Cheryl James
Data last updated · May 2026
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.2 / 5
- Process QualityThe quality of daily care — caregiver-child interactions, learning activities, and the emotional climate. Drawn from the state QRIS rating, accreditations, and Head Start CLASS observations.Not Available
- Structural QualityMeasurable features like staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, license status, and teacher qualifications. Provider-level data when available; otherwise the state regulatory baseline.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
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 Not Available Toddlers 1:4 Not Available Preschool 1:12 Not Available
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- Not Regulated
Inspection History
Across 3 inspections since 2022, the issues cited most often were Children's Records & Files (20), Building & Premises Safety (15), and Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (3). Of 41 total findings, 2 were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Oct 7, 202413 Findings13 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
- Provider Requirements441 IAC 110.7
- The Provider Shall Meets the Following Requirements: A441 IAC 110.7(1)
The provider shall meets the following requirements: a. Gives careful supervision at all times. b. Exchange information with the parent of each child frequently to enhance the quality of care. c. Give consistent, dependable care and be capable of handling emergencies d. Be present at all times except when emergencies occur or an absence is planned, at which time care shall be provided by a department-approved substitute. When an absence is planned, the provider shall give parents at least 24 hours’ prior notice. e. Shall be free of the use of illegal drugs and shall not be under the influence of alcohl or any of the prescription or non-prescription drug that could impair their ability to...
- The Provider Shall Meets the Following Requirements: Be Present at All Times Except When Emergencies Occur or An…441 IAC 110.7(1)
The provider shall meets the following requirements: Be present at all times except when emergencies occur or an absence is planned, at which time care shall be provided by a department-approved substitute. When an absence is planned, the provider shall give parents at least 24 hours’ prior notice.
- Facility Requirements441 IAC 110.8(1)
- “ A” The Home Shall Have a Nonpay441 IAC 110.8(1)
“ a” The home shall have a nonpay, working land-line or mobile telephone with emergency numbers posted for police, fire, ambulance, and the poison information center. The number for each child’s parent, for a responsible person who can be reached when the parent cannot, and for the child’s physician shall be written on paper and readily accessible by the telephone. The home must prominently display all emergency information, and all travel vehicles must have a paper copy of emergency parent contact information
- “ 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
- “A” The Home Shall Have a Nonpay441 IAC 110.8(1)
“a” The home shall have a nonpay, working land-line or mobile telephone with emergency numbers posted for police, fire, ambulance, and the poison information center. The number for each child’s parent, for a responsible person who can be reached when the parent cannot, and for the child’s physician shall be written on paper and readily accessible by the telephone. The home must prominently display all emergency information, and all travel vehicles must have a paper copy of emergency parent contact information.
- “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 stairwa Suggestions/Recommendations: A recheck is not needed at this time. The below corrections need to be completed by 13/7/2024 and will be reviewed on your next annual compliance check I encourage you to work with your Child Care Resource and Referral Worker (Heather Sheesley 515-360-7308) with any compliance or training efforts. Corrective Action Required: 1. When I arrived you were not in the Child Development Home. Your assistant communicated to me that you were on an errand. You did arrive 5 minutes later. You cannot leave the...
- 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”
- 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...
Sep 25, 202321 Findings2 Critical19 Important
- "A" The Provider Shall Follow Safe Sleep Practices as Recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for Infants…441 IAC 110.8(5)
"a" The provider shall follow safe sleep practices as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for infants under the age of one. a. Infants shall always be placed on their back for sleep. b. Infants shall be placed on a firm mattress with a tight fitted sheet that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission federal standards. c. Infants shall not be allowed to sleep on a bed, sofa, air mattress or other soft surface. No child shall be allowed to sleep in an infant seat, car seat, swing, bouncy seat, or items not designed for sleeping. d. No toys, soft objects, stuffed animals, pillows, bumper pads, blankets, or loose bedding shall be allowed in the sleeping area with the infant. e. No...
- "A" The Provider Shall Follow Safe Sleep Practices as Recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for Infants…441 IAC 110.8(5)
"a" The provider shall follow safe sleep practices as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for infants under the age of one. Infants shall always be placed on their back for sleep. Infants shall be placed on a firm mattress with a tight fitted sheet that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission federal standards. Infants shall not be allowed to sleep on a bed, sofa, air mattress or other soft surface. No child shall be allowed to sleep in an infant seat, car seat, swing, bouncy seat, or items not designed for sleeping. No toys, soft objects, stuffed animals, pillows, bumper pads, blankets, or loose bedding shall be allowed in the sleeping area with the infant. No co-sleeping...
