Best Daycare Centers in Des Moines, IA

Parents consistently praise Montessori & More for its caring, professional staff led by Danielle. They highlight the positive, engaging environment and strong educational programs in music and early literacy. Children are reported to be happy and well-cared for.

Westside Early Education receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the dedicated, passionate teachers and nurturing learning environment. Parents report their children show significant growth and development while enjoying play-based learning activities, and appreciate the program's affordability and flexible scheduling options.

A single parent highlights the kindness and accommodating nature of the teachers and staff, describing the overall experience as exceptional. No specific drawbacks were noted in this review.

Parents highlight the high-quality, Christ-centered curriculum and patient staff, noting significant social and character growth in their children. Reviewers appreciate the preparation for Kindergarten and the engaging annual VBS program.

Mundo Pequeño receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents, who praise the warm, caring staff and director Lupita for creating a loving, home-like environment. Parents highlight the successful Spanish immersion program, strong academics, and children's enthusiastic engagement with daily activities and outdoor time. Families report feeling confident in their children's safety and development at this dual-language center.

Bethany Preschool is a religious facility in Des Moines with perfect 5/5 ratings. Reviews highlight it as a welcoming community church known for family atmosphere, community engagement, and religious activities.

Parents highlight the staff's dedication to going above and beyond for each child, noting that the center treats families with a personal touch. Reviewers report that their daughters have blossomed significantly, with one family stating they would not know where they would be without the center's support.

One parent reports that their children thrived under the care of specific teachers, noting the facility's indoor gym and developmentally appropriate curriculum helped alleviate initial anxiety. The reviewer highly recommends the center for employees of UnityPoint Health based on this positive personal experience.

Conmigo Early Education Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the loving and professional staff, bilingual English-Spanish curriculum, strong developmental focus, and welcoming environment that makes children excited to attend.

Wonder Years Academy receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the enriching environment, caring staff, and positive impact on children's development. The center has maintained a strong reputation for over 25 years under experienced leadership. Parents report their children thrive academically and emotionally, with lasting positive memories even after leaving.

One parent highlights the staff's kindness and notes their daughter's happiness with the care received. Another reviewer praises the staff generally, while a third inquires about application details and rules for toddlers.

Children's Garden is a parent-run, non-profit co-op daycare highly praised by parents for its caring and nurturing staff, strong sense of community, and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Parents consistently highlight the teachers' attentiveness, genuine affection for children, and long tenure at the facility. The co-op model allows parents meaningful involvement in their children's care and education.

America's Children of Oakmoor receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring and skilled staff who focus on social-emotional development, independence, and kindness. The center is described as a 'hidden gem' with happy children, daily outdoor play, and structured learning activities. One parent raised serious concerns about supervision and unreported injuries.

Grace Preschool is highly praised as an award-winning facility with nurturing, kind teachers who use project-based learning focused on curiosity and creativity. The preschool operates within Grace United Methodist Church, a welcoming community institution known for inclusive values and extensive community outreach programs.

Parents consistently praise Montessori Children's Center for its warm, caring staff and strong Montessori program. Families highlight excellent teacher consistency, smooth transitions to kindergarten, and a family-like atmosphere. Recent management improvements, including enhanced security measures, have further strengthened the center.

Grand View Child Development Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the caring, trained, and knowledgeable staff who create a happy environment for children. Parents report strong relationships between staff and children, with children showing enthusiasm about attending. One negative review mentions rude staff and financial concerns.

Parents consistently praise the Science Center of Iowa Preschool as an excellent interactive learning facility for young children. The center offers diverse hands-on exhibits including LEGO activities, water play, nature displays, and space/dinosaur exhibits that engage children for hours. Staff enthusiasm, cleanliness, and value are frequently highlighted as strengths.

One parent highlights the play-based approach and active parent involvement through a helper program, while another notes the loving staff. A separate review describes a disconnect between the facility's religious designation and its actual operations, citing a lack of faith-based curriculum and concerns about staff attire.

Reviews praise New Life Center Daycare for its welcoming, friendly, and non-judgmental atmosphere with a focus on Christian values and community outreach. Parents highlight the center's commitment to safety, kindness, and providing comprehensive services including tutoring, meals, art classes, and planned health/dental clinics.

Des Moines Early Childhood Programs-Mitchell receives mostly positive reviews, with parents praising the teachers and learning environment. However, some parents have expressed concerns about supervision and inconsistent communication regarding classroom incidents.

Mitchell Extended Day Program receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the quality of early learning instruction and teacher engagement. However, some parents have raised concerns about inconsistent supervision and communication from staff.

Mercy Child Development Center in Des Moines receives uniformly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring and nurturing staff. Parents highlight the center's welcoming environment, strong teacher retention, cleanliness, and developmental activities that help children thrive. Multiple reviewers recommend it as the best childcare option in the Des Moines area.

Leaps and Bounds receives predominantly positive feedback with parents praising the staff, owner Mark, communication, and learning environment. However, two serious concerns were raised regarding director behavior toward children and alleged inappropriate physical contact with children.

Oak Academy receives mostly positive reviews praising its educational program, diverse classrooms, and dedicated staff. However, one parent raised significant concerns about communication responsiveness, facility cleanliness, and staff professionalism during their tour visit.

Des Moines Early Childhood Programs-Woodlawn receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising staff dedication and student learning outcomes. However, one parent reported a serious concern about physical handling of a child and felt the school's investigation was inadequate.

Color My World receives mostly positive reviews praising caring staff, safety, and educational quality, particularly for younger children and preschool preparation. However, recent reviews indicate a decline in service quality, with concerns about staff changes, communication issues, and increased screen time in the 3+ age groups.