The Best Daycare Centers in Gilman, IA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Gilman. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Gilman
Little Learners Daycare
Independent
Little Learners Daycare is Gilman's premier local childcare facility, offering comprehensive early childhood education programs in a nurturing home-like environment. The center employs state-certified early childhood educators who implement a play-based learning curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and STEM exploration. Their secure facility features age-appropriate learning centers, a fenced outdoor playground, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure entry systems. What sets them apart is their strong community integration and personalized approach, with low teacher-to-child ratios ensuring individual attention. They provide nutritious meals and maintain excellent parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Marshalltown
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Marshalltown serves families throughout central Iowa, including Gilman residents, with their nationally recognized Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood degrees and ongoing professional development. Their state-of-the-art facility includes interactive smart boards, dedicated STEM labs, and secure outdoor learning environments. The academy emphasizes health and safety with advanced security systems, strict health protocols, and nutritionally balanced meals. Their comprehensive approach includes technology integration, foreign language exposure, and community service projects that develop well-rounded children prepared for kindergarten and beyond.
Daycare Services:
Grinnell Early Learning Center
Independent
Grinnell Early Learning Center provides high-quality childcare services to families throughout Poweshiek County and surrounding areas, including Gilman. Their research-based curriculum combines Montessori principles with Iowa Early Learning Standards, focusing on hands-on learning and individualized development plans. The center boasts degreed lead teachers with specialized training in early childhood development and trauma-informed care. Their facility features modern classrooms with natural lighting, a commercial kitchen preparing fresh meals daily, and expansive outdoor learning spaces with nature exploration areas. The center stands out for its strong parent partnership program, regular developmental assessments, and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports children with special needs.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Gilman, IA
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Gilman, IA, and how do I find them?
In Gilman and the surrounding Marshall County area, your primary licensed options are in-home daycare providers (registered child development homes) and center-based programs, though the latter may require travel to nearby towns like Marshalltown or Tama. The most reliable way to find licensed providers is through the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) service. You can contact CCR&R for Region 7, which serves Marshall County, by calling 1-855-244-5301 or visiting their online provider search at https://dhs.iowa.gov/childcare. This database is updated regularly and allows you to filter by location, type of care, and hours of operation.
What is the average cost for full-time daycare in Gilman, and are there financial assistance programs for Iowa residents?
In Gilman and rural Iowa communities, costs for full-time, licensed in-home daycare typically range from $130 to $180 per week per child. Center-based care in nearby larger towns can be higher, often $180-$250 per week. Iowa offers financial assistance through the Child Care Assistance (CCA) program for eligible families based on income, family size, and need (such as employment or education). Eligibility is determined by Iowa DHS. Additionally, many Iowa families benefit from federal tax credits like the Child and Dependent Care Credit. For local support, you can contact the Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) office, which serves Marshall County, for guidance on applying for CCA.
Are waitlists common for daycare providers in Gilman, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small community like Gilman, waitlists are very common, especially for infant and toddler care spots. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search at least 3-6 months before their needed start date, and if you are expecting, it's wise to get on lists during your second trimester. Many in-home providers in the area have small, consistent capacities (often 6 children or fewer, including their own), so openings can be infrequent. Proactively contacting multiple providers in Gilman and the neighboring communities is the best strategy.
What are Iowa's licensing requirements for in-home daycare providers, and how can I verify a provider's standing?
In Iowa, a Registered Child Development Home (RCDH) can care for up to 6 children (with no more than 2 under 24 months unless they are siblings). Providers must pass background checks, complete health and safety training (including CPR and First Aid), and have their home inspected for safety and compliance with state standards. You can verify a provider's license status, any history of complaints, and their last inspection date through the public search tool on the Iowa DHS website. This is a critical step for parents to ensure they are choosing a regulated and monitored provider in the Gilman area.
What local resources or organizations in Marshall County can help me evaluate and choose a quality childcare provider?
Beyond checking licensing, parents in the Gilman area can utilize several local resources. First, Iowa's CCR&R (mentioned in FAQ 1) offers free referrals and can provide guidance on what to look for during a visit. Second, all licensed providers in Iowa are rated under the state's Quality Rating System (QRS), called Iowa's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). You can ask a provider about their rating (a 1- to 5-star system) or find it on the DHS search tool. Finally, connecting with other parents through local community groups, the South Tama County Community School District family resources, or the Gilman Community Facebook page can provide valuable personal recommendations and insights into provider reputations.