- 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
- “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.
- Safe Sleep441 IAC 110.8(5)
- "B" No Child Shall Be Allowed to Sleep in Any Item Not Designed for Sleeping Including441 IAC 110.8(5)
"b" No child shall be allowed to sleep in any item not designed for sleeping including, but not limited to, an infant seat, car seat, swing, or bouncy seat.
- "C" A Crib or Crib Like Furniture Which Has a Waterproof Mattress Covering and Sufficient Bedding to Enable a Child To…441 IAC 110.8(5)
"c" A crib or crib like furniture which has a waterproof mattress covering and sufficient bedding to enable a child to rest comfortably and which meets the current standards or recommendations from the Consumer Product Safety Commission or ASTM International for juvenile products shall be provided for each child under two years of age if developmentally appropriate. CribWalnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0114 Iowa Department of Health And Human Services Kim Reynolds Governor Adam Gregg Lt. Governor Kelly K. Garcia Director railings shall be fully raised and secured when the child is in the crib. A crib or crib like furniture shall be provided for the number of...
- "B" No Child Shall Be Allowed to Sleep in Any Item Not Designed for Sleeping Including441 IAC 110.8(5)
"b" No child shall be allowed to sleep in any item not designed for sleeping including, but not limited to, an infant seat, car seat, swing, or bouncy seat.
- "C" A Crib or Crib Like Furniture Which Has a Waterproof Mattress Covering and Sufficient Bedding to Enable a Child To…441 IAC 110.8(5)
"c" A crib or crib like furniture which has a waterproof mattress covering and sufficient bedding to enable a child to rest comfortably and which meets the current standards or recommendations from the ConsumerWalnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0114 Iowa Department of Health And Human Services Kim Reynolds Governor Adam Gregg Lt. Governor Kelly K. Garcia Director Product Safety Commission or ASTM International for juvenile products shall be provided for each child under two years of age if developmentally appropriate. Crib railings shall be fully raised and secured when the child is in the crib. A crib or crib like furniture shall be provided for the number of...
- Files441 IAC 110.9
- A Provider File Is Maintained and Shall Contain the Following: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…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...
- “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: Iowa’s Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter…441 IAC 110.9(1)
“b” (1) I-PoWeR records or certificates verifying required training completion: Iowa’s Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training First Aid and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Provider shall maintain a valid certificate indicating date of training and expiration date.
- An Individual File Is Maintained for Each Staff Assistant and Contains: 1441 IAC 110.9(2)
An individual file is maintained for each staff assistant and contains: 1. Documentation from the department confirming the record checks required under subrule 110.11(3) have been completed and authorizing or conditionally limiting the person’s involvement with child care 2. A completed Form 470-5152, Child Care Provider Physical Examination Report. The examination shall include any necessary testing for communicable diseases; a discussion of recommended vaccinations; completed no more than six months prior to approval to assist or be a household member; completed by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, physician assistant or advanced registered nurse practitioner; and repeated...
- An Individual File Is Maintained for Each Staff Assistant and Contains: Documentation From the Department Confirming…441 IAC 110.9(2)
An individual file is maintained for each staff assistant and contains: Documentation from the department confirming the record checks required under subrule 110.11(3) have been completed and authorizing or conditionally limiting the person’s involvement with child care A completed Form 470-5152, Child Care Provider Physical Examination Report. The examination shall include any necessary testing for communicable diseases; a discussion of recommended vaccinations; completed no more than six months prior to approval to assist or be a household member; completed by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, physician assistant or advanced registered nurse practitioner; and repeated at...
- 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: 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. 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. A signed medical consent from the parent...
Aug 10, 20227 Findings7 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
- Files441 IAC 110.9
- A Provider File Is Maintained and Shall Contain the Following: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…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...
- An Individual File Is Maintained for Each Staff Assistant and Contains: 1441 IAC 110.9(2)
An individual file is maintained for each staff assistant and contains: 1. Documentation from the department confirming the record checks required under subrule 110.11(3) have been completed and authorizing or conditionally limiting the person’s involvement with child care 2. A completed Form 470-5152, Child Care Provider Physical Examination Report. TheWalnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0114 Iowa Department of Health And Human Services Kim Reynolds Governor Adam Gregg Lt. Governor Kelly K. Garcia Director examination shall include any necessary testing for communicable diseases; a discussion of recommended vaccinations; completed no more than six months prior...
- 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...