NOTE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT | |
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World Class Schools for Our Students: Belong and Leader In Me
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Norwalk Community, Parents, and Students:
We are excited to announce our theme for the 2024-2025 school year: Wonder – Foster Curiosity, Embrace the Unknown. This theme, introduced by our student representative on the school board, Henry Groos, highlights the spirit of exploration and growth we want to encourage in our students.
Wonder, in one sense, is that amazing feeling we get when we see something beautiful, unexpected, or hard to explain. We want our students to feel this excitement as they learn. When learning is filled with wonder, students naturally become more curious and eager to explore. As philosopher José Ortega y Gasset said, "To be surprised, to wonder, is to begin to understand."
Wonder also means wanting to know something more. We aim to spark a strong desire for knowledge in our students. Learning should not be a chore; it should be a fun journey of discovery. Curiosity drives us to keep exploring, learning, and pushing the limits of what we know. The Norwalk Community School District is dedicated to creating an environment and culture that nurtures curiosity and helps students follow their passions.
Growth often happens when we step out of our comfort zones. We want our students to embrace new and unfamiliar situations, push past their usual boundaries, and become comfortable with being uncomfortable. This approach will lead to the greatest progress in any area of their lives. We should not avoid unfamiliar situations; instead, we should embrace them and grow through the process of navigating discomfort.
As we enter this new school year, let's encourage our students to approach learning with wonder, foster their curiosity, and embrace the unfamiliar. Together, we can create a learning environment that promotes both learners and leaders. Here’s to a year filled with wonder and endless possibilities!
Respectfully,
Shawn Holloway
Norwalk CSD Superintendent
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2024-2025
Back to School Information
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*Monday, August 26th and Tuesday, August 27th
are also early dismissal days. | |
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2024-2025 Norwalk School Registration
by Jake Loll, Director of Business Services
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An annual update (registration) must be completed for ALL students (returning and new). Parents can register students www.norwalkschools.org by clicking on “Menu” at the top right of the district homepage and selecting "Parent Portal" at the bottom of the page under "Quick Links" to log into their Parent Portal account. | |
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Parents must register all students that will be returning in 24-25 by logging into their Parent Portal account. After completing the registration, go to the online fees payment link under “Quick Links” on norwalkschools.org and select “RevTrak”. The District will accept debit or credit card payments with no transaction fees.
MOVING
If you are moving and your student will be attending another school district this fall, please email enrollment@norwalkschools.org. This notification will help both Norwalk Schools and the new district of residence of your student’s pending enrollment. If you are moving within the Norwalk School District please make sure to update your new address within the online registration.
NOTICE FOR PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Parents enrolling a preschool or kindergarten student(s) not previously pre-registered, should click on the "Add New Student" button on the "Student" tab for each PK or K student to enroll. Online registration does not recognize students as returning students until they have completed Kindergarten.
TRANSPORTATION REQUESTS, INCLUDING PAY-FOR-RIDE
Parents must request transportation through online registration. Pay-for-Ride students will be processed first on a first-come-first serve basis. Fees will be applied in Revtrak's fee management system as requests are processed. Transportation requests received after 08-01-24 may not be placed on a bus route until 09-09-24. Bus passes are scheduled to be mailed on or around 08-15-24. All students are required to have a bus pass to board the bus.
All student registration fees for the household must be paid in full before parents are eligible to purchase optional school services such as Pay-for-Ride Transportation or Student and Family Activity Passes.
Click here to view student fees: 2024-2025 Student Fees
Click here to pay student fees and registration.
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Revtrak Student Fee Payment System
Revtrak's student fee payment system is online. Below are the instructions to access and pay your student fees. There is also a video demo to walk you through the steps visually.
Step 1) Go to https://norwalk.revtrak.net to access the Norwalk portal.
Step 2) Login using your current Revtrak account. Create an account if you're a new user.
Step 3) Select the "Student Fee Payments" box.
Step 4) On the left side toolbar select "Add student" NOTE: this step is only applicable for your first login. Once a student has been added to your account, you will skip this step.
