Garner Community Christian Child Care improves again, earning enhanced Iowa Quality for Kids (IQ4K®) rating

Garner, Iowa – In December, Garner Community Christian Child Care (GC4) achieved a Level 2 Iowa Quality for Kids (IQ4K®) rating. The accomplishment makes GC4 eligible for a $3,200 monetary bonus that it can use to support its operations.

The recognition comes as GC4 is preparing to open a brand new, $4.1M building in downtown Garner in April, becoming the largest child care center in Hancock County, and the only one with a Level 2 rating.

“Earning Level 2 was really important to support our expansion and enable us to scale,” said GC4 Director Lauren Hammitt. “With this rating, I feel even more confident that our teachers are prepared to serve up to 100 kids when we open in the new building” she continued.

The Level 2 rating is an improvement over the initial Level 1 designation GC4 earned in 2024. Along with the bonus payment, the enhanced rating also enables GC4 to earn higher reimbursement rates through the Health & Human Services Child Care Assistance (CCA) program, which provides support to low income families paying for child care.

In order to improve from Level 1 to Level 2, GC4 created several new policies, including safe sleeping guidelines for infants and toddlers, and a nicotine-free policy that prohibits tobacco, vape, and electronic smoking devices everywhere on the premises. As part of the transition to Level 2, GC4 staff will also need to complete 40 hours of state-mandated training – a 300% increase above the current training requirements. The center will also offer parent-teacher conferences for every student, and introduce student nutrition and physical assessments. 

“We have so much going for us now: A beautiful new building with modern amenities for children’s enrichment; expansive hours that provide parents with plenty of flexibility; a unique program guided by Christian values and teaching; and an enhanced stamp of quality approval from the State of Iowa,” Hammitt said.

By participating in IQ4K®, child care programs can assess their current programming across all areas and devise a structured plan to increase the overall level of program quality. Programs make improvements in the following areas: health & safety, environment, professional development, family & community partnerships, and leadership & administration. 

Teachers also stand to benefit. Under IQ4K®, they become eligible for Child Care WAGE$® IOWA, a program that provides education-based salary supplements. Employees may also receive up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement through the T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program.

Under Hammitt’s leadership, GC4 is committed to improving its quality and striving to achieve higher levels on the IQ4K® scale (up to level 5). To do this, the center will support its teachers in gaining additional training hours, and Hammitt is actively working to expand formal and informal partnerships with community organizations such as Avery Theater and local food pantries.

As GC4 prepares to enter the new building in April, and potentially double the number of enrolled students, Hammitt plans to hire several new staff members. Community members interested in applying for a teaching position, or enrolling their children in child care, can contact Ms. Hammitt at director@gc4childcare.com.

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This story was published in The Leader on 1/21/2026.

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IQ4K is a voluntary program that is available to child care programs that are registered or licensed with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. A monetary bonus is given to child care programs that achieve IQ4K levels. Child Care Centers and Preschools, Child Development Homes, and School-Age Programs are encouraged to apply. Child Care Resource and Referral can assist those interested. Local Child Care Consultants will be available to answer questions and assist programs in the application process. For a list of participating programs visit Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website: https://hhs.iowa.gov/qris/providers/IQ4K.