University of Iowa Leaves and Support

• Adoption Assistance Pilot Program
• Paid Absences, University Policy Manual
• Benefits

Local and National Resources

• National Council for Adoption
• Iowa Foster and Adoption Parents Association
• U.S. State Department – International Adoptions
• Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption 

Childcare Resources

• Search for licensed childcare centers/preschools and home-based childcare near your home or work
• Iowa Childcare Resource and Referral
• Iowa Family Childcare Association
• Johnson County Child Health Services
• Upwards Childcare Map; a list of local registered daycares

Please note that the University of Iowa does not endorse any childcare providers, and it does not conduct any suitability, background or criminal checks of any provider in this process. It is ultimately your responsibility to evaluate the provider you select before hiring for care.   

Financial Assistance

• Childcare Subsidy Program: Eligibility criteria, application process, and online application
• Office of Student Financial Aid, 319-335-1450: Student loans through the Office of Student Financial Aid may be available to help with childcare costs. To apply, a student must have a FAFSA, federal tax return, and University of Iowa Verification Form on file with Financial Aid.
• Iowa Department of Human Services/Childcare Assistance: Eligibility based on income
• Johnson County Empowerment Funding: Eligibility based on income
  • Empowerment Programs
  • School Ready Scholarships
• HACAP/Head Start Educational Programs
• National Guard and Other Branches of the Military: For National Guard families seeking childcare financial assistance; call 1-800-424-2246 or email ngccp@guardfamily.org

UI Benefits

• Dependent Care Spending Plan: Available to UI staff and faculty as a flexible benefit option to assist with childcare expenses; contact UI Benefits office 319-335-2676 for more information
• Family Caregiving Leave, Policy Manual
• Employee Leave Overview
• Catastrophic Leave, Policy Manual

Childcare Aware

Childcare Aware is partly funded by the Office of Childcare, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and includes information on types of care, choosing childcare, and evaluating providers. 

State of Iowa Licensing and Quality Indicators

• Iowa Childcare Licensing and Registration
• State of Iowa Quality Rating System

National Quality Standards

• Childcare Centers

Guide to Childcare Options: Costs and Financial Resources

Making it Work at Work: A New Parent's Guide to Returning to Work at University of Iowa

Caring for your Child

• Zero to Three 

Grief and Loss

• UI Employee Assistance Program (UI EAP)
• Empty Arms Support Group
• First Candle

Perinatal Mental Health Issues

• Women’s Wellness and Counseling Service at UI Health Care 
• The Postpartum Stress Center: A non-local postpartum mental health care clinic with helpful links, resources, and book suggestions 
• Postpartum Support International 

Support Groups

• National Postpartum Depression Hotline: 1-800-PPD-MOMS
• Postpartum Support International PPD Helpline (not a 24-hour hotline): 1-800-944-4773

• University of Iowa Children’s Hospital Center for Disabilities and Development 
• Iowa Compass Disability Resources Database ​
• The Arc of Southeast Iowa