Best Daycare Centers in Waterloo, IA
Compare 36 daycare centers in Waterloo. Average rating: 3.98/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Waterloo, Iowa at a glance
- Daycares
- 36
- Avg rating
- 3.98/5
- Parent reviews
- 142
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 8
Waterloo has 36 licensed daycares with 142 parent reviews averaging 3.98/5.8 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 40% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 50702 (avg 4.54 stars), while 50703 has the largest selection (13 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Waterloo
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.
- 1Kid Zone, Blessed Sacrament4.64 score4.9(12)
600 Stephen Ave, Waterloo, IA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 118 children
The reviews provided appear to be for Blessed Sacrament Church rather than the KID ZONE daycare center. Reviewers praise the welcoming parish community and Father Tony, with many commenting on church events like rummage and garage sales. No actual daycare reviews were found.
Welcoming and friendly communityFather Tony praisedbeautiful church buildingsuccessful fundraising events - 2St Edward Early Childhood Center4.56 score4.7(20)
1425 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 148 children
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive with a 5/5 rating across all submissions. Parents praise the welcoming atmosphere, beautiful facilities, and educational programs. Many reviewers highlight the Christian environment and school's approach to faith-based learning.
welcoming atmospherebeautiful facilitieseducational programsChristian values - 3Ywca Of Black Hawk County Child Care4.48 score4.6(20)
425 Lafayette St, Waterloo, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 67 children
The YWCA of Black Hawk County offers a wide variety of programs and activities for children and families including dance, martial arts, swimming lessons, and after-school programs. Parents consistently praise the friendly staff, affordable pricing, flexible scheduling, and inclusive community environment. The facility provides convenient transportation for some programs and scholarships to ensure accessibility.
Variety of programs and activitiesfriendly and helpful - 4Safe Care Learning Center LLC4 score4(20)
118 S Barclay St, Waterloo, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 70 children
Parents consistently praise Safe Care Learning Center for its caring staff, family-oriented atmosphere, and flexibility. The facility is highlighted for going above and beyond to accommodate family schedules and provide comprehensive support to both children and parents.
24-hour childcare availabilityflexible schedulinghome-cooked mealscaring and responsive staff - 5Active Minds Early Learning Academy3.93 score3.9(10)
1744 Falls Ave, Waterloo, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children
Active Minds Early Learning Academy receives highly polarized reviews. Most parents praise the clean facility, caring staff, security cameras, and educational STEAM activities, with several reporting they drove out of their way to continue enrollment. However, a significant minority report serious concerns including unprofessional management, a lice outbreak that wasn't disclosed to parents, and a critical medication error requiring hospitalization.
Clean facilityw - 6Ymca Early Learning Center3.92 score3.9(20)
669 S Hackett Rd, Waterloo, IA · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 50 children
Parents praise the YMCA Early Learning Center for its exceptional staff, safe environment, and strong community feel. The facility is noted for cleanliness, modern amenities, and daily communication with families about their children's activities.
Top-notch staffsafe environmentdaily updates on childrenclean and modern facilities - 7A To Z Learning Center & Day Care-Waterloo Univ.3.32 score2.9(8)
3243 University Ave, Waterloo, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 145 children
A to Z Learning Center receives mixed reviews with strong polarization between parents. Several parents praise the daycare for flexibility, happy children, and caring direct staff. However, multiple parents report serious concerns including management issues, safety concerns, inappropriate clothing practices, and dismissal without explanation.
Flexible and understanding staffcaring and attentive direct staffchildren enjoy attendingfamily-friendly approach - 8A To Z Learning Center & Day Care-W 4th St3.26 score2.8(8)
3823 W 4th St, Waterloo, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 83 children
A TO Z Learning Center has mixed reviews with ratings ranging from 1-5 stars. Parents appreciate the early hours and note that children enjoy attending, but have concerns about communication, supervision, safety incidents, and health/hygiene practices.
Children enjoy attendingearly opening hours accommodate work schedulesstaff described as nice
Rating Distribution
Based on 20 daycares with Google ratings in Waterloo
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Waterloo, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Waterloo zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50702 | 8 | 4.54 | 3 | |
| 50701 | 12 | 4.12 | 4 | |
| 50703 | 13 | 3.6 | 1 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Waterloo (30–270 children)
Small
up to 30 children
2
Medium
31–75 children
18
Large
76–150 children
13
Very Large
150+ children
2
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Waterloo based on parent reviews
Kid Zone, Blessed Sacrament
600 Stephen Ave, Waterloo, IA
The reviews provided appear to be for Blessed Sacrament Church rather than the KID ZONE daycare center. Reviewers praise the welcoming parish community and Father Tony, with many commenting on church events like rummage and garage sales. No actual daycare reviews were found.
St Edward Early Childhood Center
1425 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive with a 5/5 rating across all submissions. Parents praise the welcoming atmosphere, beautiful facilities, and educational programs. Many reviewers highlight the Christian environment and school's approach to faith-based learning.
Ywca Of Black Hawk County Child Care
425 Lafayette St, Waterloo, IA
The YWCA of Black Hawk County offers a wide variety of programs and activities for children and families including dance, martial arts, swimming lessons, and after-school programs. Parents consistently praise the friendly staff, affordable pricing, flexible scheduling, and inclusive community environment. The facility provides convenient transportation for some programs and scholarships to ensure accessibility.