Step 5) Enter "Student ID" - To find a student ID number; go to the parent portal (from the Norwalk homepage), Students will display upon logging into the portal, with ID numbers located under the student’s picture to display their ID number.
Step 6) Enter "PIN". This will be the same number as your student ID.
Step 7) Add fees to cart.
Step 8) Make payment.
To access the video walkthrough, click this link.
If you have any questions or concerns please email revtrak@norwalkschools.org.
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Transportation Change Request Form
Add/Drop/Location Changes Due August 1, 2024 to Guarantee Busing on the First Day of School
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Parents must request transportation through online registration. Pay-for-Ride students will be processed first on a first-come-first serve basis. Fees will be applied in Revtrak's fee management system as requests are processed. Transportation requests received after 08-01-24 may not be placed on a bus route until 09-09-24. Bus passes are scheduled to be mailed on or around 08-15-24. All students are required to have a bus pass to board the bus. | |
NCSD School News & Supply Lists | |
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SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE INFORMATION
*New Student Orientation times are for new Norwalk families only. This would be students that are new to the district.
*6th Grade Orientation is for ALL incoming 6th graders.
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Warriors,
2024-2025 Norwalk Activity passes are now available through the Norwalk Athletic Booster Club, NABC, at www.be-a-warrior.com. You can get your pass today through one of two options.
- First, we encourage you to join the Norwalk Athletics by becoming a NABC Member. With a donation at the Purple, Gold and Warrior tiers, Activity Passes can be included in your membership.
- Second, simply buy Single ($110), Family ($250), and Grandparent (good for life, each grandparent needs their own pass) ($100) passes.
Family passes will allow 2 adults and all kids K-8 attendance to events.
*NEW IN 2024- Buy up to 2 additional passes for your MS Students when you purchase a family pass! Elementary students need to be accompanied by an adult.
Passes for students 9-12 can be purchased using this link: https://norwalk.revtrak.net/activity-passes/
If you choose not to purchase a pass, you will need to purchase tickets for each event.
Updated ticket prices for 2024-2025:
ALL HS Events: $6
HS Football: $7
ALL MS Events: $4
ADULT/FAMILY PASSES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP DURING HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE (4-6 PM) IN THE ACTIVITIES OFFICE LOCATED IN THE NPECC. STUDENT PASSES WILL BE HANDED OUT THE 1ST DAY OF SCHOOL. IF YOU CANNOT PICK UP YOUR PASSES DURING OPEN HOUSE, PLEASE PICK THEM UP DURING SCHOOL HOURS ANY DAY AFTER THE 23rd.
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Warrior Softball & Baseball | |
Congratulations to our Warrior softball and baseball teams on their 2024 seasons! | |
Norwalk Softball defeats DCG in the 4A State Quarterfinals | |
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Nutrition FAQ's
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Where can I find the menus? Lunch menus can be located on the district website. Look for the “menu” quick link. However, due to supply chain disruptions, Nutri-Slice will contain the most up to date menu options.
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What is Nutri-Slice? Nutri-Slice is a district related app that shows common food allergens and specific nutrient information for the food we serve. Look for more detailed information under the Nutrition tab of the website or download the Nutri-Slice App for Norwalk. We try to provide the most up-to-date information possible, but some changes are beyond our control and menus are subject to change.
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How do I make meal payments? Online credit card or debit card meal account payments are made at norwalk.revtrak.net. You will click Cyber-Soft Food Service Payments on the left-hand side of the screen. Each student has their own meal account. Cash or check payments can also be made in the cafeterias for grades 6-12 during meal service and at each elementary school office. (Please be sure to include the student’s name/lunch money on the outside of the envelope.)
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What is School Café? School Café is a tool that allows parents to apply for meal assistance benefits, set meal account restrictions, register for low balance email alerts, and monitor your student’s transaction history. Middle School students will be located under Norwalk High School when adding your student to your School Café account due to the shared cafeteria.
