Child Care / Day Care Permits & Licenses in Des Moines, IA

Required for all LLCs. Online filing via Fast Track Filing system recommended.

Required for all child care facilities serving 3+ children not related to provider (home) or any licensed center. Application includes background checks, fire/safety inspections, and program standards compliance.

Applies if business uses a trade name different from LLC's official name on Certificate of Organization.

Must contract with a licensed RN approved by DHS for health consultation services.

Required via Iowa Comprehensive Background Check system for all mandated reporters and caregivers.

All employers must register for withholding tax account. Sales tax permit also required if charging fees subject to tax.

Specific nurse consultant requirements vary by facility type/capacity per Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-109.

Child care services themselves are generally exempt from Iowa sales tax. However, if the business sells tangible personal property (e.g., infant formula, clothing, or educational materials) to parents, a sales tax permit may be required. Most child care providers do not collect sales tax unless they engage in retail sales.

All employers in Iowa must register for withholding tax, even if only one employee is hired. This includes withholding state income tax from employee wages.

Employers must pay Iowa unemployment insurance tax on the first $8,000 of wages per employee annually. Rate for new employers is 1.0% (2024 rate).

LLCs taxed as pass-through entities require owners to report business income on personal Iowa tax returns (Form IA 1040). The LLC itself does not pay state income tax unless it elects corporate taxation. This is a filing obligation for the owner(s), not the entity.

Even without employees, multi-member LLCs or those filing as corporations must obtain an EIN. Single-member LLCs without employees may use the owner's SSN but are encouraged to get an EIN for privacy and banking purposes.

Some Iowa cities (e.g., Des Moines, Cedar Rapids) impose additional local sales tax. Registration is handled through the Iowa Department of Revenue. Child care services are generally exempt, but retail sales may be subject.

Iowa does not impose a franchise tax or gross receipts tax on LLCs. This is not a requirement for child care businesses or other LLCs in Iowa.

Group child care homes (7-12 children) require special use permit in residential districts per DSM Zoning Ordinance Sec. 114-18A.4

Required for compliance with Iowa child care building standards; plan review mandatory for facilities >15 children

Must meet NFPA 101 Life Safety Code; sprinklers required for >12 children

Complements state licensing; includes sanitation, water quality inspections

Freestanding signs limited to 32 sq ft in C-1 zones; electronic reader boards require special approval

Fire and building inspections must pass before issuance for child care use

Monitored systems required; annual inspection mandated

Simplified requirements for child care vs. full restaurants; certified food manager required

Required for all employers with one or more employees in Iowa, including part-time and full-time workers. Sole proprietors are not required to cover themselves unless they elect coverage. Child care operations are classified under NAICS 624410 (Child Day Services), which has a specific risk code.

While not mandated by statute directly, the Iowa Child Care Provider Licensing Rules (441 IAC Chapter 81) require compliance with health, safety, and operational standards, which include maintaining liability protection. The Iowa Department of HHS strongly recommends and effectively requires general liability insurance as part of licensing standards. Required minimums typically $1 million per occurrence.

A surety bond of $5,000 is required for child care centers and large family homes under Iowa Administrative Code rule 441 IAC 81.17(2). The bond ensures compliance with child care licensing laws. Small family homes (≤ 8 children) are exempt from bonding requirement. Bond must be issued by a surety licensed in Iowa.

Required for any vehicle registered to the LLC. Minimum liability coverage: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage. Applies if transporting children or using vehicles for business purposes. Personal auto policies do not cover commercial use.

Not mandated by Iowa law or child care licensing rules, but strongly recommended for protection against claims of negligence, supervision failure, or improper discipline. Often included in general liability policies or available as an endorsement.

Not required by Iowa child care regulations unless the business sells tangible goods to the public. Most child care providers do not sell products; if they do, product liability coverage should be considered. General liability policies may offer limited product liability coverage.

Not applicable to standard child care operations. Only required if the business holds a liquor license, which is highly unlikely for a child care facility. Iowa law prohibits alcohol consumption in child care settings.

Not always statutorily required, but often expected by licensing officials. Covers damage to building improvements, furniture, equipment, and inventory.

Required for LLCs that have employees or are taxed as a corporation. Even single-member LLCs without employees may need an EIN if they have certain types of tax obligations. Child care providers with employees must have an EIN.

By default, a single-member LLC is disregarded for federal income tax and reports income on Schedule C of Form 1040. Multi-member LLCs are taxed as partnerships and file Form 1065. All owners must pay self-employment tax on net earnings via Schedule SE. Child care businesses must report all income, including government subsidies.

