Hugging Tree Nature Preschool, Inc
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
- Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- Not Available
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group 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 (6), Children's Records & Files (4), and Licensing & Administrative Compliance (2). None of the 12 findings were critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
Sep 18, 20248 Findings8 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)
- “A” All Medicines and Poisonous, Toxic, or Otherwise Unsafe Materials Shall Be Secured From Access by a Child441 IAC 110.8(3)
- “A” All Medicines and Poisonous, Toxic, or Otherwise Unsafe Materials Shall Be Secured From Access by a Child441 IAC 110.8(3)
“a” All medicines and poisonous, toxic, or otherwise unsafe materials shall be secured from access by a child. Melissa did have latches on her cabinet under her kitchen sink and bathroom sink that had chemicals but they were not secured. (Melissa does primarily provide care outside in her yard but these still should be secured)
- 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”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 Findings: An annual compliance check was completed on 9/18/24 and the following was out of compliance:
- “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” Melissa's husband's physical exam had expired, (Melissa reported that he does have an exam scheduled tomorrow) Suggestions/Recommendations: A re-check is not needed at this time. Corrections need to be made by 10/9/24 and will be reviewed at the next annual compliance check. I encourage you to work with Black Hawk County Child...
Oct 9, 20234 Findings4 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)
- “ 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 Findings: An annual compliance check was completed on 10/9/23 and the following was out of compliance:
- “A” The Number for Each Child’s Parent441 IAC 110.8(1)
“a” The number for each child’s parent, a responsible person who can be reached when the parent cannot, and the child’s physician shall be written on paper and readily accessible by the telephone. Melissa did have written documentation of emergency contacts but it did not include the Doctor's information. Suggestions/Recommendations: Melissa will add the Doctor information to her written documentation of parent contact and emergency contact information for each child and have that readily accessible by a phone.Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0114 Iowa Department of Health And Human Services Kim Reynolds Governor Adam Gregg Lt. Governor Kelly K. Garcia...