How do I choose the right daycare in Waukee?

When choosing a daycare in Waukee, 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 Waukee?

Waukee offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 11 facilities Headstart Programs — 1 facilities Church Daycare — 1 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 5 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 Waukee, Iowa (1 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 Waukee for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Waukee

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.

Hope Waukee Preschool

4.4 score

4.5(20)

305 Dartmoor Dr, Waukee, IA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 48 children

The reviews provided are not for the daycare's services, but rather for the affiliated church's worship services and programs. Reviewers praise the modern facility, quality sermons, welcoming staff, and community programs like Celebrate Recovery and veterans memorials.

Modern and efficient building designexcellent acousticsquality sermons and spiritual leadershipwelcoming and helpful staff

West Side Kids INC

4.35 score

4.5(12)

255 Ne Dartmoor Dr, Waukee, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 148 children

West Side Kids Inc receives consistently positive feedback from parents across all reviews. Parents praise the caring and friendly staff, clean facility, educational programs, and smooth transitions between classroom levels. Children reportedly enjoy attending and are well-prepared for kindergarten.

Friendly and caring staffclean facilityindoor gymsmooth transitions between rooms

Westview Church Preschool

4.34 score

4.5(11)

1155 Se Boone Dr, Waukee, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 70 children

Reviews praise Westview Church Preschool for its friendly and nurturing atmosphere, community involvement, and welcoming staff. Parents appreciate the religious environment and pastoral leadership. However, reviews appear to focus more on church services and community aspects than specific daycare/preschool programming details.

Friendly managementnurturing atmospherecommunity involvementwelcoming people

Waukee Family Ymca Before & After School-Eason

3.92 score

3.9(20)

605 Se Boone Dr, Waukee, IA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 150 children

This YMCA facility is highly rated by members for its modern amenities, clean environment, and welcoming staff. Parents appreciate the structured kids' programming and free childcare services available during workouts. However, some members report issues with equipment maintenance, slow internet connectivity, and overcrowding during peak hours.

friendly and helpful staffclean facilitymodern equipmentpool with multiple diving options

Waukee Family Ymca Before & After School-Waukee

3.92 score

3.9(20)

850 6th Street, Waukee, IA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 150 children

This is a YMCA facility with before and after school care, not a traditional daycare center. Reviews praise the family-friendly atmosphere, clean modern facility, friendly staff, and diverse programming including pool access, classes, and organized kids activities. However, some members report frustrations with equipment maintenance, slow internet, overcrowding during peak times, and wear on weight room equipment.

Clean facilityfriendly and helpful staffmodern eq

Waukee Family Ymca Academic Preschool

3.92 score

3.9(20)

900 Warrior Lane, Waukee, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children

Reviews describe this as a well-maintained family fitness facility with friendly staff and diverse programming for children and adults. Parents appreciate the comprehensive amenities including pools, gym equipment, and organized activities. However, some note concerns about equipment maintenance, internet connectivity, and overcrowding.

Clean facilityfriendly and helpful staffmodern equipmentpool with multiple features

First Steps Child Care Center

3.85 score

3.8(14)

95 Laurel St, Waukee, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 121 children

Parents overwhelmingly praise First Steps Child Care Center in Waukee for its caring, attentive staff and strong communication. The facility is noted for accommodating special needs, maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere, and providing a nurturing environment where children are happy and engaged. Multiple families have entrusted all their children to the center and highly recommend it.

Kind and caring staffexcellent communicationaccommodating to special needsphotos/updates of activities

Headstart Programs in Waukee, Iowa

There are 1 headstart programs in Waukee, Iowa, making up 6% of the 18 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 Waukee, 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 1 headstart programs daycares in Waukee, Iowa, out of 18 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 Waukee, 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

Waukee offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 11 facilities
Headstart Programs — 1 facilities
Church Daycare — 1 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 5 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 Waukee for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Waukee 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.

1 Headstart Programs in Waukee, Iowa

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Waukee

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Daycare types in Waukee

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