How do I choose the right daycare in Cedar Rapids?

When choosing a daycare in Cedar Rapids, 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 Cedar Rapids?

Cedar Rapids offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 39 facilities Headstart Programs — 7 facilities Church Daycare — 11 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 27 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Before or After School Daycare in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (27 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 Cedar Rapids for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Cedar Rapids

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.

Kidspoint Downtown Learning Center & Preschool

4.64 score

5(9)

318 5th St Se, Cedar Rapids, IA · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 221 children

Parents consistently praise KidsPoint Downtown as an exceptional learning facility with caring, dedicated teachers who go beyond basic childcare. Children demonstrate enthusiasm for attending daily, and parents appreciate the structured curriculum, developmental focus, and family-like atmosphere. The facility is clean, secure, and uses helpful communication tools to keep parents informed.

Caring and dedicated teachersstructured learning curriculumsocial and emotional skill developmentgross and fine motor skill activities

Lily Pad 3.0

4.62 score

5(8)

1500 Boyson Rd Ne, Cedar Rapids, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children

Parents consistently praise Lily Pad 3.0 for its caring, attentive staff and welcoming environment. Children show enthusiasm for attending, and the center provides educational instruction, physical activities, and regular communication with parents through photos and app updates.

Caring and attentive stafflong-term parent satisfaction (5+ years)children excited to attendeducational curriculum (colors

Lily Pad Day Care & Preschool

4.62 score

5(8)

6880 Council St Ne, Cedar Rapids, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 84 children

Lily Pad Day Care & Preschool in Cedar Rapids receives consistently positive feedback from parents with 8 five-star reviews. Parents praise the caring and attentive staff, strong educational programming, and welcoming environment where children are excited to attend. The facility is noted for combining an intimate in-home feel with the structure of a center-based program.

caring and attentive staffcommunicative (uses app with photos)educational curriculum (colorsnumbers

Josiah'S Playground

4.56 score

4.7(20)

1911 E Ave Nw, Cedar Rapids, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 98 children

These reviews are for First Open Bible Church, not Josiah's Playground daycare. The reviews praise the church's welcoming atmosphere, spiritual leadership, and worship experience, but do not address daycare services or child care quality.

Welcoming communityspiritual atmospherequality worship musicpastor's biblical teaching

Children'S Weekday Ministries

4.55 score

4.7(18)

2424 42nd St Ne, Cedar Rapids, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 131 children

Children's Weekday Ministries in Cedar Rapids receives consistently positive reviews with a 4.7/5 rating. Parents praise the staff for being caring and engaging with children, and highlight the welcoming, inclusive community atmosphere. The facility is noted for its nice environment, friendly people, and quality programs including summer activities.

caring and skilled staffhappy childrenwelcoming and inclusive environmentbeautiful facilities

St Paul'S Early Learning Center

4.52 score

4.7(14)

1340 3rd Ave Se, Cedar Rapids, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 108 children

St. Paul's Early Learning Center is praised as a welcoming and inclusive faith-based facility that emphasizes love, acceptance, and community service. Parents appreciate the center's inclusive values, including its visible support for the LGBTQ community, and note it creates a safe, nurturing environment for children and families.

Welcoming and inclusive environmentfaith-based values emphasizedLGBTQ-friendlystrong community presence

St Paul'S Focus

4.52 score

4.7(14)

1340 3rd Ave Se, Cedar Rapids, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 24 children

St. Paul's Focus is a religious facility that parents describe as welcoming, inclusive, and loving toward all community members. Reviews highlight the church's commitment to faith-based values and acceptance of diverse populations. Parents appreciate the warm community atmosphere and nearby parks.

welcoming environmentinclusive communityfaith-based valuessafe space for all

Little Cupcakes Child Care, LLC

4.48 score

4.6(20)

215 Edgewood Rd Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 59 children

Little Cupcakes Child Care receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all 10 reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring, attentive staff, developmental activities, and strong communication, noting their children have thrived socially and academically at this family-owned center.

Caring and attentive staffstrong parent communicationoutdoor play timearts and crafts activities

Calvary Christian Preschool

4.45 score

4.7(9)

327 35th St Ne, Cedar Rapids, IA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 81 children

Calvary Christian Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, caring staff and clean, safe learning environment. Parents consistently highlight their children's excitement about attending, strong communication from leadership, and the facility's focus on both education and emotional growth. The religious foundation and competitive pricing are also well-regarded by families.

Warm and kind staffclean facilitysafe environmentopen communication with director

Saving Grace Childcare LLC

4.43 score

4.7(8)

3511 Oakland Rd Ne, Cedar Rapids, IA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Parents consistently praise Saving Grace Childcare (listed as Kingdom Kids in reviews) for its nurturing, safe environment and caring staff. Families report excellent communication, easy drop-offs, and noticeable child development and growth. The facility offers a home-like feel with secure procedures and additional services like potty training support.

Welcoming and caring staffstrong communication with parentssecure facility with safe pickup/drop-off proceduressmall size creates home-like environment

Before or After School Daycare in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

There are 27 before or after school daycare in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, making up 32% of the 84 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 Cedar Rapids, 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 27 before or after school daycares in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, out of 84 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 Cedar Rapids, 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

Cedar Rapids offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 39 facilities
Headstart Programs — 7 facilities
Church Daycare — 11 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 27 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 Cedar Rapids for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Cedar Rapids 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.

27 Before or After School Daycare in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Cedar Rapids

Top Rated

Kidspoint Cleveland

The Arc Of East Central Iowa-Summer Day

Holloway House Learning Center

Ymca-Van Buren

College Community Ecc-Prairie View

College Community Ecc-Prairie Hills

Map

Daycare types in Cedar Rapids

Browse by type in Cedar Rapids