Child Care Resource & Referral

MICA's Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) is a community-based organization that lends a helping hand to people who care for and about children. CCR&R works closely with familes and child care professionals to provide the highest possible quality day care for all children. By offering several services to both parents and child care professionals, CCR&R is able to give each family the best solutions to their day care concerns. Because each child is unique, CCR&R provides guidance by phone, in person, or in any other way tailored to your needs to give your children affordable and accessible child care.

Services for Parents

Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions families make, but all too often they must rely on word-of-mouth referrals. The child care needs of each family vary. CCR&R counselors provide guidance that is tailored to each individual family rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

CCR&R helps parents take the guess work out of choosing care, equipping them with referrals and information about the elements of quality care and state licensing requirements, as well as the availability of child care subsidies.

CCR&R is able to do a child care search for parents based on:

• Hours of care
• Days of the week
• Current openings
• Ages of children
• Location
• And more!

Services for Child Care Providers

In many communities, the demand for child care far exceeds supply and high provider turnover creates a constant need for new providers, especially those willing to provide high quality care to young children. Good child care is a first step to school success. Studies show that children that participate in quality child care enter school with better math, language, and social skills.

CCR&R offers an entry point to those interested in the child care field and helps current providers continue growth in the field. CCR&R provides:

• Assistance obtaining provider registration and license
• Education and training to support professional and personal growth
• Free access to the Child Care Lending Library
• Referrals for families in need of child care
• Assistance with issues related to your child care business

Childcare providers leave long-lasting impressions on their children. CCR&R strives to develop in providers the skills necessary to teach children to:

• Foster a positive image
• Develop social skills
• Encourage thinking reasoning, questioning, and learning
• Enhance language development
• Demonstrate proper health, safety, and nutritional practices
• Teach respect for cultural diversity

How to Contact CCR&R

If you are a parent in need of child care or a provider seeking to become better educated, contact Child Care Resource & Referral Coordinator Brenda O'Halloran or CCR&R Parent/Provider Specialist Ruth Hurd, both of which can be reached by calling 641-752-7162 ext. 105. And for more information about Marshall County CCR&R, visit their website at http://centraliowachildcare.org/about/marshallcounty.html.