
Browse all 40 child daycare & preschools in Des Moines, Iowa. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.
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.
1922 Sw 1st St, Des Moines, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 75 children
Mundo Pequeño receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents, who praise the warm, caring staff and director Lupita for creating a loving, home-like environment. Parents highlight the successful Spanish immersion program, strong academics, and children's enthusiastic engagement with daily activities and outdoor time. Families report feeling confident in their children's safety and development at this dual-language center.
720 Ne 52nd Ave, Des Moines, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 30 children
Bethany Preschool is a religious facility in Des Moines with perfect 5/5 ratings. Reviews highlight it as a welcoming community church known for family atmosphere, community engagement, and religious activities.
4300 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 52 children
Westside Early Education receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the dedicated, passionate teachers and nurturing learning environment. Parents report their children show significant growth and development while enjoying play-based learning activities, and appreciate the program's affordability and flexible scheduling options.
828 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 140 children
Conmigo Early Education Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the loving and professional staff, bilingual English-Spanish curriculum, strong developmental focus, and welcoming environment that makes children excited to attend.
6151 Thornton Ave, Des Moines, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 120 children
Parents consistently praise Montessori & More for its caring, professional staff led by Danielle. They highlight the positive, engaging environment and strong educational programs in music and early literacy. Children are reported to be happy and well-cared for.
3223 University Ave, Des Moines, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 100 children
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.
3700 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 72 children
Grace Preschool is highly praised as an award-winning facility with nurturing, kind teachers who use project-based learning focused on curiosity and creativity. The preschool operates within Grace United Methodist Church, a welcoming community institution known for inclusive values and extensive community outreach programs.
4731 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 195 children
America's Children of Oakmoor receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring and skilled staff who focus on social-emotional development, independence, and kindness. The center is described as a 'hidden gem' with happy children, daily outdoor play, and structured learning activities. One parent raised serious concerns about supervision and unreported injuries.
3838 Martin Luther King Jr Pkw, Des Moines, IA · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 62 children
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.
8509 Alice Ave, Des Moines, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 70 children
Parents consistently praise Montessori Children's Center for its warm, caring staff and strong Montessori program. Families highlight excellent teacher consistency, smooth transitions to kindergarten, and a family-like atmosphere. Recent management improvements, including enhanced security measures, have further strengthened the center.
Highest rated daycares in Des Moines based on parent reviews
1922 Sw 1st St, Des Moines, IA
Mundo Pequeño receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents, who praise the warm, caring staff and director Lupita for creating a loving, home-like environment. Parents highlight the successful Spanish immersion program, strong academics, and children's enthusiastic engagement with daily activities and outdoor time. Families report feeling confident in their children's safety and development at this dual-language center.
6151 Thornton Ave, Des Moines, IA
Parents consistently praise Montessori & More for its caring, professional staff led by Danielle. They highlight the positive, engaging environment and strong educational programs in music and early literacy. Children are reported to be happy and well-cared for.
644 24th St, Des Moines, IA
4731 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA
America's Children of Oakmoor receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring and skilled staff who focus on social-emotional development, independence, and kindness. The center is described as a 'hidden gem' with happy children, daily outdoor play, and structured learning activities. One parent raised serious concerns about supervision and unreported injuries.
8509 Alice Ave, Des Moines, IA
Parents consistently praise Montessori Children's Center for its warm, caring staff and strong Montessori program. Families highlight excellent teacher consistency, smooth transitions to kindergarten, and a family-like atmosphere. Recent management improvements, including enhanced security measures, have further strengthened the center.
401 W Mlk Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA
Parents consistently praise the Science Center of Iowa Preschool as an excellent interactive learning facility for young children. The center offers diverse hands-on exhibits including LEGO activities, water play, nature displays, and space/dinosaur exhibits that engage children for hours. Staff enthusiasm, cleanliness, and value are frequently highlighted as strengths.
There are 40 child daycare & preschools in Des Moines, Iowa, making up 36% of the 112 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.
When choosing a daycare in Des Moines, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
Showing 40 results
Parents consistently praise Montessori & More for its caring, professional staff led by Danielle. They highlight the positive, engaging environment and strong educational programs in music and early literacy. Children are reported to be happy and well-cared for.
Mundo Pequeño receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents, who praise the warm, caring staff and director Lupita for creating a loving, home-like environment. Parents highlight the successful Spanish immersion program, strong academics, and children's enthusiastic engagement with daily activities and outdoor time. Families report feeling confident in their children's safety and development at this dual-language center.
