How do I choose the right daycare in West Des Moines?

When choosing a daycare in West 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 West Des Moines?

West Des Moines offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 24 facilities Headstart Programs — 1 facilities Church Daycare — 4 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 12 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Church Daycare in West Des Moines, Iowa (4 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 West Des Moines for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in West 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.

Cadence Academy Preschool

4.72 score

4.9(20)

1809 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 118 children

Parents consistently praise Cadence Academy Preschool in West Des Moines for its caring, knowledgeable staff and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Children show measurable learning progress and emotional growth, with staff members like director Erica and Anya frequently highlighted for their dedication and compassion. Parents report feeling confident in the quality of care and educational activities provided.

Caring and loving staffStrong educational curricul

Cadence Academy Preschool

4.64 score

4.8(20)

5859 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 122 children

Parents consistently praise Cadence Academy for its caring, qualified staff who genuinely love working with children. The center is noted for safe environments, quality curriculum across all age levels, excellent communication through daily apps and photos, and strong preparation for kindergarten transition.

Caring and passionate teacherssafe environmentquality curriculum focusing on creativity and academic skillsfrequent parent communication via app and photos

2 For U Childcare West LLC

4.48 score

4.6(20)

720 S 68th St, West Des Moines, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 263 children

Parents consistently praise 2 for U Childcare West for its caring, engaged staff who treat children with genuine affection and personal attention. The center offers a well-rounded educational program with activities, field trips, and communication tools that keep parents informed. Multiple families report long-term satisfaction, with some enrolling children across multiple age groups over many years.

Caring and attentive staffeducational activities and curriculum

Blessings LLC Care For Kids

4.45 score

4.7(9)

6820 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 43 children

Parents consistently praise Blessings LLC Care for Kids for its warm, family-like environment and dedicated staff led by owner Kathy. Families highlight the center's engaging activities, field trips, accommodating approach, and the genuine care staff provides to each child. The facility has maintained strong operations even during challenging times like the pandemic.

Patient and kind staffowner actively involved and accessiblefamily-oriented atmosphereextensive summer activities and field trips

Vine Street Child Care INC

4.24 score

4.3(20)

2520 Vine St, West Des Moines, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 94 children

Parents consistently praise Vine Street Child Care for exceptional staff care, strong child development outcomes, and a warm, welcoming environment. Multiple reviewers highlight the stability of staff, responsive management, and daily communication through photos and updates. Children are reported to enjoy attending and thrive academically and socially.

Caring and attentive staffconsistent staff retentionon-site ownerssafe and nurturing environment

Lil Scholars Too

4.24 score

4.3(20)

1300 8th St Suite, #2, West Des Moines, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 158 children

Lil Scholars Too receives consistently positive feedback from parents, with all reviews rating the center 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring and attentive staff, academic focus, clean facility, and strong communication. Children reportedly feel happy, safe, and show measurable learning and developmental progress.

Caring and attentive staffstrong teacher-child relationshipsacademic focusclean facility

Ashworth Road Baptist Church Preschool

4.22 score

4.3(13)

5300 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 48 children

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the facility's biblical teaching, friendly congregation, community involvement, and welcoming atmosphere. However, one reviewer reported experiencing unwelcoming and passive-aggressive behavior based on race. Note: Most reviews appear to be about the church itself rather than the preschool program specifically.

Sound biblical teachingfriendly congregationcommunity engagement and missions opportunitiesnice facility

Step By Step Childcare And Preschool

4.2 score

4.3(10)

2210 Ep True Pkwy, Ste A, West Des Moines, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 78 children

Step by Step Childcare has extremely polarized reviews. The majority of parents praise the caring staff, clean environment, and quality learning experiences, with many describing it as family-like. However, two negative reviews raise serious concerns about operational issues, hygiene standards, failed health inspections, and handling of behavioral incidents.

Caring and loving staffclean facilityfriendly environmentsafe environment

Full Circle Child Development Center LLC

4.14 score

4.2(11)

9375 Bishop Dr, West Des Moines, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 220 children

Full Circle receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from current parents, with praise for caring staff, clean facilities, strong communication, and children's happiness and development. However, two negative reviews cite concerns about management professionalism, staff turnover, cleanliness, safety protocols, and facility condition. The majority of reviews (8 of 10) rate the center 5/5 stars.

caring and passionate teachersexcellent communication with parents via

West Des Moines Child Care Center

4.08 score

4.1(20)

1721 25th St, Suite 200, West Des Moines, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 102 children

Parents consistently praise New Creations Child Care Center for its caring, welcoming staff and clean facilities. Children are reported to be happy, comfortable, and well-cared for, with frequent communication and photo updates provided to parents. The director Halie and teaching staff are specifically highlighted as exceptional and loving.

Caring and loving staffresponsive director and teachersclean facilityfrequent photo updates and communication with parents

Church Daycare in West Des Moines, Iowa

There are 4 church daycare in West Des Moines, Iowa, making up 10% of the 41 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 West 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 4 church daycare daycares in West Des Moines, Iowa, out of 41 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 West 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

West Des Moines offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 24 facilities
Headstart Programs — 1 facilities
Church Daycare — 4 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 12 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 West Des Moines for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in West 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.

4 Church Daycare in West Des Moines, Iowa

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in West Des Moines

Top Rated

Blessings LLC Care For Kids

Ashworth Road Baptist Church Preschool

Wdm United Methodist Early Learning Preschool

Map

Daycare types in West Des Moines

Browse by type in West Des Moines