Children at daycare

1,635 Daycare Centers in Iowa

Browse 1,635 daycare centers across Iowa. Find licensed daycare centers, compare options by city, and choose the best childcare for your family.

Choosing Daycare Centers in Iowa

Finding the right daycare center for your child is crucial. Understanding the landscape of childcare services in Iowa can make the decision-making process smoother.

Iowa has about 1,635 daycares providing essential child services for families in the state.

Compare the average fees charged by daycare centers in Iowa. Consider your budget while ensuring that the chosen daycare offers the necessary services and quality care.

Daycare Breakdown in Iowa

There are 1,635 daycares in Iowa: 163 headstart facilities, 444 before/after school centers, 155 religious facility daycares, and 873 childcare and preschool centers.

Childcare & Pre-school

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Headstart Programs

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Religious / Church Based Daycare

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Before or After School

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All Daycare Centers in Iowa

Showing 1,635 results

Blessings LLC Care For Kids
Church Daycare
4.7

Parents consistently praise Blessings LLC Care for Kids for its warm, family-like environment and dedicated staff led by owner Kathy. Families highlight the center's engaging activities, field trips, accommodating approach, and the genuine care staff provides to each child. The facility has maintained strong operations even during challenging times like the pandemic.

Patient and kind staffowner actively involved and accessiblefamily-oriented atmosphere
Address
6820 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 556-5693
Iowa Lakes Head Start
Headstart Programs
4.7

Iowa Lakes Head Start in Emmetsburg has a 4.7/5 rating. Most reviews praise the respectful and fair treatment of students, cleanliness, knowledgeable staff, and welcoming atmosphere. One reviewer reported being dismissed during a difficult time.

Respectful and fair treatmentclean facilityknowledgeable staff
Address
3200 College Dr, Emmetsburg, IA
Phone
(712) 852-5352
Hartley Community Daycare
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

The reviews provided do not assess this facility as a daycare center. Instead, they describe Hartley Community Center as a multipurpose event venue that hosts craft shows, weddings, fundraisers, and community gatherings. No reviews address daycare operations, staff, child care quality, or educational programs.

Nice facility with ample spaceclean amenitiesaffordable pricing
Address
611 3rd St Ne, Hartley, IA
Phone
(712) 928-3292
East Union Aspire Before & After School Program
Before or After School Daycare
4.7

Reviews consistently praise the staff for being friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Parents appreciate the affordable prices and quality of items available. However, the facility's limited hours (Tuesday and Thursday only) are a drawback for some.

friendly and happy staffaffordable pricesgood selection of items
Address
1916 High School Dr, Afton, IA
Phone
(641) 347-8777
Gilmore City-Bradgate Child Care Center
Before or After School Daycare
4.7
Address
402 Se E Ave, Gilmore City, IA
Phone
(515) 373-6020
Zion Lutheran Preschool
Church Daycare
4.7

Zion Lutheran Preschool in Humboldt, Iowa is a religious facility where parents report positive experiences with welcoming staff and a family-oriented environment. Reviews highlight the facility's physical appeal and its role as a community gathering space.

Welcoming and family-oriented staffbeautiful facilitysense of community and friendship
Address
1005 11th Ave N, Humboldt, IA
Phone
(515) 332-3279
Dmacc Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
2006 S Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 9, Ankeny, IA
Phone
(515) 964-6238
Tender Years Daycare 3
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
2501 Se Creekview Dr, Ankeny, IA
Phone
(515) 964-3060
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
Loving Arms Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Loving Arms Children's Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with staff described as exceptionally caring, loving, and attentive to individual children's needs. Parents report their children are excited to attend, experience significant developmental growth, and benefit from well-planned learning activities and faith-based education. The center maintains strong communication with families and has successfully navigated recent leadership changes while maintaining core values.

Kind and welcoming staffopen-ended learning activitiesstrong communication
Address
6270 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA
Phone
(515) 270-0150
The Red Apple Child Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

The Red Apple Child Care Center receives universal 5/5 star ratings from parents who praise the caring, professional staff and clean, well-maintained facilities. Parents consistently report that their children love attending and show strong development in academics, social skills, and confidence. The facility has a strong reputation in the community, though it maintains a waitlist due to high demand.

Caring and professional staffclean facilitieswell-maintained play areas
Address
3265 Ridge Point, Bettendorf, IA
Phone
(563) 332-3505
Adventures Preschool
Church Daycare
4.7
Address
2622 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA
Phone
(515) 292-1736
North Winneshiek Elementary Preschool
Before or After School Daycare
4.7
Address
3495 North Winn Rd, Decorah, IA
Phone
(563) 735-5318
Messiah Lutheran Preschool
Before or After School Daycare
4.7

Parents consistently praise Messiah Lutheran Preschool for its warm, welcoming environment and caring staff. Multiple reviewers highlight the teachers' patience and kindness, noting their children love attending and are well-cared for. Families appreciate the supportive atmosphere, especially for those new to the area.

caring and loving teacherswelcoming environmentpatient staff
Address
2411 West Ave, Burlington, IA
Phone
(319) 754-7591
Young-Uns Preschool & Child Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
3375 Kennedy Circle, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(563) 584-0845
St Paul'S Focus
Church Daycare
4.7

St. Paul's Focus is a religious facility that parents describe as welcoming, inclusive, and loving toward all community members. Reviews highlight the church's commitment to faith-based values and acceptance of diverse populations. Parents appreciate the warm community atmosphere and nearby parks.

welcoming environmentinclusive communityfaith-based values
Address
1340 3rd Ave Se, Cedar Rapids, IA
Phone
(319) 363-6349
Little Rebels Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
120 Cedar St, Reinbeck, IA
Phone
(319) 788-6120
Little Angels Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6
Address
606 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 285-2073
St Paul'S Lutheran Preschool
Church Daycare
4.6

St. Paul's Lutheran Preschool is a religious facility with strong Christian emphasis that most parents praise highly. Parents appreciate the small student-to-teacher ratio, welcoming community, and Bible-based curriculum. One parent expressed concern about the heavy religious focus impacting academic preparation.

