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Childery

Charity Hartson

Data last updated · May 2026

Quality Indicators

See Methodology →
  • Overall Quality
    2 / 5
  • Process Quality
    Not Available
  • Structural Quality
    2 / 5

Why this rating

This daycare earned 2 out of 5 stars overall. Structural quality reflects Iowa's licensing baseline. Iowa caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:4, and preschool ratios at 1:12. Lead-teacher education isn't regulated. Teachers must complete 6 hours of annual training. No objective process measures (e.g., state quality rating or national accreditation) are available for this daycare. The overall rating reflects structural features only.

Quality Recognitions & Accreditations

Accreditations
  • National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Not Accredited
  • National Accreditation Commission (NAC)Not Accredited
  • National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)Not Accredited
  • National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)Not Accredited

Facility Info

Facility type
Family Child Care Home
Age groups served
Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
Licensed capacity
Not Available
Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
AgeMax ratioMax group
Infants1:4Not Available
Toddlers1:4Not Available
Preschool1:12Not Available

Teacher Credentials

Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
Not Regulated

Inspection History

3 Inspection Visits Since 2023 · 50 Findings
Most recent: Mar 26, 2025Download Latest Report (PDF)
50 Important

Across 3 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Building & Premises Safety (22), Children's Records & Files (22), and Licensing & Administrative Compliance (3). None of the 50 findings were critical.

See All 3 Inspection Visits
  1. Mar 26, 202515 Findings15 Important
    • Check with the Appropriate Authorities to Determine How the Following Local441 IAC 110.5(1)

      Check with the appropriate authorities to determine how the following local, state, or federal laws apply to you: • Zoning code • Building code • Fire code • Business license • State and federal income tax • Unemployment insurance • Worker’s Compensation • Minimum wage and hour requirements • OSHA • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0114

    • Facility Requirements441 IAC 110.8(1)
    • “ H” The Home Shall Have at Least One Single-station441 IAC 110.8(1)

      “ h” The home shall have at least one single-station, battery-operated, UL-approved smoke detector in each child-occupied room and at the top of every stairway. Each smoke detector shall be installed according to manufacturer’s recommendations. The provider shall test each smoke detector monthly and keep a record of testing for inspection purposes

    • “ P” The Provider Shall Have Written Policies Regarding the Care of Mildly Ill Children and Exclusion of Children Due…441 IAC 110.8(1)

      “ p” The provider shall have written policies regarding the care of mildly ill children and exclusion of children due to illness and shall inform parents of these policies.

    • “ Q” The Provider Shall Have Written Policy and Procedures for Responding to Health-related Emergencies441 IAC 110.8(1)
    • “H” The Home Shall Have at Least One Single-station441 IAC 110.8(1)

      “h” The home shall have at least one single-station, battery-operated, UL-approved smoke detector in each child-occupied room and at the top of every stairway. Each smoke detector shall be installed according to manufacturer’s recommendations. The provider shall test each smoke detector monthly and keep a record of testing for inspection purposes. Charity did not have a smoke detector in her Living room.

    • “P” The Provider Shall Have Written Policies Regarding the Care of Mildly Ill Children and Exclusion of Children Due To…441 IAC 110.8(1)

      “p” The provider shall have written policies regarding the care of mildly ill children and exclusion of children due to illness and shall inform parents of these policies. Charity could not locate this policy.

    • “Q” The Provider Shall Have Written Policy and Procedures for Responding to Health-related Emergencies441 IAC 110.8(1)

      “q” The provider shall have written policy and procedures for responding to health-related emergencies. Charity could not locate this policy.

    • Emergency Plans441 IAC 110.8(4)
    • “B” The Provider Must Have Procedures in Place for the Following: 1441 IAC 110.8(4)

      “b” The provider must have procedures in place for the following: 1. evacuation to safely leave the facility 2. relocation to a common, safe location after the evacuation 3. shelter-in-place to take immediate shelter where you are when it is unsafe to leave that location due to the emergent issue 4. lock down protocol to protect children and providers from an external situation 5. communication plan and plans for reunification with families 6. continuity of operations plans 7. Procedures to address the needs of individual children, including those with functional or access needs

    • “B” The Provider Must Have Procedures in Place for the Following: Evacuation to Safely Leave the Facility Relocation To…441 IAC 110.8(4)

      “b” The provider must have procedures in place for the following: evacuation to safely leave the facility relocation to a common, safe location after the evacuation shelter-in-place to take immediate shelter where you are when it is unsafe to leave that location due to the emergent issue lock down protocol to protect children and providers from an external situation communication plan and plans for reunification with families continuity of operations plans Procedures to address the needs of individual children, including those with functional or access needs. Charity did have an Emergency Preparedness Plan, but it needs to be updated.

