Helena Owens
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.2 / 5
- 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. Process quality reflects an Iowa Quality for Kids rating of IQ4K Level 1. 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.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Iowa Quality for Kids IQ4K Level 1 (Max 5) Learn more →
- 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 1 inspection since 2023, the issues cited most often were Building & Premises Safety (4) and Licensing & Administrative Compliance (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See the Inspection Visit
May 31, 20235 Findings5 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
- Emergency Plans441 IAC 110.8(4)
- “A” Fire and Tornado Drills Shall Be Practiced Monthly and the Provider Shall Keep Documentation Evidencing Compliance…441 IAC 110.8(4)
“a” Fire and tornado drills shall be practiced monthly and the provider shall keep documentation evidencing compliance with monthly practice on file for the current year and the previous year. Findings: Provider did not have documentation past March 2023 on her records for smoke detector checks and fire/tornado drills. Provider is in process of hanging a new smoke detector in the infant sleep room. Provider also mentioned she needs to relocate the detector that is in her kitchen to around the corner from current placement to avoid setting it off multiple times. Suggestions/Recommendations: Corrective Action Required: If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your CCR&R...