University Community Childcare

Selecting Quality Child Care

What is a high-quality early childhood program?

A high-quality early childhood program provides a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of young children. In accredited programs you see:

frequent, positive, warm interactions among teachers and children
planned learning activities appropriate to children's age and development, such as block building, painting, reading stories, dress-up, and active outdoor play
specially trained teachers and directors
ongoing professional development
enough adults to respond to individual children
many varied age-appropriate materials
respect for cultural diversity
a healthy and safe environment for adults and children
inclusive environments
nutritious meals and/or snacks
regular, two-way communication with parents who are welcome visitors at all times
effective administration
ongoing, systematic evaluation
From the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs guidelines # 917

Accreditation is valid for five years. During that period, programs should maintain compliance with accreditation standards, document program improvements, and provide notification about major changes. UCC has a current valid accreditation.

UCC is licensed by the Iowa Department of Human Services. The State of Iowa requires the following ratio of staff to children.

1 staff: every 4 children under 2 years old
1 staff: every 6 children 2 years old
1 staff: every 8 children 3 years old
1 staff: every 12 children 4 years old
1 staff: every 15 children 5 years and older

UCC always maintains this ratio for care, and typically exceeds the licensing requirements.

* Art shown above: (Left to Right)

"Two Figures", 2003 and "Forewarned is Forearmed", 2003 both by artist Sarah Grant-Hutchison, AM 1953.

"In Our Bones" 2002 by artist Sheryl Ellinwood, AM. 1959.

"David wants a new car" 2001 by Sharon Burns-Knutson, AM 1948.