    • Files441 IAC 110.9
    • A Provider File Is Maintained and Shall Contain the Following:441 IAC 110.9(1)
    • Children’s Files441 IAC 110.9(4)

      Children’s Files. An individual file for each child shall be maintained and updated annually orWalnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0114 Iowa Department of Health And Human Services Kim Reynolds Governor Adam Gregg Lt. Governor Kelly K. Garcia Director when the provider becomes aware of changes. The file shall contain: a. Identifying information including, at a minimum, the child’s name, birth date, parent’s name, address, telephone number, special needs of the child, and the parent’s work address and telephone number. b. Emergency information including, at a minimum, where the parent can be reached, the name, street address, city and telephone number of the...

    • Children’s Files441 IAC 110.9(4)

      Children’s Files. An individual file for each child shall be maintained and updated annually or when the provider becomes aware of changes. The file shall contain: A signed medical consent from the parent authorizing emergency treatment. An admission physical examination report signed by a licensed physician or designee in a clinic supervised by a licensed physician The date of the physical examination shall not be more than 12 months before the child’s first day of attendance at the child development home. The written report shall include past health history, status of present health, allergies and restrictive conditions, and recommendations for continued care when necessary. For a child...

  2. Apr 8, 202410 Findings10 Important
    • Check with the Appropriate Authorities to Determine How the Following Local441 IAC 110.5(1)

      Check with the appropriate authorities to determine how the following local, state, or federal laws apply to you: • Zoning code • Building code • Fire code • Business license • State and federal income tax • Unemployment insurance • Worker’s Compensation • Minimum wage and hour requirements • OSHA • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0114

    • Medications and Hazardous Materials441 IAC 110.8(3)
    • “B”441 IAC 110.8(3)
    • “C” A First-aid Kit Shall Be Available and Easily Accessible Whenever Children Are in the Child Development Home, In…441 IAC 110.8(3)

      “c” A first-aid kit shall be available and easily accessible whenever children are in the child development home, in the outdoor play area, in vehicles used to transport children, and on field trips. The kit shall be sufficient to address first aid related to minor injury or trauma and shall be stored in an area inaccessible to children. The kit shall, at a minimum, include adhesive bandages, bottled water, disposable tweezers, and disposable plastic gloves. Medications shall be given only with the parent’s or doctor’s written authorization. Each prescribed medication shall be accompanied by a physician’s or pharmacist’s direction. Both nonprescription and prescription medications shall be...

    • “B” A First-aid Kit Shall Be Available and Easily Accessible Whenever Children Are in the Child Development Home, In…441 IAC 110.8(3)

      “b” A first-aid kit shall be available and easily accessible whenever children are in the child development home, in the outdoor play area, in vehicles used to transport children, and on field trips. The kit shall be sufficient to address first aid related to minor injury or trauma and shall be stored in an area inaccessible to children. The kit shall, at a minimum, include adhesive bandages, bottled water, disposable tweezers, and disposable plastic gloves. Charity could not locate her first aid kit she keeps in the home.

    • “C” Medications Shall Be Given Only with the Parent’s or Doctor’s Written Authorization441 IAC 110.8(3)

      “c” Medications shall be given only with the parent’s or doctor’s written authorization. Each prescribed medication shall be accompanied by a physician’s or pharmacist’s direction. Both nonprescription and prescription medications shall be in the original container with directions intact and labeled with the child’s name. All medications shall be stored properly and, when refrigeration is required, shall be stored in a separate, covered container so as to prevent contamination of food or other medications. All medications shall be stored so they are inaccessible to children. Any medication administered to a child shall be recorded, and the record shall indicate the name of the medication,...

