Melissa Vakulskas
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
- Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- Not Available
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group 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 2024, the issues cited most often were Children's Records & Files (4), Building & Premises Safety (3), and Licensing & Administrative Compliance (1). None of the 8 findings were critical.
See the Inspection Visit
Jun 19, 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
- Facility Requirements441 IAC 110.8(1)
- “ 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...
- “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). The dog residing in the home needs an updated physical examination.
- Files441 IAC 110.9
- A Provider File Is Maintained and Shall Contain the Following:441 IAC 110.9(1)
- 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...
- An Individual File Is Maintained for Each Staff Assistant and Contains: Certification of Two Hours of Approved Training…441 IAC 110.9(2)
An individual file is maintained for each staff assistant and contains: Certification of two hours of approved training related to identification and reporting of child abuse as required by Iowa Code section 232.69 within 3 months of employment. One of the assistants needs to renew their mandatory reporter certification. Suggestions/Recommendations: A re-check is not needed at this time, corrections need to be made by 7/19/24 and will be reviewed at the next annual compliance check. I encourage you to work with Amber Kollbaum from Child Care Resource and Referral with any ongoing compliance or training needs. Amber can be reached at (712) 541-3498 Corrective Action Required: Please provide...