The Best Daycare Centers in Cambridge, IA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cambridge. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cambridge
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare in Ames provides a nationally recognized early childhood education program focused on developmental milestones through play-based learning. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional skills, with age-appropriate activities and learning centers. Staff hold Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials or higher, and the center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Safety features include secure keypad entry, surveillance cameras, and rigorous cleanliness protocols. The facility offers indoor and outdoor play areas, nutritious meal programs, and strong parent communication systems, making it a top choice for families in the Cambridge area.
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The Goddard School of Ames
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which blends academic readiness with play-based activities to foster cognitive, social, and physical development. The center features highly qualified educators with degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and modern facilities including dedicated learning studios and outdoor playgrounds. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, daily health checks, and sanitization routines. Parents appreciate the individualized learning plans, regular progress updates, and inclusive environment, serving Cambridge families with flexibility and quality care.
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Childtime Learning Center
Childtime Learning Centers
Childtime provides a research-based curriculum designed to support cognitive, social, and emotional growth through hands-on learning and structured play. The center employs experienced teachers with backgrounds in early childhood education and maintains low ratios for personalized attention. Safety measures include keypad entry, monitored play areas, and strict hygiene practices. The facility offers age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play spaces, and nutritious meals. Known for its engaging activities, strong community involvement, and excellent parent satisfaction, it reliably serves Cambridge residents with comprehensive childcare options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cambridge, IA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Cambridge, Iowa?
In Cambridge, Iowa, families typically have access to three main types of licensed childcare. These include licensed childcare centers, which are often larger facilities with structured programs; registered child development homes, which are licensed home-based providers caring for up to 6 children (or up to 8 with an assistant); and unregistered but legally operating providers who care for 5 or fewer children. Due to Cambridge's smaller, rural setting, home-based providers are a very common and integral part of the childcare landscape. All licensed providers are regulated by the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) and must meet health, safety, and training standards. You can search for licensed providers in Story County through the DHS online portal.
How much does full-time childcare typically cost in Cambridge, and are there any financial assistance programs?
In Cambridge and the surrounding Story County area, childcare costs are generally lower than in larger Iowa cities like Des Moines or Ames, but can still be a significant household expense. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $150 to $225 per week at a licensed center, while home-based care may range from $120 to $180 per week. Costs decrease slightly for toddlers and preschoolers. Iowa offers financial assistance through the Child Care Assistance (CCA) program for eligible families based on income, family size, and reason for care (employment, education, etc.). Additionally, many families in Iowa benefit from the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. It's advisable to contact the Iowa DHS or the local community action agency for the most current eligibility guidelines and application support.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Cambridge, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Given Cambridge's size and limited number of providers, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care slots which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search during pregnancy, ideally 6 to 9 months before their needed start date. For home-based providers, openings may arise more sporadically, but popular providers also maintain waitlists. Proactively contacting multiple providers, getting on their lists, and following up periodically is a key strategy. Expanding your search to nearby towns like Maxwell, Collins, or Nevada can increase your options, though this adds commute considerations.
What specific state licensing requirements and safety standards should I look for in a Cambridge daycare provider?
All licensed providers in Iowa must comply with regulations set by the Iowa DHS. Key standards you can verify include: background checks for all adults in the home or center, annual health and safety training (including CPR and First Aid), mandatory reporting of child abuse training, safe sleep practices for infants, and compliance with child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants). Providers are also subject to annual unannounced inspections; you can ask to see their most recent licensing report. In Cambridge, it's also wise to inquire about their emergency plans for severe weather, which is common in Iowa, and their policies on farm safety if the home is in a rural setting.
What resources are available locally to help me find and evaluate childcare providers in Cambridge, Iowa?
The primary resource is the **Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)**, which serves Story County. You can contact them online or by phone for a personalized list of licensed and registered providers in and around Cambridge. They can provide information on vacancies, costs, and program types. Another valuable local resource is the **Cambridge Community School**; sometimes staff or other parents have insights into reputable providers. For evaluation, always schedule in-person visits, ask for references from current parents, and use the Iowa DHS "Child Care Provider Search" to review a provider's licensing status and any documented non-compliance history. Networking through local Facebook community groups for Cambridge can also yield personal recommendations.