The Best Daycare Centers in Swisher, IA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Swisher. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Swisher
The Goddard School of North Liberty
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of North Liberty provides a premier early childhood education program serving the Swisher community with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-licensed facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Highly qualified teachers implement STEAM learning, language development, and social-emotional curriculum. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers nutritious meals and snacks. Parents appreciate the daily communication through the proprietary app and the strong emphasis on safety and individualized attention.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of North Liberty
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of North Liberty offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance. The school serves Swisher families with research-based early education programs that develop character, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Their secure facility includes dedicated infant rooms, interactive learning centers, and age-appropriate outdoor spaces. Certified teachers provide individualized instruction with emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and social development. The school features healthy chef-prepared meals and maintains rigorous safety protocols including secured access and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Coralville
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Coralville provides comprehensive early education services to Swisher area families through their World at Their Fingertips® curriculum, emphasizing hands-on learning and discovery. The NAEYC-accredited center features modern classrooms, dedicated art and music areas, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Highly qualified early childhood educators implement developmentally appropriate practices with focus on emergent curriculum and project-based learning. The center maintains exceptional health and safety standards including enhanced cleaning protocols, secure entry systems, and regular safety drills. Parents value the strong communication through daily reports and the center's commitment to inclusive, diverse learning environments.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Swisher, IA
What types of licensed childcare options are available in Swisher, Iowa?
In Swisher, Iowa, parents typically have access to several types of licensed childcare options. These include licensed child development homes (in-home daycares, often with a smaller number of children) and licensed childcare centers. Due to Swisher's smaller, community-oriented nature, many providers are home-based. For center-based care, families often look to nearby larger communities like Cedar Rapids or North Liberty. All providers in Iowa must be licensed by the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS), which sets standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios. You can search for licensed providers in Johnson County, which includes Swisher, using the DHS online childcare provider search tool.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Swisher, IA?
The cost of childcare in Swisher is generally influenced by the rates in the broader Johnson County and Cedar Rapids metro area. For a licensed child development home in Swisher, you might expect to pay an average of $150 to $225 per week for full-time infant care. For toddler care, rates may be slightly lower, around $135 to $200 per week. Center-based care in nearby cities tends to be higher, often ranging from $200 to $300+ per week for infants. It's important to note that costs can vary significantly based on the provider's specific programs, hours, and included amenities like meals. We recommend contacting providers directly for their current rates and inquiring about any potential multi-child discounts.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Swisher, and how can I secure a spot?
Waitlists are common for high-quality, licensed childcare in Swisher and the surrounding area, especially for infant care slots, which are limited by strict staff-to-child ratios. Many popular home-based providers in Swisher have small capacities and may have waiting periods of several months. To secure a spot, it is highly advisable to begin your search and make contact with providers as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or 6-12 months before you need care. Be prepared to get on multiple waitlists and to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is a standard practice. Staying in regular, polite contact with providers (e.g., checking in every few months) can also help keep your family top of mind.
What are the state of Iowa's requirements for daycare staff background checks and training?
Iowa DHS mandates rigorous safety standards for all licensed childcare staff. Every employee and adult living in a home-based daycare must pass comprehensive background checks, including checks of the Dependent Adult and Child Abuse registries, and criminal history checks through the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the FBI. For training, lead teachers in centers and registered home providers must have at least a high school diploma or GED. All staff must complete mandatory training in CPR, First Aid, and Universal Precautions within their first 90 days. Additionally, they are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of annual training in areas like child development, health, and safety. Parents in Swisher can and should ask providers to verify their compliance with these state requirements.
Are there any local resources or programs in Swisher or Johnson County to help with childcare costs?
Yes, there are several key resources. The primary program is Iowa's Child Care Assistance (CCA) program, administered by the Johnson County Department of Human Services. This state and federally funded program provides financial assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income families to help pay for licensed care. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, education, etc.). Additionally, many families utilize the federal Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through their employers, which uses pre-tax dollars. For specific local guidance, you can contact the **Johnson County Empowerment/Early Childhood Iowa** board, which works to strengthen early care and education services in the county, including Swisher. They can provide referrals and information on local support networks.