Best Preschools in Iowa

Reviews praise St. Paul's Lutheran Preschool as a welcoming, faith-based community with strong religious instruction and engaged parishioners. Parents appreciate the facilities, children's programming including Sunday school and singing opportunities, and community service initiatives like the food pantry.

One parent describes an immediate positive transformation for their grandson, praising the teachers for their genuine care and the director's effective management. However, a subsequent update from the same reviewer claims the facility has declined significantly, while another parent simply states a dislike for the center.

Parents report that Sheldon Community Daycare & Preschool offers a small, caring environment with good teaching and happy children. However, some feedback highlights significant administrative and safety concerns, including unexpected charges and lax pickup procedures.

Color My World receives mostly positive reviews praising caring staff, safety, and educational quality, particularly for younger children and preschool preparation. However, recent reviews indicate a decline in service quality, with concerns about staff changes, communication issues, and increased screen time in the 3+ age groups.

Caring Corner receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, with praise for caring staff, academic preparation, structured programming, and long-term enrollment satisfaction. However, a small number of parents report concerns about cleanliness and illness transmission, as well as frustrations with pickup policies and customer service.

One parent describes the program as friendly. No other specific feedback or complaints are currently available.

One parent describes a positive experience with friendly, attentive staff and a child who enjoys attending, while another reviewer reports severe issues including unprofessional leadership, unsanitary conditions with mold and clutter, and inadequate incident response procedures.

Parents consistently praise Ankeny Lil' Tots for exceptional care, communication, and staff warmth across multiple age groups. Families report feeling confident leaving their children in a family-oriented environment where kids thrive developmentally and emotionally. Many have enrolled multiple children over several years, indicating high satisfaction and trust.

Longstanding families highlight the center's multi-generational legacy, individualized care, and strong kindergarten preparation, with staff praised for their kindness and advocacy. One recent review cites serious trust issues and non-compliance with staff reporting standards.

One parent highlights the center's professionalism, hands-on approach, and favorable staff-to-child ratios, noting their daughter's social growth. Another reviewer praises the caring staff, while a single dissenting opinion warns against trusting the facility with children.

Building Blocks receives mostly positive reviews praising caring staff, educational curriculum, and child development outcomes. However, two recent one-star reviews raise serious concerns about inadequate care in certain classrooms, including feeding neglect, hygiene issues, illness outbreaks, and restricted parent access to video monitoring.

Story Time Preschool & Child Care has highly polarized reviews. Long-term parents praise the caring staff, individualized attention to children with special needs, and professional atmosphere. However, new parents report serious concerns including staff yelling and profanity, physical aggression toward children, poor hygiene, disorganization, and dismissive management responses to complaints.

Some parents highlight the facility as a nice place with friendly and attentive staff, noting their children enjoy attending. In contrast, one review alleges severe operational failures, including dirty conditions, maintenance issues like mold and broken toilets, and unprofessional leadership.

Feedback for Growing Bear Day Care & Preschool Inc is mixed, with one parent highlighting seven years of positive experiences involving caring teachers and effective preschool education. Conversely, other parents report negative experiences, citing that the center struggles to accommodate children with disabilities or behavioral challenges, resulting in unfair treatment and premature removal from the program.

I CARE Child Care & Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the warm, caring staff and welcoming atmosphere. The owner, Ms. Iris, is frequently highlighted for her dedication and personal touch. However, one parent reported significant concerns about the center's inability to accommodate special needs and unprofessional handling of their situation.

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.

Reviews appear to be from Job Corps graduates rather than parents of current daycare students. Alumni consistently praise the program for providing educational opportunities, life skills, and lasting friendships. Most reviewers credit the center with helping them achieve their GED, learn trades, and improve their lives.

One parent highlights the school district's quality and the education provided, while another criticizes the use of standardized testing and the resulting stress on both teachers and students. A third review expresses concern that the current system favors wealthy families over others.

Parents consistently praise Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center Downtown for exceptional staff care, strong communication, and a family-oriented atmosphere. Children reportedly thrive developmentally and emotionally in this environment. All reviewers express high trust in the center's ability to care for their children.

Melrose Daycare receives mixed reviews with ratings ranging from 1-5 stars. Positive reviewers praise the welcoming environment and caring staff, while negative reviews raise serious concerns about potential discriminatory treatment, hygiene issues, health incidents, and staff conduct violations.

Altoona KidsWorld receives polarized reviews. Most parents praise the caring, well-trained staff, attentive director, quality preschool curriculum, and positive outcomes for children. However, a minority of reviews cite serious concerns about facility conditions, health code violations, and staff conduct.