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

Dubuque Childcare Center, LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9
Address
3074 Cedar Crest Court, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(563) 556-0943
Kids Kampus Learning Center INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Parents consistently praise Kids Kampus Learning Center for its caring, well-trained staff, active learning environment, and responsive leadership. The facility receives high marks for child development, safety, cleanliness, and strong communication with parents. Recent new ownership has been credited with positive changes and improvements.

Attentive and loving staffchild development and learning outcomesresponsive directors and administration
Address
5150 Blairs Forest Way Ne, Cedar Rapids, IA
Phone
(319) 393-2898
Frog Hollow Kid Campus-North Liberty
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9
Address
410 N Front St, North Liberty, IA
Phone
(319) 626-3175
The Education Station Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Parents consistently praise Learning Grove Academy (also called The Education Station) for its nurturing, play-based environment and highly attentive staff. All reviews are 5-star ratings highlighting strong communication through their app, engaging enrichment activities, and the genuine care teachers show for children. Multiple families report returning or planning to enroll additional children.

Caring and experienced staffplay-based learning environmentdaily communication via app with photos
Address
1780 Lininger Lane, North Liberty, IA
Phone
(319) 626-8555
Riceville Community Daycare INC
Before or After School Daycare
3.9
Address
912 Woodland Ave, Suite A, Riceville, IA
Phone
(641) 985-2161
First Lutheran Preschool
Church Daycare
3.9
Address
1523 Sunset Dr, Belle Plaine, IA
Phone
(319) 444-2849
Active Minds Early Learning Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

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
Address
1744 Falls Ave, Waterloo, IA
Phone
(319) 234-1060
Ymca Early Learning Center
Headstart Programs
3.9

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 children
Address
669 S Hackett Rd, Waterloo, IA
Phone
(319) 233-3531
Growing Bear Day Care & Preschool INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9
Address
526 4th St Nw, Waukon, IA
Phone
(563) 568-2939
Waukee Family Ymca Before & After School-Eason
Before or After School Daycare
3.9

This YMCA facility is highly rated by members for its modern amenities, clean environment, and welcoming staff. Parents appreciate the structured kids' programming and free childcare services available during workouts. However, some members report issues with equipment maintenance, slow internet connectivity, and overcrowding during peak hours.

friendly and helpful staffclean facilitymodern equipment
Address
605 Se Boone Dr, Waukee, IA
Phone
(515) 249-8146
Waukee Family Ymca Before & After School-Waukee
Before or After School Daycare
3.9

This is a YMCA facility with before and after school care, not a traditional daycare center. Reviews praise the family-friendly atmosphere, clean modern facility, friendly staff, and diverse programming including pool access, classes, and organized kids activities. However, some members report frustrations with equipment maintenance, slow internet, overcrowding during peak times, and wear on weight room equipment.

Clean facilityfriendly and helpful staffmodern eq
Address
850 6th Street, Waukee, IA
Phone
(515) 249-8253
Waukee Family Ymca Before & After School-Brookview
Before or After School Daycare
3.9

This YMCA before & after school program receives strong ratings for its family-friendly atmosphere, clean facilities, and helpful staff. Parents appreciate the comprehensive programming including childcare, classes, pool access, and organized activities for children. However, some members note issues with equipment maintenance, internet connectivity, and overcrowding during peak times.

friendly and helpful staffclean facilitymodern equipment
Address
8000 Ep True Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 249-8165
Mahaska County Ymca
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Parents praise the Mahaska County YMCA's childcare program for its clean facility, friendly and attentive staff, and convenient service that allows parents to work out while children are supervised. The center offers swimming lessons, various kids' activities, and flexible hours starting at 5 AM on weekdays. Parents appreciate the affordable pricing and willingness to work with families on payment.

Professional swim instructorsclean facilityfriendly staff
Address
414 N 3rd St, Oskaloosa, IA
Phone
(641) 673-7409
I Care Child Care & Preschool INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

I CARE Child Care & Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the warm, caring staff and welcoming atmosphere. The owner, Ms. Iris, is frequently highlighted for her dedication and personal touch. However, one parent reported significant concerns about the center's inability to accommodate special needs and unprofessional handling of their situation.

Warm and caring staffpersonalized attention to children and parentsowner's
Address
639 S Central Ave, Burlington, IA
Phone
(319) 754-1122
Childcare Discovery Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9
Address
2329 1st Ave S, Fort Dodge, IA
Phone
(515) 576-6771
Waukee Family Ymca Academic Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Reviews describe this as a well-maintained family fitness facility with friendly staff and diverse programming for children and adults. Parents appreciate the comprehensive amenities including pools, gym equipment, and organized activities. However, some note concerns about equipment maintenance, internet connectivity, and overcrowding.

Clean facilityfriendly and helpful staffmodern equipment
Address
900 Warrior Lane, Waukee, IA
Phone
(515) 868-0507
Little Tigers Learning Center, LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Little Tigers Learning Center receives mostly positive reviews praising cleanliness, staff friendliness, and educational quality, with parents highlighting the communication app and well-designed facilities. However, two negative reviews raise serious concerns about owner behavior and management issues, including allegations of disability discrimination and understaffing with poor workplace conduct.