- K-12 Student Breakfast Meal: $2.25
- Reduced Priced Breakfast Meal: K-12 $.30
- Adult Breakfast Meal: $2.75
- K-5 Elementary Lunch Meal: $3.20
- Grades 6-12 Lunch Meal: $3.30
- Reduced-Priced Lunch Meal: K-12 $.40
- Adult Lunch Meal: $5.00
- 8 oz. Carton of Milk: $.50 (included with every meal for no additional charge)
- Ala Carte Items are sold at the Secondary Campus Cafeteria each day in addition to the meal option. Students must have a positive meal account balance or must have cash. (No change is given back in the cafeteria but is applied to the student’s meal account balance.)
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Is there assistance to help pay for school meals? Meal assistance is available to families who meet the criteria. When approved for free or reduced-price meals, you may also qualify for free or reduced school fees.
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Is breakfast offered at each cafeteria? Yes, breakfast begins at each elementary school at 7:30 in the cafeteria until the first bell. Breakfast begins at the Secondary Campus Cafeteria at 7:45 each morning until the first bell.
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Will my student get a lunch card? Yes. Lunch cards will issued on the first day of school in the classroom. Students in grades K-5 will keep their lunch cards at school. Students in grades 6-12 are responsible for retaining their lunch card and bringing it with them to lunch (and breakfast) each day. Replacement lunch cards are available to purchase if your student loses their lunch card.
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Are there diet modifications possible if my child has a food allergy? If your student has a food allergy that is a disability according to a licensed physician, diet modifications are available if the school nurse AND the Nutrition Department has a current, signed diet modification form on file. Please reach out to your child’s school nurse with questions.
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How do I reach the Nutrition Department? Our direct telephone line is 515-981-9876. The Nutrition Department also has opportunities for community members, students, and parents to join our Wellness Committee. We appreciate your feedback and want the students’ time in the cafeteria to be the best part of their day! We look forward to serving you.
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The 2024-2025 Income Application for Meal Assistance opened on Monday, July 15th at www.schoolcafe.com. If you need a paper application, you will be able to find that on the District website under the Nutrition tab. If you receive an email notification from the Nutrition Department prior to completing the income application that your household has automatically qualified through information received from the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services, please check that notification email and ensure all enrolled students in Grades K-12th living in your household are on the notification. If some of your students are missing, please contact DeeAnna Serres and/or Michelle Stockwell. Remember if your family is approved for Free or Reduced Price Meals for 2024/2025, your family MAY also qualify for free or reduced school fees (Pay to Ride Transportation, textbook fees, etc.) if a fee waiver is submitted to the Nutrition Department prior to Monday, September 30, 2024. For questions, please email DeeAnna Serres at deeanna.serres@norwalkschools.org. | |
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Kindergarten Parents
Parents of 2024-25 kindergarten students - the Iowa Immunization Law requires that immunizations be on file with the school before your child enters school on Friday, August 23, 2024. If you have not already done so, please bring this to the District Office dropbox as soon as possible OR upload the immunization through the online registration process.
7th Grade Parents
Required Immunizations: TDAP & Meningococcal
Senior Parents
Required Immunizations: Meningococcal
Student Immunization Records Required This School Year
Per the Iowa Department of Public Health, each student attending school in Iowa must obtain all the State required vaccinations and provide records before starting school.
Norwalk CSD will enforce this law this coming school year. Therefore, if immunization records are not completed and submitted to your child’s school nurse, your child will NOT be allowed to attend school until such records are provided.
The only exceptions are if a parent/guardian provides one of the following:
- a medical exemption form
- a religious exemption form
- documentation that their child has received at least one dose of the required vaccines but has not completed all the required immunizations. A provisional certificate may be written by the school nurse. (Note: This provisional enrollment only lasts up to 60 calendar days, after which exclusion would still occur if no records are received.)
Remember, this must be done by the time school starts (August 23) otherwise your child will not be allowed to start school until the required immunization forms, exemption forms, or provisional forms are completed and received by the school nurse.
If you need more information, please visit the NCSD school nurse webpage, contact your child’s school nurse, or contact Aimee Rhode, Director of Student Services at aimee.rhode@norwalkschools.org at the district office.
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District Notices and Policies | |
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Corporal Punishment, Restraint, and Physical Confinement
Iowa Law (IAC 281 - 103.7) has established rules preventing school districts from using corporal punishment. Additionally, these rules establish parameters by which students can be restrained or confined - namely to prevent imminent harm to persons (oneself or others)
or property.
