Children at daycare

Best Daycare Centers in Dubuque, IA

Compare 41 daycare centers in Dubuque. Average rating: 4.32/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Dubuque, Iowa at a glance

Daycares
41
Avg rating
4.32/5
Parent reviews
92
Top rated (4.5+)
11

Dubuque has 41 licensed daycares with 92 parent reviews averaging 4.32/5.11 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 50% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 52002 (avg 4.76 stars), while 52001 has the largest selection (23 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Dubuque

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
    Noah'S Ark Preschool
    4.64 score
    5(9)

    1755 Delhi St, Dubuque, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 52 children

    Noah's Ark Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as a nurturing, loving environment with excellent staff and strong educational curriculum. Parents consistently highlight the director's responsiveness, teacher commitment to individual child development, and effective communication through regular updates and photos. Children reportedly transition well to the center and show enthusiasm for attending daily.

    Dedicated and caring staffstrong teacher retentionnurturing environmentstructured learning with exploration opportunities
  2. 2
    Key West Early Childhood Center
    4.62 score
    4.9(11)

    10244 Key West Dr, Dubuque, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 94 children

    Key West Early Childhood Center in Dubuque receives consistently excellent feedback from parents. All reviews are 5-star ratings praising the caring, creative staff, nurturing environment, and strong leadership. Parents report their children are excited to attend and have thrived developmentally at the center.

    Warm and caring staffengaging and age-appropriate activitiescalm and organized atmospherestrong leadership (Sue Ellen and Jenny)
  3. 3
    Romper Stompers Childcare Center
    4.56 score
    4.8(12)

    2307 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 54 children

    Romper Stompers Childcare Center in Dubuque receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, engaging activities, and flexible scheduling. Parents consistently highlight the owner's dedication and the center's passion for child care, with many noting they continue using the facility despite moving away from the area.

    Friendly and caring staffdaily crafts and activitiesflexible schedulingmobile app for communication and tracking
  4. 4
    Frog Hollow Kid Campus-Asbury
    3.85 score
    3.8(15)

    5005 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 121 children

    Parents consistently praise Frog Hollow Kid Campus-Asbury for exceptional staff care, professional management, and engaging activities. All 10 recent reviews are 5-star ratings, with families noting multi-year enrollments and strong emotional connections between children and teachers. The facility is highlighted for reliability, flexibility, safety protocols, and creating a family-like environment.

    Caring and professional staffexperienced teachers (some 20+ years tenure)engaging arts and crafts activitiesfield trips and summer programs
  5. 5
    Little Leaps Learning Academy
    3.45 score
    3(6)

    715 W Locust St, Dubuque, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 151 children

    Little Leaps Learning Academy has highly polarized reviews with one 5-star rating praising staff engagement and safety, while five 1-star ratings cite serious concerns about cleanliness, hygiene practices, staff qualifications, and health issues. Parents report significant operational and management problems that conflict sharply with the single positive experience.

    Staff interaction with childrensafe environmentfriendly staffaffordable picture services

Rating Distribution

Based on 22 daycares with Google ratings in Dubuque

4.5 - 5.0
11
4.0 - 4.4
3
3.0 - 3.9
8
Below 3
0

Daycare Types Compared

Average ratings by facility type in Dubuque, based on parent reviews

Child Daycare & Preschools

4.23avg rating
22 daycares · 14 rated

Before or After School Daycare

4.45avg rating
9 daycares · 4 rated

Headstart Programs

3avg rating
7 daycares · 1 rated

Church Daycare

5avg rating
3 daycares · 3 rated

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Dubuque zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
520028
4.76
4
5200123
4.28
6
5200310
3.96
1

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Dubuque (18–263 children)

Small

up to 30 children

7

Medium

31–75 children

16

Large

76–150 children

10

Very Large

150+ children

7

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Dubuque based on parent reviews

Noah'S Ark Preschool

5(9)

1755 Delhi St, Dubuque, IA

Noah's Ark Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as a nurturing, loving environment with excellent staff and strong educational curriculum. Parents consistently highlight the director's responsiveness, teacher commitment to individual child development, and effective communication through regular updates and photos. Children reportedly transition well to the center and show enthusiasm for attending daily.

Dedicated and caring staffstrong teacher retentionnurturing environment

Key West Early Childhood Center

4.9(11)

10244 Key West Dr, Dubuque, IA

Key West Early Childhood Center in Dubuque receives consistently excellent feedback from parents. All reviews are 5-star ratings praising the caring, creative staff, nurturing environment, and strong leadership. Parents report their children are excited to attend and have thrived developmentally at the center.