    • Files441 IAC 110.9
    • A Provider File Is Maintained and Shall Contain the Following:441 IAC 110.9(1)
    • Children’s Files441 IAC 110.9(4)

      Children’s Files. An individual file for each child shall be maintained and updated annually or when the provider becomes aware of changes. The file shall contain: a. Identifying information including, at a minimum, the child’s name, birth date, parent’s name, address, telephone number, special needs of the child, and the parent’s work address and telephone number. b. Emergency information including, at a minimum, where the parent can be reached, the name, street address, city and telephone number of the child’s regular source of health care, and the name, telephone number, and relationship to the child of another adult available in case of emergency. c. A signed medical consent from the...

    • Children’s Files441 IAC 110.9(4)

      Children’s Files. An individual file for each child shall be maintained and updated annually or when the provider becomes aware of changes. The file shall contain: For children under the age of 6, a statement of health condition signed by a physician or designee submitted annually from the date of the admission physical. For a child who is enrolled in school, a statement of health status signed by the parent or legal guardian may be substituted for the physician statement. For each school-age child, on the first day of attendance, documentation of a physical examination that was completed at the time of school enrollment or since. Charity was missing an updated physical for two of the...

  3. Aug 11, 202325 Findings25 Important
    • Have Been Completed and Authorizing or Conditionally Limiting the Person’s Involvement with Child Care.441 IAC 110.11(3)
    • Have Been Completed and Authorizing or Conditionally Limiting the Person’s Involvement with Child Care.441 IAC 110.11(3)
    • Have Been Completed and Authorizing or Conditionally Limiting the Person’s Involvement with Child Care.441 IAC 110.11(3)
    • Check with the Appropriate Authorities to Determine How the Following Local441 IAC 110.5(1)

      Check with the appropriate authorities to determine how the following local, state, or federal laws apply to you: • Zoning code • Building code • Fire code • Business license • State and federal income tax • Unemployment insurance • Worker’s Compensation • Minimum wage and hour requirements • OSHA • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0114

    • Facility Requirements441 IAC 110.8(1)
    • “ H” The Home Shall Have at Least One Single-station441 IAC 110.8(1)

      “ h” The home shall have at least one single-station, battery-operated, UL-approved smoke detector in each child-occupied room and at the top of every stairway. Each smoke detector shall be installed according to manufacturer’s recommendations. The provider shall test each smoke detector monthly and keep a record of testing for inspection purposes

    • “ N” Providers Shall Inform Parents of the Presence of Any Pet in the Home441 IAC 110.8(1)

      “ n” Providers shall inform parents of the presence of any pet in the home. 1. Each dog or cat in the household shall undergo an annual health examination by a licensed veterinarian. Acceptable veterinary examinations shall be documented on Form 470-5153, Veterinary Health Certificate. This examination shall verify that the animal’s routine immunizations, particularly rabies, are current and that the animal shows no evidence of endoparasites (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms) and ectoparasites (fleas, mites, ticks, lice). 2. Each pet bird in the household shall be purchased from a dealer licensed by the Iowa department of agriculture and land stewardship and shall be examined by a...

    • “H” The Home Shall Have at Least One Single-station441 IAC 110.8(1)

      “h” The home shall have at least one single-station, battery-operated, UL-approved smoke detector in each child-occupied room and at the top of every stairway. Each smoke detector shall be installed according to manufacturer’s recommendations. The provider shall test each smoke detector monthly and keep a record of testing for inspection purposes. 41

    • “N” Providers Shall Inform Parents of the Presence of Any Pet in the Home441 IAC 110.8(1)

      “n” Providers shall inform parents of the presence of any pet in the home. Each dog or cat in the household shall undergo an annual health examination by a licensed veterinarian. Acceptable veterinary examinations shall be documented on Form 470-5153, Veterinary Health Certificate. This examination shall verify that the animal’s routine immunizations, particularly rabies, are current and that the animal shows no evidence of endoparasites (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms) and ectoparasites (fleas, mites, ticks, lice).

    • “H” - The Provider Must Start Documenting Smoke Detector Test as of 8/23441 IAC 110.8(1)

      “h” - The provider must start documenting smoke detector test as of 8/23. This was discussed at last years compliance visit as well and this worker did provide her a form she can use for appropriate documentation. 41

    • “N” The Provider Must Obtain Vet Exam for Bella as It Was Expired and She Could Not Locate One for Oreo441 IAC 110.8(1)

      “n” The provider must obtain vet exam for Bella as it was expired and she could not locate one for Oreo. She is aware of the form she needs to use.