Small student-to-teacher ratioChrist and Bible emphasischildren enjoy attending
Address
612 Jennings Street, Sioux City, IA
Phone
(712) 258-6325
Asbury United Methodist Preschool
Church Daycare
4.6
Address
723 Bank St, Webster City, IA
Phone
(515) 832-5369
Charles City Ymca Before & After School Program
Before or After School Daycare
4.6

Parents consistently praise the Charles City YMCA for friendly and welcoming staff, affordable pricing, and a variety of programs for families. The facility is well-maintained despite its age, with good equipment and amenities. Overall satisfaction is very high.

friendly staffaffordable pricinggood programs for all ages
Address
1406 N Grand Ave, Charles City, IA
Phone
(641) 257-8880
Algona Family Ymca Childcare @ The Ymca
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Parents praise the Algona Family YMCA as an exceptional facility with friendly staff and excellent cleanliness. Reviews highlight its comprehensive amenities including a clean pool, fitness center, track, and various recreational options suitable for all ages. The facility is described as a valuable community asset with reasonable membership fees.

Clean facilityfriendly and nice staffexceptional pool
Address
2101 E Mcgregor, Algona, IA
Phone
(515) 295-7701
Algona Family Ymca Childcare @ Bertha Godfrey Elem
Before or After School Daycare
4.6

Parents consistently praise the Algona Family YMCA as an exceptional facility with diverse amenities including a clean pool, fitness center, track, and various recreational options. Staff is described as friendly and professional, and the facility is well-maintained. The facility is highlighted as a valuable community resource that serves families of all ages.

Clean and well-maintained facilityfriendly and nice staffexceptional pool with diving boards
Address
124 N Main St, Algona, IA
Phone
(515) 341-6560
Childserve Johnston Day Health Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

ChildServe Johnston Day Health Center receives exclusively positive reviews from parents and guardians. Reviewers consistently praise the specialized staff, therapeutic services, compassionate care, and individualized treatment plans. The facility is noted as exceptional for children with special needs and disabilities, with families reporting significant developmental progress and life-changing outcomes.

Loving and patient staffspecialized training for children wi
Address
5406 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA
Phone
(515) 727-8750
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
Kids INC Summer Program
Before or After School Daycare
4.6

All reviews are 5/5 stars praising the church community and biblical teaching. Parents consistently highlight the welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere and strong sense of belonging within the congregation.

Biblical teachingwelcoming communityfamily atmosphere
Address
275 W 29th Ave, Marion, IA
Phone
(319) 929-0151
The Arc Of East Central Iowa-Daycare Enrichment
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Parents consistently praise The Arc of East Central Iowa-Daycare Enrichment for its exceptional staff and caring environment. The facility is noted for providing specialized care for children with challenges, with careful attention to medications and individual needs. Parents report feeling confident and at ease leaving their children in this organization's care.

Caring and loving staffAmazing supportAttention to medication and detail
Address
680 2nd St Se, Cedar Rapids, IA
Phone
(319) 365-0487
The Arc Of East Central Iowa-Summer Day
Before or After School Daycare
4.6

Parents consistently praise The Arc of East Central Iowa as an excellent daycare center with exceptional staff and strong organizational practices. Reviewers highlight the caring, loving environment and note the center's particular strength in serving children with special needs. Parents appreciate the attention to detail, medication management, and peace of mind the facility provides.

Caring and loving staffamazing supportattention to detail with medications
Address
4545 Wenig Rd Ne, Cedar Rapids, IA
Phone
(319) 365-0487
Little Cupcakes Child Care, LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Little Cupcakes Child Care receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all 10 reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring, attentive staff, developmental activities, and strong communication, noting their children have thrived socially and academically at this family-owned center.

Caring and attentive staffstrong parent communicationoutdoor play time
Address
215 Edgewood Rd Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA
Phone
(319) 363-1413
Mother Goose Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Mother Goose Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with nearly all reviewers praising the caring and organized staff, strong educational curriculum, and child development progress. Parents consistently highlight the friendly atmosphere, creative activities, and professionalism of the facility and its owner Pamela. One negative review was submitted without specific details.

caring and patient stafforganized and professionalstrong educational curriculum
Address
1355 Boyson Loop, Hiawatha, IA
Phone
(319) 832-1247

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Frequently asked questions

There are 1,635 all daycares across Iowa. Browse by city to find options near you.
All licensed daycare facilities in Iowa are listed in our directory. You can also verify a facility's license status through Iowa's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities must meet state standards for safety, health, staff-to-child ratios, and staff qualifications.
When comparing daycare options in Iowa, consider:
  • Licensing status and inspection history
  • Staff-to-child ratios (Iowa sets minimum requirements by age group)
  • Staff qualifications and training
  • Safety measures and facility cleanliness
  • Parent reviews and Google ratings
  • Curriculum and daily schedule
  • Location, hours, and cost
Daycare costs in Iowa vary by location, child's age, and facility type. Full-time center-based care typically ranges from $150 to $400+ per week. Infant care is generally more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Urban areas tend to have higher costs than rural areas.