New Iowa website connects parents with child care

(The Center Square) - Iowa parents looking for childcare can now go to a state-sponsored website to see what is available in their area.

Gov. Kim Reynolds unveiled Child Care Connect, also known as C3, on Thursday. The project, funded by money from the American Rescue Plan Act, works in "almost real time," Reynolds said.

The Department of Health and Human Services partnered with Iowa State University and data consulting firm Resultant, according to a news release.

“As a working mom of young children, I understand firsthand and know the challenges of what working parents face in finding available and affordable child care,” said Kelly Garcia, HHS director. “We are thrilled to provide this new, easy-to-use tool that will meet working Iowa parents right where they are and expand accessibility to open child care slots.”

The Governor's Child Care Task Force recommended a "central online hub for parents to quickly and easily find information regarding child care facilities, openings, and enrollment" in its 2021 report, which cited a similar data platform developed in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

"Leveraging this technology allows Iowans to identify child care vacancies on their way to work, while also factoring in other potential stops they make along the way," DHS said in its news release. "Parents or other caretakers searching for openings are able to filter vacancies by specific criteria such as type of child care setting, age ranges, hours of operation, rating level and Child Care Assistance availability."

C3 can also be used in emergencies, according to DHS.

"First responders will be able to use the child care search information to make sure all children in a specific area are safe and accounted for during an emergency," DHS said.

The program is the first of its kind in the country, according to state officials.

“This new innovative solution is just one way we are meeting the critical child care needs of working families in our state," Reynolds said.