game changer and I am so proud of all the partnership and work that has gone into its creation.” With this public dashboard’s creation, Iowa continues to lead the nation, showing historical and near-real-time data on childcare vacancies and supply and demand to help plan for future childcare needs throughout communities. A link to the Iowa Child Care Connect website has been included below.