Warm and caring staffengaging and age-appropriate activitiescalm and organized atmosphere

Romper Stompers Childcare Center

4.8(12)

2307 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA

Romper Stompers Childcare Center in Dubuque receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, engaging activities, and flexible scheduling. Parents consistently highlight the owner's dedication and the center's passion for child care, with many noting they continue using the facility despite moving away from the area.

Friendly and caring staffdaily crafts and activitiesflexible scheduling

Dubuque Montessori School

5(4)

2605 Pennsylvania Ave, Dubuque, IA

Reviewers highlight Dubuque Montessori School for its small class sizes, individualized attention, and hands-on Montessori curriculum that fosters independence and practical life skills. Parents appreciate the caring staff, organized environment, and community-focused traditions like the yearly tea party, with one parent noting that the positive experience led them to become a staff member.

small class sizesindividualized attentionhands-on learning

Young-Uns Preschool & Child Care Center

4.7(4)

3375 Kennedy Circle, Dubuque, IA

Parents describe Young-Uns as a top-notch facility with caring staff who treat children like their own, noting that kids enjoy the activities and friends. One reviewer highlights a significant financial issue, reporting a $100 loss due to a failure to provide proper notice for deposit security.

caring stafftop-notch facilitytreats kids like their own

Hills & Dales Childcare

4.4(4)

3505 Stoneman Rd, Dubuque, IA

Parents highlight exceptional staff quality, strong communication, and high-quality ratings, with one family noting personalized support and inclusive care over several years. Conversely, a separate parent reports significant administrative failures regarding spot guarantees and inter-departmental communication, leading to scheduling disruptions and lost enrollment opportunities for their children.

knowledgeable and sweet directorloving and caring teachersstrong parent-teacher relationships

Map

Daycare types in Dubuque

Child Daycare & Preschools 22Headstart Programs 7Church Daycare 3Before or After School Daycare 9

Browse by type in Dubuque

🎨 Preschools 7

Daycare Centers in Dubuque, Iowa

There are 41 daycare centers in Dubuque, Iowa. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Dubuque have an average rating of 4.32 out of 5 across 22 rated facilities, with 50% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 5 stars. Our analysis covers 92 parent reviews.

When choosing a daycare in Dubuque, 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 Dubuque

Showing 41 results

Dcy School-Age Program - Sageville
Before or After School Daycare
Address
12015 Sherrill Rd, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(563) 556-3371
Dcy School-Age Program - Carver
Before or After School Daycare
Address
2007 Radford Rd, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(563) 556-3371
Dcy School-Age Program-Table Mound
Before or After School Daycare
Address
100 Tower Dr, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(563) 556-3371
St Columbkille Early Childhood
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1220 Rush St, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(563) 583-1620
Early Learners Cdc On Windsor
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents highlight the center's family-like atmosphere and the director's proactive communication, noting that children are excited to attend daily. Reviewers appreciate the staff's hands-on approach and specific support for single parents, such as transportation assistance.

excited childrenfriendly and welcoming staffproactive director communication
Address
3495 Windsor Ave, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(563) 583-3501
St. Joseph The Worker Early Childhood
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2105 St Joseph Street, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(563) 582-1246
Onv-Prescott Head Start
Headstart Programs
Address
1151 White St, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(563) 552-4238
Mini Masterpieces Preschool INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1205 Cleveland Ave, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(563) 543-1106
Onv-St Mark Head Start
Headstart Programs
Address
1201 Locust St, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(563) 583-0549
Early Learners Cdc On Duggan
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents highlight the center's family-like atmosphere, noting that children are excited to attend and staff are highly communicative and supportive. Reviewers appreciate the director's proactive engagement and the staff's willingness to assist with logistical needs, such as transportation for single parents.

excited children
Address
610 Duggan Dr, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(563) 556-8160
Onv-Westside Head Start
Headstart Programs
Address
4135 Pennsylvanie Ave, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(999) 999-9999

Page 2 of 2· 41 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 41 all daycares in Dubuque, Iowa. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Dubuque have an average Google rating of 4.32 out of 5 across 22 rated facilities. About 50% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Dubuque, 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
Dubuque offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 22 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 7 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 3 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 9 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 Dubuque for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Dubuque 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.