Children at daycare

112 Daycare Centers in Des Moines, Iowa

Browse all 112 daycare centers in Des Moines, Iowa. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Des Moines

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1
    Mundo Pequeno LLC
    4.72 score
    5(13)

    1922 Sw 1st St, Des Moines, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 75 children

    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.

    caring and passionate staffwarm and nurturing environmentSpanish immersion/bilingual programstrong academic instruction
  2. 2
    Bethany Preschool
    4.55 score
    4.9(8)

    720 Ne 52nd Ave, Des Moines, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 30 children

    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.

    welcoming environmentfamily-friendly atmospherecommunity dinnersbible study groups
  3. 3

    4300 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 52 children

    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.

    Kind and passionate teachersthoughtful classroom designengaging activitiesplay-based learning
  4. 4

    828 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 140 children

    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.

    Experienced and loyal staffbilingual education (English and Spanish)modern developmental curriculumloving and patient teachers
  5. 5
    Montessori & More
    4.5 score
    5(5)

    6151 Thornton Ave, Des Moines, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 120 children

    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.

    caring and professional staffwelcoming environmenthappy and engaged childrenstrong music curriculum
  6. 6
    Children'S Garden
    4.48 score
    4.6(20)

    3223 University Ave, Des Moines, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 100 children

    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.

    Caring and nurturing teachersstrong community and parent involvementparent-run co-op modeldevelopmentally appropriate activities
  7. 7
    Grace Preschool
    4.39 score
    4.5(17)

    3700 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 72 children

    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.

    Nurturing and supportive teachersproject-based learning approachfocus on curiosity and explorationaward-winning program
  8. 8

    4731 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 195 children

    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.

    caring and skilled staffsocial-emotional skill developmentindependence trainingdaily outdoor play
  9. 9
    Wonder Years Academy
    4.35 score
    4.7(5)

    3838 Martin Luther King Jr Pkw, Des Moines, IA · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 62 children

    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.

    Enriching educational environmentcaring and professional staffexperienced directorchildren develop vocabulary and communication skills
  10. 10

    8509 Alice Ave, Des Moines, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 70 children

    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.

    Caring and consistent staffstrong Montessori programexcellent kindergarten preparationfamily-like environment

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Des Moines based on parent reviews

Mundo Pequeno LLC

5(13)

1922 Sw 1st St, Des Moines, IA

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.

caring and passionate staffwarm and nurturing environmentSpanish immersion/bilingual program

Bethany Preschool

4.9(8)

720 Ne 52nd Ave, Des Moines, IA

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.

welcoming environmentfamily-friendly atmospherecommunity dinners

Westside Early Education

5(6)

4300 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA

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.

Kind and passionate teachersthoughtful classroom designengaging activities

Conmigo Early Education Center

4.8(9)

828 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA

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.

Experienced and loyal staffbilingual education (English and Spanish)modern developmental curriculum

Montessori & More

5(5)

6151 Thornton Ave, 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.

caring and professional staffwelcoming environmenthappy and engaged children

Children'S Garden

4.6(20)

3223 University Ave, Des Moines, IA

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.

Caring and nurturing teachersstrong community and parent involvementparent-run co-op model

Map

Browse by type in Des Moines

Daycare Centers in Des Moines, Iowa

There are 112 daycare centers in Des Moines, Iowa. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Des Moines, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Daycare Centers in Des Moines

Showing 112 results

Grace Kids Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
5201 Urbandale Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 276-0943
Montessori & More
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

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.

caring and professional staffwelcoming environmenthappy and engaged children
Address
6151 Thornton Ave, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 288-9558
Cfi Teddy Bear Town
Headstart Programs
5
Address
1800 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 242-7577
Westside Early Education
Before or After School Daycare
5

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.

