Message for Iowa Child Care Programs

September 2026

Help Families Find YOU -

Submit September Child Care Data Today!

Dear Child Care Providers,


Each month, you receive an email from me

on the first Monday, with a link to complete the

Monthly Data Collection Form.


This simple form helps us keep your program's operational/staffed capacity and vacancies up to date.


⏱ Quick & Easy: Submit in 3 Minutes or Less!

Use your phone, tablet, or computer to complete the September form now, click here.


We've streamlined the process to make it faster than ever. Just be sure to submit by September 18, 2026.

Why does this matter?

Filling out the form helps you and your community in powerful ways:



  1. Keep your open slots visible on the Child Care Search tool—helping families find you and helping you fill spots faster. (Listings not updated within 60 days default to zero.) The date you last confirmed openings now appears in your program’s Child Care Search profile.
  2. Automatically refresh your data in the CCR&R data system with your most current information.
  3. Support community planning—your data informs local leaders discussing child care needs and investment. It powers the Child Care Data Dashboard with real-time vacancy and capacity insights by age group. View local data here.

If you submitted last month, your answers will pre-fill—just review and make updates. If you didn't, no worries! Just complete each section for your program this month.


A quick note on operational/staffed capacity:

This is the number of children you can care for right now based on your staffing and space—not necessarily your full licensed/registered capacity. It can be less than your license/registration allows, but never more.


Need help?

  • Watch this short video on how to complete the form.
  • Visit the FAQ page for more info.
  • Still have questions? Submit them here or reach out to your CCR&R Child Care Consultant.


And while you're at it, take a moment to review your full program profile in the CCR&R database and make any needed updates. Here's how to log in and why it's important.

Thank you for being a vital part of Iowa’s child care network. Your voice and data matter.



Wendy Hoogeveen

Child Care Bureau Chief

Division of Family Well-Being and Protection

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
 
 
 

Visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Contact  Iowa HHS

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