The Best Daycare Centers in Bloomfield, IA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bloomfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bloomfield
Bloomfield Head Start
Southern Iowa Economic Development Association
Bloomfield Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education focused on school readiness for low-income families. The program emphasizes cognitive, social, and emotional development through research-based curriculum. Certified teachers with early childhood credentials implement developmentally appropriate practices in small class sizes. The center offers nutritious meals, health screenings, and family support services. What sets this facility apart is its holistic approach to child development, addressing educational, health, and family needs through federal performance standards and regular outcome assessments.
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ABCM Corporation - Bloomfield Early Learning Center
ABCM Corporation
ABCM's Bloomfield Early Learning Center offers high-quality childcare with a play-based learning approach that balances structured activities and child-directed exploration. The center features age-appropriate classrooms with certified early childhood educators maintaining low teacher-to-child ratios. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, math readiness, social skills, and physical development. The facility includes secure outdoor play areas and modern safety systems. Parent communication is emphasized through daily reports and regular conferences. ABCM's corporate support ensures consistent quality standards and staff development opportunities.
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Kiddie Korner Child Care Center
Independent
Located in nearby Mt. Pleasant (serving families throughout Southeast Iowa), Kiddie Korner provides exceptional childcare with a strong educational foundation. The center employs state-certified teachers who implement Creative Curriculum alongside supplemental literacy and STEM activities. Their facility features secure, age-specific learning environments with modern safety protocols including secured entry systems. The center stands out for its flexible scheduling options and comprehensive enrichment programs including music, art, and physical education. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to transparent communication and individualized attention to each child's developmental needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bloomfield, IA
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Bloomfield, IA, and how do I find them?
In Bloomfield, licensed childcare options primarily include licensed child development homes (in-home providers caring for up to 6 children) and licensed childcare centers. Given Bloomfield's size, child development homes are a very common and popular option, offering a home-like setting. To find licensed providers, your best resource is the Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) system. You can contact them directly or use their online search tool at https://dhs.iowa.gov/childcare/search. You can also check with the Davis County Public Health office or local community boards at places like the Bloomfield Public Library or Hy-Vee for posted flyers from local providers.
What is the average cost for full-time childcare in Bloomfield, and are there any financial assistance programs for families?
In Bloomfield and surrounding Davis County, costs for full-time childcare typically range from $120 to $180 per week for a preschool-aged child in a licensed home setting. Center-based care, if available, may be slightly higher. Infant care is generally more expensive. Iowa offers the Child Care Assistance (CCA) program for eligible families based on income, family size, and work or education requirements. You apply through the Iowa Department of Human Services. Additionally, many providers in Bloomfield participate in the Iowa Quality Rating System (QRS), and a higher rating may make you eligible for a slightly higher CCA reimbursement rate, indirectly supporting quality care.
Are waitlists common for daycare providers in Bloomfield, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Yes, due to limited provider capacity in a smaller community like Bloomfield, waitlists are very common, especially for infant and toddler spots. It's advisable to begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current availability and waitlist process. To improve your chances, consider being flexible with your start date, inquire about both home providers and any local centers, and expand your search to include providers in nearby towns like Pulaski or Drakesville if commuting is an option. Getting on multiple waitlists is a standard strategy here.
What are Iowa's key licensing requirements for childcare providers that I should verify as a parent in Bloomfield?
All licensed providers in Iowa must meet state standards. Key requirements you can and should verify include: 1) **Current License:** Ask to see it; it should be posted. 2) **Staff Background Checks:** All adults in the home or center must have cleared child abuse and criminal history checks. 3) **Health and Safety Training:** Providers must have training in CPR, First Aid, and Universal Precautions. 4) **Capacity and Ratios:** For a child development home, the ratio is 1 caregiver to no more than 6 children, with no more than 2 under 24 months. 5) **Annual Health and Safety Inspections:** The home is inspected by DHS. Don't hesitate to ask a Bloomfield provider about these—a reputable professional will be happy to share their compliance.
Beyond basic care, what kind of early learning programs or preschool options are integrated into daycare services in Bloomfield?
Many licensed home providers and any local centers in Bloomfield incorporate early learning into their daily routines. A key program to look for is participation in **Iowa's Shared Visions Preschool Program**, which partners with licensed childcare settings to provide a state-approved preschool curriculum at no additional cost to parents. The Davis County Community School District may collaborate with local providers for these services. Additionally, providers rated in Iowa's QRS (Quality Rating System) at higher levels (e.g., 4 or 5 stars) have demonstrated a stronger commitment to educational activities and structured learning. Ask providers directly about their daily schedule, curriculum, and if they participate in Shared Visions or have a QRS rating.