Kind and passionate teachersthoughtful classroom designengaging activities
Address
4300 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 490-3441
Bob And Billie Ray Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
401 Ne 66th Ave, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 309-2389
Wakonda Preschool
Church Daycare
5
Address
3938 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 285-8401
Bidwell Riverside Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1203 Hartford Ave, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 402-3106
Hope Lutheran Preschool
Church Daycare
5
Address
3857 E 42nd St, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 265-2057
Mundo Pequeno LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

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.

caring and passionate staffwarm and nurturing environmentSpanish immersion/bilingual program
Address
1922 Sw 1st St, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 244-3906
Bethany Preschool
Church Daycare
4.9

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.

welcoming environmentfamily-friendly atmospherecommunity dinners
Address
720 Ne 52nd Ave, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 265-6962
Childserve Woodland Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9
Address
644 24th St, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 280-5332
Unity Point Health Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
1019 Chestnut St, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 241-8827
Conmigo Early Education Center
Headstart Programs
4.8

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.

Experienced and loyal staffbilingual education (English and Spanish)modern developmental curriculum
Address
828 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 242-0225
Wonder Years Academy
Headstart Programs
4.7

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.

Enriching educational environmentcaring and professional staffexperienced director
Address
3838 Martin Luther King Jr Pkw, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 255-6184
Little Angels Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6
Address
606 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 285-2073
Children'S Garden
Church Daycare
4.6

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.

Caring and nurturing teachersstrong community and parent involvementparent-run co-op model
Address
3223 University Ave, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 259-9880
America'S Children Of Oakmoor
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

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.

caring and skilled staffsocial-emotional skill developmentindependence training
Address
4731 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 270-2220
Grace Preschool
Church Daycare
4.5

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.

Nurturing and supportive teachersproject-based learning approachfocus on curiosity and exploration
Address
3700 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 279-5942
Montessori Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

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.

Caring and consistent staffstrong Montessori programexcellent kindergarten preparation
Address
8509 Alice Ave, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 278-4262
Grand Viewchild Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

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.

caring and loving staffwell-trained teachersknowledgeable providers
Address
3004 E 38th St, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 262-4999
Science Center Of Iowa Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

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.

Interactive exhibitshands-on learning activitiesLEGO displays
Address
401 W Mlk Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 274-6868
Plymouth Nursery School
Church Daycare
4.4
Address
4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 255-3271
New Life Center Daycare
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

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.

friendly and welcoming staffsafe environmentChristian values and love of Christ
Address
1057 23rd St, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 288-3353
Des Moines Early Childhood Programs-Mitchell
Before or After School Daycare
4.3

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.

Engaging teachers who motivate childrenstrong early learning instructiongood educational foundation
Address
111 Porter, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 281-8472
Mitchell Extended Day Program
Headstart Programs
4.3

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.

Strong early learning curriculumengaging teacherschildren eager to attend
Address
111 Porter Ave, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 242-8424
Mercy Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

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.

Caring and attentive staffnurturing environmentlong-term staff retention (10-20 years)
Address
1150 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 643-9090
Leaps And Bounds Children'S Academy INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

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.

Excellent staff and teachersaccommodating to special needsstrong communication via Bright Wheel app
Address
1901 Bell Ave, Ste 5, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 243-2929
Oak Academy
Headstart Programs
4.2

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.

Strong educational programdiverse classroomsamazing and caring teachers
Address
1401 Center St, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 244-7702
Des Moines Early Childhood Programs-Woodlawn
Headstart Programs
4.1

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.

Caring and loving staffstudent learning and skill developmentpositive teacher-student relationships
Address
4000 Lower Beaver Road, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 281-8472
Color My World Child Care & Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

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.

Caring and loving staffstrong safety commitmentexcellent preschool preparation for kindergarten
Address
2900 Easter Lake Dr, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 256-7797

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Frequently asked questions

There are 112 all daycares in Des Moines, Iowa. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
When choosing a daycare in Des Moines, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with Iowa's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Iowa)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Des Moines offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 40 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 13 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 14 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 45 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in Iowa typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Des Moines for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Des Moines must be licensed by Iowa's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.