How do I choose the right daycare in Des Moines?

When choosing a daycare in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines?

Des Moines offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 40 facilities Headstart Programs — 13 facilities Church Daycare — 14 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 45 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Headstart Programs in Des Moines, Iowa (13 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 Des Moines for current pricing.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Headstart Programs in Des Moines, Iowa

There are 13 headstart programs in Des Moines, Iowa, making up 12% of the 112 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 Des Moines, 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 13 headstart programs daycares in Des Moines, Iowa, out of 112 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 Des Moines, 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

Des Moines offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 40 facilities
Headstart Programs — 13 facilities
Church Daycare — 14 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 45 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 Des Moines for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Des Moines 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.

13 Headstart Programs in Des Moines, Iowa

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Des Moines

Top Rated

Conmigo Early Education Center

Wonder Years Academy

Mitchell Extended Day Program

Oak Academy

Des Moines Early Childhood Programs-Woodlawn

Mckee Extended Day Program

Map

Daycare types in Des Moines

Browse by type in Des Moines