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Licensed Daycare in Dubuque, Iowa

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Dubuque?

Statewide averages in Iowa run roughly $910/month for infants and $720/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: What staff-to-child ratios apply in Dubuque daycares?

All licensed Iowa centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:12 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Dubuque typically operate below these ceilings.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Dubuque?

Iowa families can apply for Iowa Child Care Assistance (CCA) (intake: (800) 972-2017). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

Choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. We index every state-licensed provider so you can compare options side by side.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$910/mo

Iowa avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Dubuque

ChildCare Aware reports the Iowa average full-time cost at $910/month for infant care and $720/month for preschool. City-level prices in Dubuque vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Iowa families may also qualify for Iowa Child Care Assistance (CCA) (intake: (800) 972-2017).

Full Iowa licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services — Child Care Bureau
Infant ratio: 1:4
Toddler ratio: 1:6
Preschool ratio: 1:12
Avg capacity: 67 kids

ZIP codes covered

52001 3 52003 1 52002 1 1

Program types in Dubuque

Montessori School

1 centers

Infant & Toddler Center

1 centers

Before & After School Care

1 centers

All Dubuque licensed centers

Page 1 of 1

A Infant Care

Active Kids Ames #65

Dubuque

Preschool (2-5) Cap 42

A Before/After School

Ames KinderSmile #64

Dubuque

School Age (5+) Cap 107

A Montessori

Ames Playhouse Academy #66

Dubuque

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 52

Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.

Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Dubuque, Iowa?

Our directory lists 3 licensed childcare centers in Dubuque, Iowa, sourced from Iowa Department of Health and Human Services — Child Care Bureau. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Dubuque?

Statewide averages in Iowa run roughly $910/month for infants and $720/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Dubuque daycares?

All licensed Iowa centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:12 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Dubuque typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Dubuque?

Iowa families can apply for Iowa Child Care Assistance (CCA) (intake: (800) 972-2017). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Dubuque daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Iowa Department of Health and Human Services — Child Care Bureau search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.