    • Files441 IAC 110.9
    • A Provider File Is Maintained and Shall Contain the following:Walnut Street441 IAC 110.9(1)

      A provider file is maintained and shall contain the following:Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0114 Iowa Department of Health And Human Services Kim Reynolds Governor Adam Gregg Lt. Governor Kelly K. Garcia Director

    • “ A” A Physician’s Examination Report for the Provider and All Members of the Provider’s Household Aged 18 Years Or…441 IAC 110.9(1)

      “ a” A physician’s examination report for the provider and all members of the provider’s household aged 18 years or older. Acceptable physical examinations shall be documented on Form 470- 5152, Child Care Provider Physical Examination Report. All children residing in the household must have medical documentation outlined in 110.9(4) “d”, 110.9(4) “f”, and 110.9(4) “g”

    • “ B” (1) I-PoWeR Records or Certificates Verifying Required Training Completion: Prior to Registration: • Minimum…441 IAC 110.9(1)

      “ b” (1) I-PoWeR records or certificates verifying required training completion: Prior to registration: • minimum health and safety training, approved by the Department, in required content areas • Iowa’s Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training Prior to registration: First Aid and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Provider shall maintain a valid certificate indicating date of training and expiration date. During each two year registration period, the provider shall receive a minimum of 24 hours of training from approved content areas. A provider shall not use a specific training or class to meet minimum continuing education requirements more than one time every five years A provider who...

    • “ b”(2) Documentation From the Department Confirming the Record Checks Required Under441 IAC 110.9(1)
    • “A” A Physician’s Examination Report for the Provider and All Members of the Provider’s Household Aged 18 Years Or…441 IAC 110.9(1)

      “a” A physician’s examination report for the provider and all members of the provider’s household aged 18 years or older . Acceptable physical examinations shall be documented on Form 470-5152, Child Care Provider Physical Examination Report. All children residing in the household must have medical documentation outlined in 110.9(4) “d”, 110.9(4) “f”, and 110.9(4) “g”

    • “B” (1) I-PoWeR Records or Certificates Verifying Required Training Completion: Prior to Registration: Minimum Health…441 IAC 110.9(1)

      “b” (1) I-PoWeR records or certificates verifying required training completion: Prior to registration: minimum health and safety training, approved by the Department, in required content areas Iowa’s Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training Prior to registration: First Aid and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Provider shall maintain a valid certificate indicating date of training and expiration date.

    • “b”(2) Documentation From the Department Confirming the Record Checks Required Under441 IAC 110.9(1)
    • “A” - The Provider Needs an Updated Physical for Her Husband and She Could Not Locate Any of the Recent Physicals for Her Own Children.441 IAC 110.9(1)
    • “B” (1) The Provider's First Aid and CPR Training Had Expired Earlier This Month441 IAC 110.9(1)

      “b” (1) The provider's First aid and CPR training had expired earlier this month. Her Two hours of approved child abuse and neglect mandatory reporter training had also expired. Provider needs to get these completed.

    • “b”(2) The Provider Could Not Locate Her Documentation From the Department Confirming the Record Checks Required Under441 IAC 110.9(1)
    • Children’s Files441 IAC 110.9(4)

      Children’s Files. An individual file for each child shall be maintained and updated annually or when the provider becomes aware of changes. The file shall contain: a. Identifying information including, at a minimum, the child’s name, birth date, parent’s name, address, telephone number, special needs of the child, and the parent’s work address and telephone number. b. Emergency information including, at a minimum, where the parent can be reached, the name, street address, city and telephone number of the child’s regular source of health care, and the name, telephone number, and relationship to the child of another adult available in case of emergency. c. A signed medical consent from the...

    • Children’s Files.Walnut Street441 IAC 110.9(4)

      Children’s Files.Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0114 Iowa Department of Health And Human Services Kim Reynolds Governor Adam Gregg Lt. Governor Kelly K. Garcia Director Suggestions/Recommendations:

    • Children’s Files441 IAC 110.9(4)

      Children’s Files. - the provider was missing one admission physical and one updated physical for two of the children in her care. She needs to make sure all files are updated and complete. Corrective Action Required: A re-check is not needed at this time Corrections need to be made by 9/1/23 and will be reviewed at the next annual compliance check. This worker does request that the provider send verification of her First aid and CPR training as well as her Mandatory child abuse reporter training certificates once that is completed. I encourage you to work with Child Care Resource and Referral with any ongoing compliance or training needs. Your CCR&R support worker can be reached at 319-...