In the rare instance a student needs to be restrained or confined, the law limits why, how, where, and for how long a school employee may restrain or confine and detain a child. Additionally, the district must maintain documentation of such events as well as attempt to
provide notice to the child’s parents the same day and provide documentation within three school days.
A complete text of the law and additional information is available on the Iowa Dept. of Education website: https://educateiowa.gov/pk-12/learner-supports/seclusion-and-restraint
If you have questions about this state law, please contact Aimee Rhode, Director of Student Services at the district office: (515) 981-0676 or aimee.rhode@norwalkschools.org
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SIAC Committee
The School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) has been one of the great leadership opportunities for parents and citizens in the Norwalk School District. Many avenues exist to look at our programs and suggest improvements through SIAC.
SIAC is composed of over 120 citizens and staff. Most of the “big picture” changes in Norwalk come from recommendations from these groups. There are two major meetings each year for the entire group and several smaller meetings for subcommittees.
If interested, please contact Superintendent Shawn Holloway at (515) 981-0676 or
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Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination
BP102.E1
It is the policy of the Norwalk Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Leslie Merriman, 380 Wright Road, Norwalk, IA 50211, (515) 981-0676, leslie.merriman@norwalkschools.org or Jen Sigrist, Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, 380 Wright Road, Norwalk, IA 50211, (515) 981-0676,
jen.sigrist@norwalkschools.org.
Title IX BP106
In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Norwalk Community School District prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment as defined by the regulations implementing Title IX against any individual participating in any education program or activity of the District. This prohibition on discrimination applies to and protects students, employees, and applicants for employment. BP106.
*All school board policies can be found by clicking on “District” then “School Board” then “Board Policies.”
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Norwalk Community School District Equal Education Opportunity Policy
It is the goal of the board to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in the students enrolled in the school district. Each student attending school will have the opportunity to use its education program and services as a means for self-improvement and individual growth. In so doing, the students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that assures each student the same educational opportunity.
The Norwalk Community School District does not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. The belief in equal educational opportunity serves as a guide for the board and employees in making decisions relating to school district facilities, employment, selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Jen Sigrist, Norwalk Community School District, 380 Wright Road, Norwalk, IA 50211, (515) 981-0676, jen.sigrist@norwalkschools.org.
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How to File a Harassment/Discrimination Complaint: | |
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*The Norwalk CSD will follow all Title IX regulations. For questions or concerns, please contact Jen Sigrist, Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, 380 Wright Road, Norwalk, IA 50211, (515) 981-0676, jen.sigrist@norwalkschools.org.
**For a complete list of our School Board Policies, please go to our website**
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Abuse of Students Notice
Physical or sexual abuse of students, including inappropriate and intentional sexual behavior, by employees will not be tolerated. The definition of “employees” for the purpose of this policy includes not only those who work for pay but also those who are volunteers of the school district under the direction and control of the school district. Employees found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge. The school district will respond promptly to allegations of abuse of students by school district employees by investigating or arranging for the investigation of an allegation. The processing of a complaint or allegation will be handled confidentially to the maximum extent possible. Employees are required to assist in the investigation when requested to provide information and to maintain the confidentiality of the reporting and investigation process. The school district has appointed a Level I investigator and alternate Level I investigator. The school district has also arranged for a trained, experienced professional to serve as the Level II investigator. The Level I investigator will be provided training in the conducting of an investigation at the expense of the school district. The names and telephone numbers of the investigators shall be listed in the student handbook, published annually in the local newspaper and posted in all school facilities.
If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Aimee Rhode, Director of Student Services at 380 Wright Road, Norwalk, IA 50211, (515) 981-0676, aimee.rhode@norwalkschools.org
**For a complete list of our School Board Policies, please go to our website**
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Bullying Information
“Bullying” is a term that is often used in today’s society to describe many situations. As a parent, or a student, it is difficult to know what bullying is and whether or not it is occurring in the social interactions your child is experiencing.
