Children at daycare

873 Child Daycare & Preschools in Iowa

Browse 873 child daycare & preschools 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 Child Daycare & Preschools in Iowa

Showing 873 results

Zion Lutheran Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

The reviews available do not appear to be from parents of the preschool, but rather from visitors to Zion Lutheran Church. The few comments mention the church being welcoming, well-maintained, and recently renovated, but there is no specific feedback about the daycare/preschool operations, staff, or programs.

Warm and welcoming environmentwell-kept facilitiesrecent renovations
Address
1204 Center St, Manning, IA
Phone
(712) 655-2352
St John'S Christian Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
815 E Division St, Audubon, IA
Phone
(712) 563-2114
Cadence Academy Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Cadence Academy Ankeny receives consistently high praise from parents who emphasize the center's well-trained and caring staff, clean facility, and strong communication. Parents highlight the personal relationships built with teachers, developmental learning activities, and the sense of security they feel leaving their children in this environment.

Well-trained and qualified teacherscaring and kind staffclean facility
Address
225 E 1st St, Ankeny, IA
Phone
(515) 964-7372
Cadence Academy Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Parents consistently praise Cadence Academy for its caring, qualified staff who genuinely love working with children. The center is noted for safe environments, quality curriculum across all age levels, excellent communication through daily apps and photos, and strong preparation for kindergarten transition.

Caring and passionate teacherssafe environmentquality curriculum focusing on creativity and academic skills
Address
5859 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 226-9791
Stepping Stones Learning Center LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Stepping Stones Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents who describe it as a caring, family-owned facility with friendly staff, clean environments, and strong safety measures. Parents highlight the center's focus on early learning and child development, noting their children are happy, engaged, and making developmental progress. The facility is commended for reliable communication through their app and for maintaining operations during the pandemic.

caring and family-like staff treatmentclean and well-organized facilitystrong safety measures
Address
2205 2nd Ave, Muscatine, IA
Phone
(563) 264-1871
Sunflower Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Parents consistently praise Sunflower Child Development Center for its well-maintained facilities, diverse play areas, and caring staff. The Discovery Center features interactive exhibits including water tables, jungle gym, rock wall, and themed play spaces that engage children of various ages. Parents report feeling confident in the quality of care and appreciate having this resource in their community.

Clean and well-organized spaceswide variety of activities for multiple age groupsseparate safe area for younger toddlers
Address
300 Hwy 9 W, Decorah, IA
Phone
(563) 382-5717
Indianola Preschool INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
205 S Howard, Ste B, Indianola, IA
Phone
(515) 961-3798
Romper Stompers Childcare Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Romper Stompers Childcare Center in Dubuque receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, engaging activities, and flexible scheduling. Parents consistently highlight the owner's dedication and the center's passion for child care, with many noting they continue using the facility despite moving away from the area.

Friendly and caring staffdaily crafts and activitiesflexible scheduling
Address
2307 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(563) 556-1500
Beyond The Bell-Sacred Heart
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Beyond the Bell-Sacred Heart is a Catholic church and school facility in Sioux City, Iowa with a 4.8/5 Google rating. Parents praise it as a welcoming, well-maintained parish with quality religious education and services. The facility also offers Camp Imagination programming.

welcoming environmentwell-maintained and organizedquality religious instruction
Address
5010 Military Rd, Sioux City, IA
Phone
(712) 233-1624
Tender Years Daycare 2
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Tender Years Daycare 2 receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents praising the caring staff, strong teacher-child relationships, and consistent curriculum. Parents highlight feeling comfortable leaving their children in a family-like environment with excellent communication and developmental progress.

Caring and nurturing stafflow staff turnoverstrong parent-teacher communication
Address
1620 Sw White Birch Cir, Ankeny, IA
Phone
(515) 964-1098
Performing Arts Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Ankeny Dance and Performing Arts Academy receives mostly positive reviews praising the passionate staff, variety of dance styles, and ability to make children feel special. However, some parents expressed concerns about rushed recital preparation, sloppy performances, and scheduling conflicts with holidays like Father's Day.

Passionate and outstanding staffvariety of dance stylesmakes children feel special
Address
515 N Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA
Phone
(515) 306-8103
Tender Years Daycare 4
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Tender Years Daycare 4 receives universal praise from parents with all 5-star ratings. Parents consistently highlight the caring, dedicated staff who treat children like family, strong communication, engaging curriculum, and a welcoming environment where children are excited to attend.

Caring and nurturing staffexcellent communication with parentsconsistent staff retention
Address
2860 Se Grimes Blvd, Grimes, IA
Phone
(515) 494-8830
Saving Grace Childcare LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Parents consistently praise Saving Grace Childcare (listed as Kingdom Kids in reviews) for its nurturing, safe environment and caring staff. Families report excellent communication, easy drop-offs, and noticeable child development and growth. The facility offers a home-like feel with secure procedures and additional services like potty training support.

