Best Daycares in Ottumwa, IA — Independent Quality Ratings
Of Ottumwa's 26 daycares, 14 (54%) hold a 4 or 5 star rating from Childery, matching Iowa's statewide rate of 55%. Locally, providers average 2.8 stars on Process inputs (state QRIS, NAEYC and other accreditation, federal Head Start CLASS scores) and 3.4 stars on Structural inputs (state regulatory baseline plus provider-level licensing data), compared with Iowa averages of 2.9 on Process and 3.6 on Structural.
The local market includes 10 centers and 16 family child care homes, a higher home-based share than Iowa's average of 55%.
Listed alphabetically below are some of the highest-rated providers in Ottumwa. Childery ranks providers using publicly auditable inputs: state QRIS scores, NAEYC-aligned ratios and group sizes, and federal CCDBG training coverage. See the Iowa methodology page for the full breakdown.
Rating Distribution in Ottumwa
Mean rating across all displayed daycares in Ottumwa: 3.2 (Sample of 26).
Process rating across all displayed daycares in Ottumwa: 2.8 (Sample of 4).
Structural rating across all displayed daycares in Ottumwa: 3.4 (Sample of 26).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many licensed daycares are in Ottumwa?
- There are 26 licensed child care providers in Ottumwa.
- What percentage of Ottumwa daycares have high quality ratings?
- 54% of Ottumwa daycares hold 4 or 5 stars on Childery's composite rating, compared to 55% statewide in Iowa.
- What types of childcare are available in Ottumwa?
- 10 center-based, 16 home-based providers operate in Ottumwa.
- How do Ottumwa daycares score on teaching quality compared to the rest of Iowa?
- Ottumwa daycares average 2.8 out of 5 stars on Childery's Process score (teaching quality, QRIS ratings, and accreditations), compared to a Iowa statewide average of 2.9.
- Is there financial help for childcare in Iowa?
- Iowa offers childcare subsidies and assistance programs for income-eligible families. See income limits, waitlist status, and how to apply.Childcare subsidies in Iowa