How do I choose the right daycare in Ottumwa?

When choosing a daycare in Ottumwa, 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

What types of daycare are available in Ottumwa?

Ottumwa offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 5 facilities Headstart Programs — 2 facilities Church Daycare — 1 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 3 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 Centers in Ottumwa, Iowa (11 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in Iowa?

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 Ottumwa for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Ottumwa

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.

First Presbyterian Preschool

4.51 score

4.8(9)

228 W 4th St, Ottumwa, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 40 children

First Presbyterian Preschool receives consistently positive feedback from parents. The one parent review specific to the preschool highly praises the teachers and staff as 'top notch.' The facility is also recognized for its community involvement and charitable activities.

top notch teachers and staffcommunity involvementcaring volunteersfriendly people

Ottumwa Y Discovery Lane

3.6 score

3.5(20)

611 N Hancock, Ottumwa, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 184 children

Reviews are not actually about the daycare program, but rather about the Ottumwa YMCA facility in general. Reviewers praise the YMCA's gym facilities, staff friendliness, community programs, and family services. No reviews specifically address the daycare/Discovery Lane childcare program.

Friendly and knowledgeable staffclean and safe facilitydiverse programming for all ages and abilitiesgood fitness equipment and amenities (pool

Daycare Centers in Ottumwa, Iowa

There are 11 daycare centers in Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

Frequently asked questions

There are 11 all daycares in Ottumwa, Iowa. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Ottumwa, 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

Ottumwa offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 5 facilities
Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
Church Daycare — 1 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 3 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 Ottumwa for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Ottumwa 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.

11 Daycare Centers in Ottumwa, Iowa

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Ottumwa

Top Rated

First Presbyterian Preschool

American Home Finding Child Care Center

Indian Hills Community College Child Dev Center

Ottumwa Y Discovery Lane

Map

Daycare types in Ottumwa

Browse by type in Ottumwa