Best Headstart Programs in Iowa City, IA

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Iowa City

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

   Morris Early Childhood Center

   4.59 score

   4.8(14)

   2916 Northgate Dr, Iowa City, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 51 children

   Parents consistently praise Lionheart Early Learning for its caring, attentive staff who create a secure and engaging environment where children thrive academically and socially. Multiple reviewers note their children are eager to attend, show rapid learning progress, and feel safe and loved. The center is commended for strong communication with parents, structured curriculum, and special attention to individual needs including food allergies.

   Caring and attentive staffchildren eager to attendacademic and social developmentsecure facility
2. 2

   Lionheart Early Learning

   4.59 score

   4.8(14)

   2717 Northgate Dr, Iowa City, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 134 children

   Parents consistently praise Lionheart Early Learning for its caring, attentive staff who help children thrive academically and socially. Children are reported to enjoy attending, with parents noting strong communication, secure facilities, and individualized attention. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children and highly recommend the center.

   Caring and professional staffchildren eager to attendstrong academic preparationindividualized learning
3. 3

   Kinderfarm Preschool

   4.55 score

   4.9(8)

   5048b Highway 6 Se, Iowa City, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 39 children

   Parents consistently praise Kinderfarm for its unique farm-based outdoor learning approach combined with structured classroom instruction. Children show significant developmental growth, confidence building, and genuine enthusiasm for attending. Staff, particularly director Heather, are described as caring, kind, and structured.

   Balanced indoor and outdoor learninghands-on farm and animal care experiencesyear-round outdoor timecommunity engagement
4. 4

   Parkview Christian Preschool

   4.53 score

   4.7(16)

   15 Foster Rd, Iowa City, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 51 children

   Note: Reviews appear to be for Parkview Church, not the preschool program. Reviewers praise the church's biblical teaching, welcoming community, and community engagement. No specific feedback about daycare services is provided.

   Biblical preachingwelcoming and caring staffstrong sense of communityactive community service
5. 5

   Stepping Stones Preschool

   4.5 score

   5(5)

   3001 Muscatine Ave, Iowa City, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 26 children

   Parents consistently praise Stepping Stones Preschool for its caring, knowledgeable teachers and strong curriculum that effectively prepares children for kindergarten. Multiple families report significant developmental progress, increased confidence, and smooth transitions to elementary school. The program is highly recommended for its quality instruction and positive learning environment.

   caring and knowledgeable teacherskindergarten preparationcurriculum qualitylanguage programs (Spanish and Sign Language)
6. 6

   Cadence Academy Preschool

   4.48 score

   4.6(20)

   325 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 114 children

   Cadence Academy Preschool in Iowa City receives consistently high praise from parents across all reviews. Parents highlight the professional and caring staff, engaging curriculum with weekly lesson plans, clean facilities, and strong communication through daily updates. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children and remained long-term clients, citing the warm environment and individual attention to each child's needs.

   Professional and caring staffClean and organized facilityWeekly lesson plans and curriculumEngaging activities
7. 7

   Good Shepherd Center

   4.4 score

   4.5(20)

   603 Greenwood Dr, Iowa City, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 91 children

   Parents consistently praise Early Explorers for its caring, attentive staff who treat children as their own and create a nurturing, safe environment. The center is highlighted for its spacious facilities, enrichment activities (music, literacy, dance, soccer), nutritious meals, favorable teacher-to-child ratios, and strong sense of community among families.

   Caring and nurturing staffsafe and happy environmentlarge indoor and outdoor play spacesnutritious and diverse meals
8. 8

   Hacap Head Start-Waterfront

   4.24 score

   4.3(20)

   367 Southgate Ave, Iowa City, IA · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 104 children

   Parents consistently praise HACAP HEAD START-WATERFRONT for its professional and caring staff, clean facilities, and strong educational programs for preschoolers. Reviewers highlight the center's supportive approach to families and helpful, friendly personnel. All reviews are highly positive with no complaints noted.

   Professional staffcaring and loyal employeesclean buildingexcellent educational development
9. 9

   Community Serving Community Child Care Center

   4.05 score

   4.1(6)

   2024 G Street, Iowa City, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children

   Community Serving Community Child Care Center in Iowa City receives mostly positive feedback from parents, with an average rating of 4.1/5. Parents praise the caring staff and quality of care provided. One negative review mentions concerns about a specific staff member.

   caring staffquality caregood preschool options
10. 10

    Loving Arms Early Learning Center

    4 score

    4(8)

    2675 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 66 children

    Loving Arms Early Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, with praise for caring staff, creative programming, and a welcoming family-oriented environment. However, two recent 1-star reviews raise serious concerns about racial discrimination, safety issues, and financial impropriety that warrant investigation.

    Caring and creative staffstrong communication with parentsfamily-oriented environmentlong-term friendships formed

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