How do I choose the right daycare in Waterloo?

When choosing a daycare in Waterloo, 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 Waterloo?

Waterloo offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 17 facilities Headstart Programs — 5 facilities Church Daycare — 3 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 11 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 Waterloo, Iowa (17 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 Waterloo for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Waterloo

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.

Kid Zone, Blessed Sacrament

4.64 score

4.9(12)

600 Stephen Ave, Waterloo, IA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 118 children

The reviews provided appear to be for Blessed Sacrament Church rather than the KID ZONE daycare center. Reviewers praise the welcoming parish community and Father Tony, with many commenting on church events like rummage and garage sales. No actual daycare reviews were found.

Welcoming and friendly communityFather Tony praisedbeautiful church buildingsuccessful fundraising events

St Edward Early Childhood Center

4.56 score

4.7(20)

1425 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 148 children

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive with a 5/5 rating across all submissions. Parents praise the welcoming atmosphere, beautiful facilities, and educational programs. Many reviewers highlight the Christian environment and school's approach to faith-based learning.

welcoming atmospherebeautiful facilitieseducational programsChristian values

Ywca Of Black Hawk County Child Care

4.48 score

4.6(20)

425 Lafayette St, Waterloo, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 67 children

The YWCA of Black Hawk County offers a wide variety of programs and activities for children and families including dance, martial arts, swimming lessons, and after-school programs. Parents consistently praise the friendly staff, affordable pricing, flexible scheduling, and inclusive community environment. The facility provides convenient transportation for some programs and scholarships to ensure accessibility.

Variety of programs and activitiesfriendly and helpful

Safe Care Learning Center LLC

4 score

4(20)

118 S Barclay St, Waterloo, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 70 children

Parents consistently praise Safe Care Learning Center for its caring staff, family-oriented atmosphere, and flexibility. The facility is highlighted for going above and beyond to accommodate family schedules and provide comprehensive support to both children and parents.

24-hour childcare availabilityflexible schedulinghome-cooked mealscaring and responsive staff

Active Minds Early Learning Academy

3.93 score

3.9(10)

1744 Falls Ave, Waterloo, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

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

Ymca Early Learning Center

3.92 score

3.9(20)

669 S Hackett Rd, Waterloo, IA · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 50 children

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 childrenclean and modern facilities

A To Z Learning Center & Day Care-Waterloo Univ.

3.32 score

2.9(8)

3243 University Ave, Waterloo, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 145 children

A to Z Learning Center receives mixed reviews with strong polarization between parents. Several parents praise the daycare for flexibility, happy children, and caring direct staff. However, multiple parents report serious concerns including management issues, safety concerns, inappropriate clothing practices, and dismissal without explanation.

Flexible and understanding staffcaring and attentive direct staffchildren enjoy attendingfamily-friendly approach

A To Z Learning Center & Day Care-W 4th St

3.26 score

2.8(8)

3823 W 4th St, Waterloo, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 83 children

A TO Z Learning Center has mixed reviews with ratings ranging from 1-5 stars. Parents appreciate the early hours and note that children enjoy attending, but have concerns about communication, supervision, safety incidents, and health/hygiene practices.

Children enjoy attendingearly opening hours accommodate work schedulesstaff described as nice

Child Daycare & Preschools in Waterloo, Iowa

There are 17 child daycare & preschools in Waterloo, Iowa, making up 47% of the 36 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 Waterloo, 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 17 child daycare & preschools daycares in Waterloo, Iowa, out of 36 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 Waterloo, 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

Waterloo offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 17 facilities
Headstart Programs — 5 facilities
Church Daycare — 3 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 11 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 Waterloo for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Waterloo 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.

17 Child Daycare & Preschools in Waterloo, Iowa

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Waterloo

Top Rated

St Edward Early Childhood Center

Ywca Of Black Hawk County Child Care

Hawkeye Child Development Center

Son Rise Christian School & Day Care

Community United Child Care Centers-Westridge

Safe Care Learning Center LLC

Map

Daycare types in Waterloo

Browse by type in Waterloo