The Best Daycare Centers in Worthington, IA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Worthington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Worthington
Little Angels Daycare & Preschool
Independent Center
Little Angels Daycare & Preschool is a highly-regarded local childcare center serving Worthington and surrounding communities. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. The center features certified early childhood educators with an average of 8+ years experience, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments, age-appropriate playgrounds, and a structured daily schedule that balances educational activities, creative play, and rest periods. The center is known for its family-like atmosphere, nutritious meal program, and strong communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Dyersville Childcare & Learning Center
Independent Center
Located just 6 miles from Worthington, Dyersville Childcare & Learning Center serves families throughout Dubuque County with a comprehensive educational program. The center employs state-certified teachers and follows the Creative Curriculum system, focusing on developmental milestones and kindergarten readiness. Features include secure keypad entry, camera monitoring, and strict safety protocols. The facility offers spacious classrooms, outdoor learning gardens, and dedicated art and music areas. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, STEM activities, and character development. The center provides transportation for school-age children to and from local schools, making it convenient for Worthington families.
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Holy Family Early Childhood Center
Holy Family Parish
Holy Family Early Childhood Center, located approximately 7 miles from Worthington, offers a faith-based educational program integrated with developmentally appropriate curriculum. The center features degreed lead teachers and low student-teacher ratios, ensuring individualized attention. Their program combines Catholic values with academic preparation, including literacy development, mathematics readiness, and social skills. The facility includes modern security systems, commercial-grade kitchen for nutritious meals, and age-separated playgrounds with safety surfaces. They offer flexible scheduling options and serve children from 6 weeks through school age, with transportation available to local elementary schools. The center is known for its strong community involvement and family-oriented approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Worthington, IA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Worthington, IA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Worthington and the surrounding Dubuque County area, full-time daycare for an infant can range from approximately $175 to $225 per week, while care for a toddler or preschooler is typically between $150 and $200 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Iowa cities like Des Moines or Cedar Rapids. For financial assistance, Iowa offers the Child Care Assistance (CCA) program through the Department of Human Services (DHS), which helps eligible low-income families. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with the Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC), which serves the region and may have resources or referrals for support.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Worthington is properly licensed and what are Iowa's key regulations for childcare centers?
All licensed childcare centers and registered home providers in Iowa are regulated by the Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a provider's license status and review their inspection history by using the "Child Care Provider Search" tool on the Iowa DHS website. Key regulations for Iowa include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers), required background checks for all staff, and annual training in topics like CPR and mandatory reporter training. In a small community like Worthington, many parents also rely on word-of-mouth recommendations, but always confirm licensing for your child's safety and to ensure the provider meets state standards.
Given Worthington's small size, what types of childcare options are most commonly available, and are waitlists a significant issue?
In Worthington, a rural community, the most common options are licensed in-home daycare providers and family childcare homes. There are also nearby centers in larger towns like Dyersville or Epworth, a short drive away. Due to the limited number of providers locally, waitlists can be an issue, especially for infant care, which has stricter ratios. It's advisable to begin your search during pregnancy or several months in advance. Connecting with local networks, such as the Worthington community Facebook page or asking at St. Paul's Catholic Church (a community hub), can help you discover smaller, licensed home providers who may not advertise widely.
Are there any part-time or flexible childcare options in Worthington for parents with non-traditional or shift work schedules?
Flexible childcare can be challenging in small towns, but some in-home providers in Worthington may offer part-time or drop-in care based on availability. Your best bet is to directly discuss your schedule needs with local providers. For more structured part-time options, you might consider preschool programs at nearby centers in Dyersville, which often offer half-day sessions. For true shift work or irregular hours, forming a small, trusted babysitting co-op with other local parents or hiring a responsible high school student from Western Dubuque High School for evening/weekend care are practical alternatives often used in the community.
What should I look for when touring a daycare in Worthington, and are there any local resources to help compare options?
When touring a daycare in Worthington, pay close attention to the cleanliness and safety of the environment, the caregiver's engagement with children, and ask about their daily routine and discipline policy. In a small town, also inquire about their emergency plans for severe weather common to Iowa. For comparing options, start with the Iowa DHS online search tool. Locally, you can contact the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for Northeast Iowa, which covers Dubuque County. They provide free referrals and can help you understand quality indicators. Also, talk to other parents at local spots like the Worthington Community Center or the post office for firsthand insights.