How do I choose the right daycare in Marion?

When choosing a daycare in Marion, consider visiting facilities in person and checking: 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

What types of daycare are available in Marion?

Marion offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 8 facilities Headstart Programs — 1 facilities Church Daycare — 1 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 10 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Child Daycare & Preschools in Marion, Iowa (8 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in Iowa?

Daycare costs in Iowa typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Marion for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Marion

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.

Kids INC Summer Program

4.44 score

4.6(14)

275 W 29th Ave, Marion, IA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 120 children

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 atmospherecontemporary worship

Apple Kids

4.29 score

4.4(14)

600 10th Ave, Marion, IA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 144 children

Apple Kids in Marion receives consistently excellent feedback from parents across all reviews. Parents praise the caring, patient staff who provide nurturing care from infancy through school age, with strong emphasis on child development, communication, and creating a secure environment. Families report high satisfaction with the facility's cleanliness, organized programs, and willingness to accommodate individual child needs.

Warm and caring staffpatient and attentive teachersstrong communication and photo/video updatessupportive environment for children with medical challenges

Hand In Hand-Barrington

4.12 score

4.2(8)

905 Barrington Pkwy, Marion, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 98 children

Hand in Hand Barrington has mostly very positive reviews from long-term families praising care quality, education, and staff compassion. However, two recent negative reviews detail discriminatory practices regarding children with disabilities, lack of contract transparency about potty training requirements, non-refundable fees, and safety concerns about pick-up procedures.

Caring and compassionate staffeducational quality exceeds expectationschildren well-prepare

Our Little Haven

3.35 score

2.8(6)

2770 18th Ave, Marion, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 212 children

Our Little Haven receives mixed reviews with significant polarization. Positive reviews praise professional management, engaging activities, and open observation policies. However, negative reviews raise serious concerns about safety protocols, staff conduct, and child care responsiveness.

Professional managementengaging hands-on activitiesfriendly staffopen observation policy

Child Daycare & Preschools in Marion, Iowa

There are 8 child daycare & preschools in Marion, Iowa, making up 40% of the 20 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 Marion, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

Frequently asked questions

There are 8 child daycare & preschools daycares in Marion, Iowa, out of 20 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Marion, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:

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

Marion offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 8 facilities
Headstart Programs — 1 facilities
Church Daycare — 1 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 10 facilities

Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Daycare costs in Iowa typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Marion for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Marion must be licensed by Iowa's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.

8 Child Daycare & Preschools in Marion, Iowa

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Marion

Top Rated

Hand In Hand-Barrington

Busy Bee Day Care INC

Our Little Haven

Map

Daycare types in Marion