Heidi Higgins
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 2 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Building & Premises Safety (8), Children's Records & Files (8), and Licensing & Administrative Compliance (2). None of the 18 findings were critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
Nov 4, 202412 Findings12 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
- “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. Heidi was missing 2 smoke detectors in bedrooms where babies sleep.
- 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”
- “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”. Heidi's physical on the approved form is expired. She does have a more recent physical but not on the approved HHS form.
- 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: A Completed Form 470-5152, Child Care Provider…441 IAC 110.9(2)
An individual file is maintained for each staff assistant and contains: 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 least every three years. Heidi's son is an approved assistant, but his physical is not on the approved HHS form.
- 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: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. 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 and dated immunization certificate provided by the state department of public health. For the school-age child, a copy of the most recent immunization record shall be acceptable. Heidi was missing an immunization record for one of the chidlren in care. Suggestions/Recommendations: A re-check is not needed at this time. Corrections need to be made by 11/25/24 and will be reviewed at the next annual compliance check. Please send pictorial verification of the items where specifically noted below. I encourage you to work...
Dec 1, 20236 Findings6 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
- “ 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. Heidi did not have a smoke detector in the living room that is the areas where she primarily provides care. She also needs to replace the smoke alarm at the top of the stairs.
- “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). Heidi recently purchased a dog from the Humane society. She did have records from the Humane Society but need to obtain the annual pet exam on the HHS approved form. She does...