PACES Providers
In keeping with the overall quality improvement goals of the program, PACES has a strong training and quality promotion component. Basic requirements to become a PACES Provider are:
- Provide child care in Linn County to children 0 – 5 years of age
- Registration with the State of Iowa as a Child Development Home
- Participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
- ChildNet Certification
- Willingness to accept Department of Human Services' Child Care Assistance funding
Newly recruited homes are allowed to begin participation as long as they are making steady progress toward the full completion of these requirements.
To encourage the continued professional development of these child care providers, the following incentives are made available to PACES Providers:
- Home visits with a Child Care Educator
- Curriculum with developmentally appropriate activities
- Free specialized seminars
- Bonuses for completion of training opportunities
- Opportunities for networking with other providers
- An equipment/educational materials stipend
- Technical assistance
PACES – First Steps
PACES – First Steps is available to any Linn County child care home provider who accepts children age 0 – 5. Participants in this program receive three home visits from program staff. Free gifts are available to providers following their second and third home visits.