Employers with employees must provide a safe workplace, display OSHA poster (available free), report fatalities within 8 hours and hospitalizations within 24 hours, and maintain injury/illness records if over 10 employees or in certain industries. While child care is not on the exempt list for recordkeeping, facilities with 10 or fewer employees are generally exempt from routine OSHA recordkeeping but must still comply with safety standards.

Child care providers are considered public accommodations under Title III of the ADA and must serve children with disabilities unless doing so would fundamentally alter the program or pose a direct threat. Requirements include accessible facilities (if newly constructed or altered), reasonable modifications, and non-discrimination in enrollment. Applies regardless of number of employees or funding source.

Child care facilities located in pre-1978 buildings must comply with the RRP rule if renovations (e.g., repainting, window replacement) are performed. Firms must be EPA-certified, and workers must be trained. Also requires lead paint disclosure for leased or sold properties built before 1978.

FMLA requires covered employers to provide eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons. Child care businesses meeting the employee threshold must comply. Notice posting and certification procedures required.

There is no federal license required specifically for operating a child care or day care business. Licensing is handled at the state level (Iowa Department of Health and Human Services). However, federal tax, labor, and safety laws still apply. Businesses receiving federal funds (e.g., Head Start) must comply with additional federal program rules.

All Iowa LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State by April 1. This applies to all LLCs, regardless of industry. The report confirms business information such as principal office address, registered agent, and management structure.

Child care centers and home-based providers must maintain a valid license issued by the Iowa HHS. The license is issued for a two-year period. Renewal requires submission of updated documentation, including staff qualifications, health and safety compliance, and background checks.

All licensed child care facilities must undergo an annual fire safety inspection by the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office. Inspections include review of exits, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, emergency plans, and compliance with NFPA codes.

DIAL conducts annual health and sanitation inspections for child care providers, including food handling, diapering areas, handwashing, and illness control. Frequency may increase if violations are found.

Child care facilities must comply with Iowa Building Code Chapter 43 (Group R-3 or I-1 occupancy). Inspections may be conducted by local authorities or the state. Applies to structural, egress, and accessibility standards.

LLCs with employees must file federal tax forms including Form 941 (quarterly), Form 940 (annually), and Form W-2/W-3 (annually). This is not a 'renewal' but an ongoing compliance obligation tied to employment tax.

Employers must file Form IA 941 quarterly and remit withheld taxes. Frequency depends on the amount withheld. Also requires annual reconciliation (Form IA 941-RECON).

Employers must file quarterly unemployment insurance reports and pay taxes. Applies to all employers with one or more employees.

Child care providers must ensure advertising is truthful and not misleading (e.g., staff qualifications, safety practices, accreditation claims). Applies to websites, brochures, and social media. FTC enforces against deceptive practices under Section 5 of the FTC Act. Also includes compliance with Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) if collecting personal data from children under 13 online.

All U.S. employers, including child care LLCs, must verify identity and work authorization for every employee using Form I-9. Employers must retain forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later. Applies regardless of business size.

FLSA requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and overtime (1.5x regular rate) for hours over 40 in a workweek. Child care employees (e.g., teachers, aides) are typically non-exempt and must be paid accordingly. Some child care workers may qualify for partial exemption under the "companion care" rule, but this is narrowly interpreted.

Providers must maintain records including attendance, staff qualifications, medication administration, incident reports, emergency contacts, and health screenings. Records must be available for inspection. Retention period is at least 3 years after child leaves care.

The current child care license must be visibly posted at the entrance. Additional required postings include emergency procedures, staff qualifications, and applicable labor law posters (e.g., Iowa Minimum Wage, OSHA).

All child care staff must complete at least 12 hours of approved training annually, including topics such as health, safety, child development, and behavior management. Directors require 16 hours. Training must be documented and retained.

All employers with employees must display the OSHA Job Safety and Health – It's the Law poster in a conspicuous location. Available for free download from OSHA website.

Employers must display current Iowa labor law posters, including minimum wage, child labor, and equal opportunity employment. Available for free from Iowa Workforce Development.

All staff and household members age 14+ in licensed child care homes must undergo criminal background checks through Iowa HHS. Rechecks required every 5 years. Applies to centers and homes.

Licensed child care centers and homes must adhere to state-mandated staff-to-child ratios and maximum group sizes based on facility type and age group (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:10 for school-age). These ratios must be followed daily and documented during inspections.