Mary's Little Lambs, LLC
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 1 inspection since 2023, the issues cited most often were Licensing & Administrative Compliance (3). None of the 3 findings were critical.
See the Inspection Visit
Mar 9, 20233 Findings3 Important
- Facility Requirements:441 IAC 110.15(3)
- “ A” The Home Shall Have a Minimum of 35 Square Feet of Child-use Floor Space for Each Child in Care Indoors, and A…441 IAC 110.15(3)
“ a” The home shall have a minimum of 35 square feet of child-use floor space for each child in care indoors, and a minimum of 50 square feet per child in care outdoors. Findings: The provider's home has a lot of extra items childcare and non childcare. Compliance staff does not see that the items create any immediate safety hazards for children in the home. However, this is not the first visit that there have been so many items in the home. The children still have space, but it is less open than in previous years. Compliance staff and the provider discussed steps to manage the overflow of items from a second home or items previously used in her childcare home. Suggestions/Recommendations:...
- 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