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Child Care Resource & Referral

Child Care Resource & Referral is a community-based organization that lends a helping hand to people who care for and about children including Early Childhood Professionals, Parents and Community Members. The Dubuque Child Care Resource & Referral is part of Project Concern, a nonprofit Service Agency. Child Care Resource & Referral receives funding through Dubuque County Empowerment, Department of Human Services (through the Regional Child Care Resource & Referral), City of Dubuque (HUD) and Prevent Child Abuse Iowa.

What do we do for Early Childhood Professionals?

• Provide an introduction to the field of Early Childhood and the business of Child Care for those considering the profession.

• Provide information on how to start a childcare business and Child Care Resource & Referral Service.

• Encourage them to have a free listing on our database used for parent referrals.

• Provide information on the Quality Rating System and resources to help childcare providers improve the quality in their child care settings.

• Provide training opportunities to help them meet state requirements, including the lending library.

• Provide technical support for operating a child care business.

• Provide information on supplementing food buying dollars through the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

• Provide grants for safety equipment, developmentally appropriate equipment and professional development (when funding is available).

• Maintain information on professional associations for networking, peer support and professional development opportunities and encourage involvement.

What do we do for parents?

• Provide information and consultation on available child care options and cost factors.

• Provide information and consultation on how to choose quality child care.

• Provide referrals to child care providers.

• Provide information on quality child care, child development, early childhood education and more.

• Assist in advocacy and support in working with child care providers.

• Provide information on possible subsidy sources to assist parents with child care expenses.

• Facilitate Preschool Scholarship program through Empowerment

• Celebrate Books at Home Program-provide 3 brand new books to children who have been referred by agencies who feel there are no books in the home. Books are through donations.

What do we do for the Community?

• Maintain statistics on child care supply and demand.

• Support and host forums to address local child care issues.

• Assist in coordination of statewide child care programs and resources.

• Participate in advocacy for providers, children and families.

• Provide information on child development, early childhood education, quality child care, professional organizations and more.

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