America's Children of Oakmoor receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring and skilled staff who focus on social-emotional development, independence, and kindness. The center is described as a 'hidden gem' with happy children, daily outdoor play, and structured learning activities. One parent raised serious concerns about supervision and unreported injuries.
Parents consistently praise Montessori Children's Center for its warm, caring staff and strong Montessori program. Families highlight excellent teacher consistency, smooth transitions to kindergarten, and a family-like atmosphere. Recent management improvements, including enhanced security measures, have further strengthened the center.
Grand View Child Development Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the caring, trained, and knowledgeable staff who create a happy environment for children. Parents report strong relationships between staff and children, with children showing enthusiasm about attending. One negative review mentions rude staff and financial concerns.
Parents consistently praise the Science Center of Iowa Preschool as an excellent interactive learning facility for young children. The center offers diverse hands-on exhibits including LEGO activities, water play, nature displays, and space/dinosaur exhibits that engage children for hours. Staff enthusiasm, cleanliness, and value are frequently highlighted as strengths.
Reviews praise New Life Center Daycare for its welcoming, friendly, and non-judgmental atmosphere with a focus on Christian values and community outreach. Parents highlight the center's commitment to safety, kindness, and providing comprehensive services including tutoring, meals, art classes, and planned health/dental clinics.
Mercy Child Development Center in Des Moines receives uniformly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring and nurturing staff. Parents highlight the center's welcoming environment, strong teacher retention, cleanliness, and developmental activities that help children thrive. Multiple reviewers recommend it as the best childcare option in the Des Moines area.
Leaps and Bounds receives predominantly positive feedback with parents praising the staff, owner Mark, communication, and learning environment. However, two serious concerns were raised regarding director behavior toward children and alleged inappropriate physical contact with children.
Color My World receives mostly positive reviews praising caring staff, safety, and educational quality, particularly for younger children and preschool preparation. However, recent reviews indicate a decline in service quality, with concerns about staff changes, communication issues, and increased screen time in the 3+ age groups.
Woodlawn Extended Day Program receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the teaching staff's care and their children's learning progress. However, one parent reported a serious incident involving physical handling of a child that was not resolved to their satisfaction.
Parents consistently praise Uncle Sam's Federal Child Care Center (also referred to as All Star Daycare) for its caring staff and family-like environment. Director Karen is frequently highlighted for her attentiveness, professionalism, and support with child development and special needs. Multiple parents report significant child growth, smooth transitions, and strong staff-child relationships.
All Star Day Care in Des Moines receives consistently high praise from parents. The daycare, led by director Karen, is recognized for its family-like atmosphere, individualized attention, caring staff, and support with child development and special needs. Parents highlight smooth transitions, strong emotional bonds between staff and children, and a welcoming environment.
Parents consistently praise Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center Downtown for exceptional staff care, strong communication, and a family-oriented atmosphere. Children reportedly thrive developmentally and emotionally in this environment. All reviewers express high trust in the center's ability to care for their children.
Step by Step Learning Center receives highly polarized reviews. The majority of parents praise the clean facility, loving staff, and positive experience for their children. However, two negative reviews raise serious concerns about cleanliness, pest issues, and unprofessional handling of complaints.
CFI Child Development Center receives mixed reviews. Positive reviews praise the caring staff, director Sam's responsiveness, communication with parents, and quality food. However, recent reviews raise serious safety and neglect concerns, including inadequate diaper changes, insufficient staffing, and a child found unsupervised off-premises.
Little Sprouts receives mostly positive reviews with parents praising the caring staff, particularly owner Shannon, and noting their children's development and happiness. However, some parents report significant concerns about inconsistent staff professionalism, safety issues, inadequate supervision, and disorganization in enrollment and communication.
Bear Basics Children's Center has overwhelmingly negative reviews with serious allegations of child abuse, neglect, and unsafe conditions spanning multiple years. One parent gave a positive rating, but nine detailed negative reviews describe physical abuse, inadequate supervision, poor hygiene, medication misuse, and unsafe environments. The center appears to have a pattern of safety and welfare concerns.
New Horizon Academy receives consistently high praise from parents across all reviews. Parents highlight the caring and attentive staff, smooth transitions for children, strong developmental progress, and engaging educational activities. The facility is noted as clean, bright, and well-maintained with excellent communication through daily photo updates.
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