Welcoming and caring staffstrong communication with parentssecure facility with safe pickup/drop-off procedures
Address
3511 Oakland Rd Ne, Cedar Rapids, IA
Phone
(319) 200-4275
Kidspoint South Learning Center & Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Parents consistently praise KIDSPOINT SOUTH LEARNING CENTER & PRESCHOOL for exceptional staff care, strong teacher-child relationships, and quality programming. Families report their children thrive academically and socially, with teachers being responsive to individual needs and genuinely invested in each child's development.

Caring and attentive staffstrong teacher-child relationshipsquality learning experiences
Address
5830 C St Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA
Phone
(319) 841-4055
Mary Jo Small Child Care Center At Brookland Woods
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
309 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, IA
Phone
(319) 337-8980
Cedar Valley Preschool & Child Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Cedar Valley Preschool & Child Care Center receives nearly universal praise from parents, with 7 of 8 reviews giving 5-star ratings. Parents consistently highlight the caring and professional staff, strong communication, engaging learning programs, and excellent outdoor facilities. One parent expressed frustration with phone responsiveness and call-back issues.

Loving and professional staffexcellent communication with parentssafe environment
Address
724 Lantz Ave, Cedar Falls, IA
Phone
(319) 268-1944
St Edward Early Childhood Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

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 programs
Address
1425 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA
Phone
(319) 234-1835
Immanuel Lutheran Wee Care Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
512 5th St Ne, Independence, IA
Phone
(319) 334-2511
Hartley Community Daycare
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

The reviews provided do not assess this facility as a daycare center. Instead, they describe Hartley Community Center as a multipurpose event venue that hosts craft shows, weddings, fundraisers, and community gatherings. No reviews address daycare operations, staff, child care quality, or educational programs.

Nice facility with ample spaceclean amenitiesaffordable pricing
Address
611 3rd St Ne, Hartley, IA
Phone
(712) 928-3292
Dmacc Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
2006 S Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 9, Ankeny, IA
Phone
(515) 964-6238
Tender Years Daycare 3
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
2501 Se Creekview Dr, Ankeny, IA
Phone
(515) 964-3060
Loving Arms Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Loving Arms Children's Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with staff described as exceptionally caring, loving, and attentive to individual children's needs. Parents report their children are excited to attend, experience significant developmental growth, and benefit from well-planned learning activities and faith-based education. The center maintains strong communication with families and has successfully navigated recent leadership changes while maintaining core values.

Kind and welcoming staffopen-ended learning activitiesstrong communication
Address
6270 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA
Phone
(515) 270-0150
The Red Apple Child Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

The Red Apple Child Care Center receives universal 5/5 star ratings from parents who praise the caring, professional staff and clean, well-maintained facilities. Parents consistently report that their children love attending and show strong development in academics, social skills, and confidence. The facility has a strong reputation in the community, though it maintains a waitlist due to high demand.

Caring and professional staffclean facilitieswell-maintained play areas
Address
3265 Ridge Point, Bettendorf, IA
Phone
(563) 332-3505
Young-Uns Preschool & Child Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
3375 Kennedy Circle, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(563) 584-0845
Little Rebels Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
120 Cedar St, Reinbeck, IA
Phone
(319) 788-6120
Little Angels Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6
Address
606 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 285-2073
Algona Family Ymca Childcare @ The Ymca
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Parents praise the Algona Family YMCA as an exceptional facility with friendly staff and excellent cleanliness. Reviews highlight its comprehensive amenities including a clean pool, fitness center, track, and various recreational options suitable for all ages. The facility is described as a valuable community asset with reasonable membership fees.

Clean facilityfriendly and nice staffexceptional pool
Address
2101 E Mcgregor, Algona, IA
Phone
(515) 295-7701
Childserve Johnston Day Health Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

ChildServe Johnston Day Health Center receives exclusively positive reviews from parents and guardians. Reviewers consistently praise the specialized staff, therapeutic services, compassionate care, and individualized treatment plans. The facility is noted as exceptional for children with special needs and disabilities, with families reporting significant developmental progress and life-changing outcomes.

Loving and patient staffspecialized training for children wi
Address
5406 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA
Phone
(515) 727-8750
The Arc Of East Central Iowa-Daycare Enrichment
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Parents consistently praise The Arc of East Central Iowa-Daycare Enrichment for its exceptional staff and caring environment. The facility is noted for providing specialized care for children with challenges, with careful attention to medications and individual needs. Parents report feeling confident and at ease leaving their children in this organization's care.

Caring and loving staffAmazing supportAttention to medication and detail
Address
680 2nd St Se, Cedar Rapids, IA
Phone
(319) 365-0487
Little Cupcakes Child Care, LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Little Cupcakes Child Care receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all 10 reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring, attentive staff, developmental activities, and strong communication, noting their children have thrived socially and academically at this family-owned center.

Caring and attentive staffstrong parent communicationoutdoor play time
Address
215 Edgewood Rd Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA
Phone
(319) 363-1413

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Frequently asked questions

There are 873 child daycare & preschools 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.