Clean and well-organized facilityfriendly and caring staffage-appropriate playgrounds
Address
1720 Nile Kinnick Drive S, Adel, IA
Phone
(515) 993-1038
Burlington Area Ymca-James Madison Site
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8

The Burlington Area YMCA-James Madison Site receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the facility, staff quality, and diverse amenities. Most reviewers highlight excellent customer service and family-friendly activities. One concern was raised about facility maintenance and pricing during off-season facility rentals.

Friendly and attentive staffwell-maintained facilitydiverse amenities (multiple gyms
Address
2132 Madison Ave, Burlington, IA
Phone
(319) 753-6734
White Tiger Martial Arts
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8
Address
309 W 26th St, Sioux City, IA
Phone
(712) 253-8567
Altoona 8th Street Child Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8

ALTOONA 8TH STREET CHILD CARE receives mostly positive reviews praising staff kindness, family atmosphere, and playground facilities. However, several negative reviews raise concerns about preschool classroom management, staff training, and past director decisions regarding special needs evaluations, along with employee complaints about pay and discipline practices.

Professional and caring staffstrong teacher-child relationshipssmooth transition/adaptation suppor
Address
907 8th St Sw, Altoona, IA
Phone
(515) 967-5363
Ankeny Christian Childcare
Church Daycare
3.8

Parents overwhelmingly praise Ankeny Christian Childcare for its caring, family-oriented environment and flexible operations. They highlight the staff's individual attention to children, balance of structured and imaginative play, and diverse enrichment activities. Multiple long-term families report their children thrive academically and socially while feeling safe and happy.

Caring and attentive stafffamily-oriented atmosphereflexible scheduling and school pickup/dropoff services
Address
2506 Sw 3rd St, Ankeny, IA
Phone
(515) 964-3599
Madison Early Head Start
Headstart Programs
3.8

Madison Early Head Start receives mixed reviews with significant concerns about safety and organization. While some parents praise the teachers and parent advocate as kind and helpful, multiple parents report serious issues with food allergies, disorganization, and poor communication.

Kind and understanding teachershelpful parent advocatesupportive assistance provided
Address
755 Madison Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA
Phone
(712) 352-2451
Council Bluffs I, II, III Head Start
Headstart Programs
3.8

Council Bluffs I, II, III Head Start receives mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights helpful staff and kind teachers, while negative reviews raise serious concerns about disorganization, failure to accommodate food allergies, and unresponsive staff.

Helpful staffkind and understanding early head start teachersparent advocate support
Address
765 Madison Ave, Council Bluffs, IA
Phone
(712) 322-2210
Beyond Dreams Head Start Preschool
Headstart Programs
3.8

Reviews appear to be from Job Corps graduates rather than parents of current daycare students. Alumni consistently praise the program for providing educational opportunities, life skills, and lasting friendships. Most reviewers credit the center with helping them achieve their GED, learn trades, and improve their lives.

Educational supporttrade training opportunitiesskilled staff and instructors
Address
10 Opportunity Drive, Denison, IA
Phone
(712) 265-2404
Spencer Community Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8
Address
724 W 9th St, Spencer, IA
Phone
(712) 262-2710
Capitol Park Early Learning Center
Church Daycare
3.8

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.

caring and loving staffstrong learning curri
Address
800 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 263-0568
Burlington Area Ymca-Sunnyside Site
Before or After School Daycare
3.8

Parents praise the YMCA facility for its excellent staff, well-maintained amenities, and diverse activity options. Most reviews are highly positive, though one parent expressed concern about party rental pricing and facility cleanliness issues during off-season months.

Friendly and attentive staffclean well-maintained facilitymultiple gyms and fitness areas
Address
2040 Sunnyside Ave, Burlington, IA
Phone
(319) 753-6734
Burlington Area Ymca-Corse Site
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8

The Burlington Area YMCA-Corse Site receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with reviewers praising the facility's cleanliness, staff quality, and diverse amenities including fitness equipment, pools, and childcare services. Most reviews highlight excellent customer service and value, though one reviewer noted cleanliness and pricing concerns for off-season facility rentals.

Wonderful and attentive staffwell-maintained facilitydiverse fitness amenities (multiple gyms
Address
700 S Starr St, Burlington, IA
Phone
(319) 753-6734
Burlington Area Ymca-Black Hawk Site
Before or After School Daycare
3.8

The Burlington Area YMCA Black Hawk Site receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the friendly staff, well-maintained facilities, and variety of activities available. Most reviewers highlight the quality of the fitness center and recreational programs. One negative review mentions facility cleanliness and pricing concerns for party rentals during off-season months.

Friendly and helpful staffwell-maintained facilitymultiple gyms and exercise areas
Address
2804 S 14th St, Burlington, IA
Phone
(319) 572-4329
Burlington Area Ymca-West Burlington Site
Before or After School Daycare
3.8

The Burlington Area YMCA-West Burlington Site receives consistently positive feedback, with parents praising the facility's amenities, staff quality, and fitness offerings. Most reviewers highlight excellent facilities maintenance, variety of activities, and helpful staff. One concern was raised about facility cleanliness and pricing for off-season party rentals.

Wonderful and attentive staffexcellent facility amenities (multiple gymspool
Address
545 Ramsey St, West Burlington, IA
Phone
(319) 572-4328

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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.