(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds has unveiled a state website that lists child care openings.

A couple of years ago, the state created an online platform that licensed child care providers could use to track enrollment and manage payroll. The governor says the 35-hundred child care providers using that system are now part of this new website that shows child care openings and the range of services provided.

State officials believe Iowa is the first state to offer this kind of real-time data in one place online. The website is called Iowa Child Care Connect.

The price for child care is not included, but the site’s designed for smart phone use, so parents can click on a phone numbers and call a provider.

Gov. Reynolds talks about Iowa Child Care Connect (8/22/24 Radio Iowa photo)

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services director Kelly Garcia says the site gives parents a way to drill down into the types of child care available nearby.

Governor Reynolds says she and other policymakers will be able to use the website to pinpoint communities that are child care deserts.

For example, Reynolds says they may discover unmet demand for infant care.