Norwalk CSD has developed a bullying webpage to help students and parents better understand what bullying and harassment are and what to do if either is happening. Concerns about bullying or harassment are taken seriously and will be dealt with in a timely manner.
It is vital that parents and students work together with school staff to help resolve these concerns.
Please visit the following webpage for more information: https://www.norwalkschools.org/anti-bullyingharassment/
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Students In Extreme Living Situations
Do you know of a child or family who lives in any of the following situations:
- Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or financial hardship
- In a shelter
- In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative option
- In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station
If so, the school-age child may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act. Please contact Aimee Rhode, Director of Student Services at 981-0676 x 4011 at the district office for more information and help.
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Norwalk Schools Pest Management Spraying Notification
The Norwalk Schools implements an integrated pest management program for all school owned green space. This program includes aerating, dethatching, mowing trimming, mulching and spraying for pests. Spraying for pests includes fertilization, pre-emergent crabgrass control, post and pre-emergent weed control, and weed control along all fence lines and buildings. Any resident that has property that is adjacent to school property and wishes to be notified 24 hours in advance of any pest control should contact Karin Stewart, Buildings and Grounds Administrative Assistant at karin.stewart@norwalkschools.org or Richard Sleeth, Buildings and Grounds Director at richard.sleeth@norwalkschools.org. All individuals or groups that might use school grounds for any function should watch for “keep off chemically treated” signs. These signs are placed on treated green space for 24 hours after treatment.
If you see these signs you should stay off that particular green space until the signs are removed. We take this task seriously and have a commitment to keep our environment safe. The district has two licensed pest treatment employees. Pest treatment is always our last line of defense and we use it sparingly in our integrated pest management program.
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Medication in School Policy
Only a Certified Medication Administrator or the School Nurse will administer prescribed medicine to students.
1. Some chronic health conditions, allergies, and illnesses may require students to take medicine at school. In such cases, the nurse will need written notification signed by the family physician or prescription label and note from parents.
2. Medication must be brought in the original container labeled with the child’s name, name of medication, dosage, time to be administered, and route of administration.
3. The child should bring only the prescribed amount of medicine for that illness. Over the counter medications will be given only with written permission from parents.
4. Forms for giving medicine at school, including non-prescribed medication, may be picked up at any building or copied from the district website www.norwalkschools.org under the “Parent” and “School Nurse Information” tabs, or contact the school nurse directly in your child’s school building.
Parents will need to be responsible for bringing and picking up medication to and from the nurse’s office/school office. Before bringing medication to school, please check the label; If ordered three times a day - please give before school, after school, and at bedtime.
**For a complete list of our School Board Policies, please go to our website**
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Employee & Family Resources’ Student
Assistance Program
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Employee & Family Resources’ (EFR) Student Assistance Program (SAP) remains open and accessible to students and families through these unprecedented times.
Phone support is available 24/7/365 at 515-244-6090. Assessment, referral and brief counseling sessions are also still available, but will be available by Zoom or telephone only as of March 18, 2020.
The uncertainty of COVID-19 pandemic can increase feelings of anxiety and stress, which is a normal response under such circumstances. Please don’t forget to look to EFR to help you navigate these feelings in the coming days and weeks. EFR is prepared to continue serving our clients. Do not hesitate to reach out.
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Child Care Resource and Referral of Central Iowa | |
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During this time of uncertainty, we know that many families and staff in your district may have questions about and be looking for child care options for the upcoming fall semester. We understand as you make plans to resume school this fall, however that may look for your district, you may have teachers, staff, and families with child care questions and concerns. We can help!
CCR&R is your resource for all things child care. Our free and confidential Parent Referral Team can assist families in trying to find a child care provider that meets their individual needs and schedules. Families can also access free educational materials to aid in their child care search such as sample interview questions to ask, health and safety things to look for in programs and information on quality initiatives for child care programs. We also work with child care home programs, Department of Education Preschool programs and DHS licensed centers and school age programs and may be able to help answer questions about opening or expanding child care options. Parent Referral services can be accessed at 855-244-5301.
Our website www.iowaccrr.org can also provide more information about all the services we provide to parents, child care programs and communities.
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