Hawkeye Child Development Center
1501 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA
Parents highlight the center's small class sizes, cleanliness, and staff who are described as friendly, attentive, and patient. Reviewers express strong appreciation for the safe environment and feel the staff act as an extension of their family, with one noting the program has been integral to their child's development from infancy through preschool.
Happy Time Preschool & Daycare
3520 Ansborough Ave, Waterloo, IA
Parents highlight the caring and compassionate teachers, noting that children enjoy the fun atmosphere and chapel activities. Reviewers also appreciate the cleanliness of the facility and the quality of the food provided.
Son Rise Christian School & Day Care
928 Jefferson St, Waterloo, IA
Map
Daycare types in Waterloo
Browse by type in Waterloo
Daycare Centers in Waterloo, Iowa
There are 36 daycare centers in Waterloo, 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 Waterloo have an average rating of 3.98 out of 5 across 20 rated facilities, with 40% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 5 stars. Our analysis covers 142 parent reviews.
When choosing a daycare in Waterloo, 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 Waterloo
Showing 36 results
- Address
- 3610 Ansborough Ave, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 234-5920
Parents highlight the center's small class sizes, cleanliness, and staff who are described as friendly, attentive, and patient. Reviewers express strong appreciation for the safe environment and feel the staff act as an extension of their family, with one noting the program has been integral to their child's development from infancy through preschool.
- Address
- 1501 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 296-4245
Parents highlight the caring and compassionate teachers, noting that children enjoy the fun atmosphere and chapel activities. Reviewers also appreciate the cleanliness of the facility and the quality of the food provided.
- Address
- 3520 Ansborough Ave, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 235-6783
- Address
- 1307 W Ridgeway Ave, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 235-9309
- Address
- 928 Jefferson St, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 235-6191
The reviews provided appear to be for Blessed Sacrament Church rather than the KID ZONE daycare center. Reviewers praise the welcoming parish community and Father Tony, with many commenting on church events like rummage and garage sales. No actual daycare reviews were found.
- Address
- 600 Stephen Ave, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 236-6131
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive with a 5/5 rating across all submissions. Parents praise the welcoming atmosphere, beautiful facilities, and educational programs. Many reviewers highlight the Christian environment and school's approach to faith-based learning.
- Address
- 1425 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 234-1835
The YWCA of Black Hawk County offers a wide variety of programs and activities for children and families including dance, martial arts, swimming lessons, and after-school programs. Parents consistently praise the friendly staff, affordable pricing, flexible scheduling, and inclusive community environment. The facility provides convenient transportation for some programs and scholarships to ensure accessibility.
- Address
- 425 Lafayette St, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 234-7589
Parents consistently praise Safe Care Learning Center for its caring staff, family-oriented atmosphere, and flexibility. The facility is highlighted for going above and beyond to accommodate family schedules and provide comprehensive support to both children and parents.
- Address
- 118 S Barclay St, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 233-0889
- Address
- 202 Byron Ave, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 287-6094
- Address
- 316 Mccoy Rd, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 234-7589
Parents highlight the facility's welcoming atmosphere, cleanliness, and staff's dedication to individualized care, including support for special needs. However, one review cites inconsistent sick-child policies and hygiene issues, specifically citing diaper rash incidents.
- Address
- 315 Oak Ridge Rd, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 505-2585
Active Minds Early Learning Academy receives highly polarized reviews. Most parents praise the clean facility, caring staff, security cameras, and educational STEAM activities, with several reporting they drove out of their way to continue enrollment. However, a significant minority report serious concerns including unprofessional management, a lice outbreak that wasn't disclosed to parents, and a critical medication error requiring hospitalization.
- Address
- 1744 Falls Ave, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 234-1060
Parents praise the YMCA Early Learning Center for its exceptional staff, safe environment, and strong community feel. The facility is noted for cleanliness, modern amenities, and daily communication with families about their children's activities.
- Address
- 669 S Hackett Rd, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 233-3531
- Address
- 4535 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 883-3501
- Address
- 800 Milwaukee Ave, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 287-3848
A to Z Learning Center receives mixed reviews with strong polarization between parents. Several parents praise the daycare for flexibility, happy children, and caring direct staff. However, multiple parents report serious concerns including management issues, safety concerns, inappropriate clothing practices, and dismissal without explanation.
- Address
- 3243 University Ave, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 232-2624
A TO Z Learning Center has mixed reviews with ratings ranging from 1-5 stars. Parents appreciate the early hours and note that children enjoy attending, but have concerns about communication, supervision, safety incidents, and health/hygiene practices.
- Address
- 3823 W 4th St, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 234-1919
- Address
- 307 E Donald St, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 232-4325
Parent feedback for this center is sharply divided, with one family praising the staff's care while others report serious concerns regarding hygiene, supervision, and director conduct. Critics allege inadequate diaper checks, lack of classroom oversight, and unprofessional behavior from the director, including ignoring complaints and withholding incident information.
- Address
- 608 West 4th St, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 291-2424
- Address
- 1239 Sheldon St, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 233-3531
- Address
- 201 Sunset Road, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 610-4518
- Address
- 5805 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 233-3531
- Address
- 1304 Oregon St, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 610-5908
- Address
- 1628 Washington St, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 234-7589
- Address
- 305 Edwards Street, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 433-1960
- Address
- 312 Rachael Street, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 234-7589
- Address
- 302 Cedar Bend St, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 234-7589
- Address
- 205 Adams St, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 235-0383
- Address
- 812 Idaho St, Waterloo, IA
- Phone
- (319) 610-5913
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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 — 17 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 5 facilities
- Church Daycare — 3 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 11 facilities