Iowa State University Extension

In the first five years of life, a child in full time care will spend 13,000 hours in care. By comparison, over the next 13 years, children spend 16,000 hours in school.

Educators, policy makers and parents are concerned about the quality of this time, because we now know that the first three to five years of a child’s brain development form a crucial foundation for later development.

Family Storyteller is an early literacy program designed to increase the amount and quality of time parents and young children spend together in literacy activities.

Looking for practical information about quality child care? You've come to the right place!

Child care lasts a lifetime - Let's make sure it is quality care!

Finding reliable parenting information on the Internet just got easier! eXtension is pleased to announce the launch of its newest online resource, Just in Time Parenting (JITP).

Looking for an effective way to train new staff in the child care setting? Iowa State University Extension presents the New Staff Orientation program.

If you are looking for a useful way to learn more about high quality child care, you may want to participate in a Environment Rating Scale workshop.

All across the nation...financial education...for a new generation! The all new NEFE High School Financial Planning Program educates teens about sound money management skills. Materials are free to educators, parents, and students.

Lunch and snack choices are often overlooked as part of establishing a successful school routine. Sam Beattie, Iowa State University Extension food science specialist, offers five tips for lunch and after-school snack preparation.