40 Child Daycare & Preschools in Des Moines, Iowa

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Des Moines

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.

1. 1

   Mundo Pequeno LLC

   4.72 score

   5(13)

   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.

   caring and passionate staffwarm and nurturing environmentSpanish immersion/bilingual programstrong academic instruction
2. 2

   Bethany Preschool

   4.55 score

   4.9(8)

   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.

   welcoming environmentfamily-friendly atmospherecommunity dinnersbible study groups
3. 3

   Westside Early Education

   4.55 score

   5(6)

   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.

   Kind and passionate teachersthoughtful classroom designengaging activitiesplay-based learning
4. 4

   Conmigo Early Education Center

   4.51 score

   4.8(9)

   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.

   Experienced and loyal staffbilingual education (English and Spanish)modern developmental curriculumloving and patient teachers
5. 5

   Montessori & More

   4.5 score

   5(5)

   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.

   caring and professional staffwelcoming environmenthappy and engaged childrenstrong music curriculum
6. 6

   Children'S Garden

   4.48 score

   4.6(20)

   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.

   Caring and nurturing teachersstrong community and parent involvementparent-run co-op modeldevelopmentally appropriate activities
7. 7

   Grace Preschool

   4.39 score

   4.5(17)

   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.

   Nurturing and supportive teachersproject-based learning approachfocus on curiosity and explorationaward-winning program
8. 8

   America'S Children Of Oakmoor

   4.35 score

   4.6(7)

   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.

   caring and skilled staffsocial-emotional skill developmentindependence trainingdaily outdoor play
9. 9

   Wonder Years Academy

   4.35 score

   4.7(5)

   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.

   Enriching educational environmentcaring and professional staffexperienced directorchildren develop vocabulary and communication skills
10. 10

    Montessori Children'S Center

    4.32 score

    4.4(20)

    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.

    Caring and consistent staffstrong Montessori programexcellent kindergarten preparationfamily-like environment

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