Best Headstart Programs in Cedar Rapids, IA

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Cedar Rapids

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

   Kidspoint Downtown Learning Center & Preschool

   4.64 score

   5(9)

   318 5th St Se, Cedar Rapids, IA · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 221 children

   Parents consistently praise KidsPoint Downtown as an exceptional learning facility with caring, dedicated teachers who go beyond basic childcare. Children demonstrate enthusiasm for attending daily, and parents appreciate the structured curriculum, developmental focus, and family-like atmosphere. The facility is clean, secure, and uses helpful communication tools to keep parents informed.

   Caring and dedicated teachersstructured learning curriculumsocial and emotional skill developmentgross and fine motor skill activities
2. 2

   Lily Pad 3.0

   4.62 score

   5(8)

   1500 Boyson Rd Ne, Cedar Rapids, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children

   Parents consistently praise Lily Pad 3.0 for its caring, attentive staff and welcoming environment. Children show enthusiasm for attending, and the center provides educational instruction, physical activities, and regular communication with parents through photos and app updates.

   Caring and attentive stafflong-term parent satisfaction (5+ years)children excited to attendeducational curriculum (colors
3. 3

   Lily Pad Day Care & Preschool

   4.62 score

   5(8)

   6880 Council St Ne, Cedar Rapids, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 84 children

   Lily Pad Day Care & Preschool in Cedar Rapids receives consistently positive feedback from parents with 8 five-star reviews. Parents praise the caring and attentive staff, strong educational programming, and welcoming environment where children are excited to attend. The facility is noted for combining an intimate in-home feel with the structure of a center-based program.

   caring and attentive staffcommunicative (uses app with photos)educational curriculum (colorsnumbers
4. 4

   Josiah'S Playground

   4.56 score

   4.7(20)

   1911 E Ave Nw, Cedar Rapids, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 98 children

   These reviews are for First Open Bible Church, not Josiah's Playground daycare. The reviews praise the church's welcoming atmosphere, spiritual leadership, and worship experience, but do not address daycare services or child care quality.

   Welcoming communityspiritual atmospherequality worship musicpastor's biblical teaching
5. 5

   Children'S Weekday Ministries

   4.55 score

   4.7(18)

   2424 42nd St Ne, Cedar Rapids, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 131 children

   Children's Weekday Ministries in Cedar Rapids receives consistently positive reviews with a 4.7/5 rating. Parents praise the staff for being caring and engaging with children, and highlight the welcoming, inclusive community atmosphere. The facility is noted for its nice environment, friendly people, and quality programs including summer activities.

   caring and skilled staffhappy childrenwelcoming and inclusive environmentbeautiful facilities
6. 6

   St Paul'S Early Learning Center

   4.52 score

   4.7(14)

   1340 3rd Ave Se, Cedar Rapids, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 108 children

   St. Paul's Early Learning Center is praised as a welcoming and inclusive faith-based facility that emphasizes love, acceptance, and community service. Parents appreciate the center's inclusive values, including its visible support for the LGBTQ community, and note it creates a safe, nurturing environment for children and families.

   Welcoming and inclusive environmentfaith-based values emphasizedLGBTQ-friendlystrong community presence
7. 7

   St Paul'S Focus

   4.52 score

   4.7(14)

   1340 3rd Ave Se, Cedar Rapids, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 24 children

   St. Paul's Focus is a religious facility that parents describe as welcoming, inclusive, and loving toward all community members. Reviews highlight the church's commitment to faith-based values and acceptance of diverse populations. Parents appreciate the warm community atmosphere and nearby parks.

   welcoming environmentinclusive communityfaith-based valuessafe space for all
8. 8

   Little Cupcakes Child Care, LLC

   4.48 score

   4.6(20)

   215 Edgewood Rd Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 59 children

   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 timearts and crafts activities
9. 9

   Calvary Christian Preschool

   4.45 score

   4.7(9)

   327 35th St Ne, Cedar Rapids, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 81 children

   Calvary Christian Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, caring staff and clean, safe learning environment. Parents consistently highlight their children's excitement about attending, strong communication from leadership, and the facility's focus on both education and emotional growth. The religious foundation and competitive pricing are also well-regarded by families.

   Warm and kind staffclean facilitysafe environmentopen communication with director
10. 10

    Saving Grace Childcare LLC

    4.43 score

    4.7(8)

    3511 Oakland Rd Ne, Cedar Rapids, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    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 proceduressmall size creates home-like environment

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