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.
- 1Mundo Pequeno LLC4.72 score5(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 - 2Bethany Preschool4.55 score4.9(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 - 3Westside Early Education4.55 score5(6)
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 - 4Conmigo Early Education Center4.51 score4.8(9)
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 - 5Montessori & More4.5 score5(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 - 6Children'S Garden4.48 score4.6(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 - 7Grace Preschool4.39 score4.5(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 - 8America'S Children Of Oakmoor4.35 score4.6(7)
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 - 9Wonder Years Academy4.35 score4.7(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 - 10Montessori Children'S Center4.32 score4.4(20)
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
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.
Bethany Preschool
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.
Westside Early Education
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.
Conmigo Early Education Center
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.
Montessori & More
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.
Children'S Garden
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.
Map
Daycare types in Des Moines
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
Woodlawn Extended Day Program receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the teaching staff's care and their children's learning progress. However, one parent reported a serious incident involving physical handling of a child that was not resolved to their satisfaction.
- Address
- 4000 Lower Beaver Rd, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 242-8213
- Address
- 2115 E 39th St, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 242-8434
Parents consistently praise Uncle Sam's Federal Child Care Center (also referred to as All Star Daycare) for its caring staff and family-like environment. Director Karen is frequently highlighted for her attentiveness, professionalism, and support with child development and special needs. Multiple parents report significant child growth, smooth transitions, and strong staff-child relationships.
- Address
- 1408 E Court St, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 262-3032
- Address
- 801 Park St, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 235-5555
All Star Day Care in Des Moines receives consistently high praise from parents. The daycare, led by director Karen, is recognized for its family-like atmosphere, individualized attention, caring staff, and support with child development and special needs. Parents highlight smooth transitions, strong emotional bonds between staff and children, and a welcoming environment.
- Address
- 2 Hartford Ave, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 282-6516
- Address
- 2116 E. 39th Court, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 281-8472
Capitol Park Early Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring and attentive staff, strong curriculum, and supportive leadership under director Shelly. One negative review alleges poor classroom management and inappropriate director conduct under a previous administration. Most reviewers highlight their children's happiness, learning progress, and the center's affordability.
- Address
- 800 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 263-0568
Parents consistently praise Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center Downtown for exceptional staff care, strong communication, and a family-oriented atmosphere. Children reportedly thrive developmentally and emotionally in this environment. All reviewers express high trust in the center's ability to care for their children.
- Address
- 756 9th Street, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 285-2256
House of Mercy Child Development Center receives mixed reviews. Most reviewers praise the welcoming and professional staff, particularly front desk personnel and therapists. However, one reviewer criticized rigid policies and lack of accommodations during quarantine situations.
- Address
- 1409 Clark St, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 643-6545
Wee Care Center receives mixed reviews with strong polarization between parents. Positive reviewers praise the caring staff, religious instruction, affordability, and secure environment, with some families using the facility for 10+ years. Negative reviewers report inadequate child supervision and development, poor hygiene/sanitation practices, excessive illness outbreaks, overbilling, and unprofessional director behavior.
- Address
- 821 Arthur Ave, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 265-5250
- Address
- 4401 Ne 46th St, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 402-1400
- Address
- 1801 16th St, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 281-8472
Step by Step Learning Center receives highly polarized reviews. The majority of parents praise the clean facility, loving staff, and positive experience for their children. However, two negative reviews raise serious concerns about cleanliness, pest issues, and unprofessional handling of complaints.
- Address
- 2102 King Avenue, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 244-0306
Little Sprouts Head Start receives predominantly positive reviews, with most parents praising the caring staff, director Shannon, and their children's development and happiness. However, a few parents reported serious concerns about professionalism, safety protocols, and inconsistent care quality depending on which staff members are present.
- Address
- 4541 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 287-0021
Adventure Club receives mixed reviews with a significant divide between locations. The Des Moines location has positive feedback about activities, staff friendliness, and billing ease. However, the Schererville location has serious complaints regarding incident management, supervision, billing issues, and food policies.
- Address
- 15 Indianola Rd, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 244-2534
CFI Child Development Center receives mixed reviews. Positive reviews praise the caring staff, director Sam's responsiveness, communication with parents, and quality food. However, recent reviews raise serious safety and neglect concerns, including inadequate diaper changes, insufficient staffing, and a child found unsupervised off-premises.
- Address
- 801 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 282-2193
Little Sprouts receives mostly positive reviews with parents praising the caring staff, particularly owner Shannon, and noting their children's development and happiness. However, some parents report significant concerns about inconsistent staff professionalism, safety issues, inadequate supervision, and disorganization in enrollment and communication.
- Address
- 4541 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 287-0021
- Address
- 1001 Pleasant St, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 280-3032
- Address
- 901 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 242-7951
- Address
- 1601 Crocker Street, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 242-8417
- Address
- 1111 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 271-1854
Bear Basics Children's Center has overwhelmingly negative reviews with serious allegations of child abuse, neglect, and unsafe conditions spanning multiple years. One parent gave a positive rating, but nine detailed negative reviews describe physical abuse, inadequate supervision, poor hygiene, medication misuse, and unsafe environments. The center appears to have a pattern of safety and welfare concerns.
- Address
- 135 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 282-1729
New Horizon Academy receives consistently high praise from parents across all reviews. Parents highlight the caring and attentive staff, smooth transitions for children, strong developmental progress, and engaging educational activities. The facility is noted as clean, bright, and well-maintained with excellent communication through daily photo updates.
- Address
- 450 Sw 9th St, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 608-6933
- Address
- 2142 Indianola Ave, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 285-2256
- Address
- 1821 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 282-4481
- Address
- 3025 Oxford St, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 975-8762
- Address
- 1541 8th Street, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 281-8472
- Address
- 901 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 281-8472
- Address
- 901 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 242-8548
- Address
- 1800 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA
- Phone
- (515) 556-6417
Page 2 of 4· 112 results
Frequently asked questions
- 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
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 40 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 13 facilities
- Church Daycare — 14 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 45 facilities