12 Before or After School Daycare in West Des Moines, Iowa

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.

1. 1

   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
2. 2

   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
3. 3

   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
4. 4

   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
5. 5

   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
6. 6

   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
7. 7

   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
8. 8

   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
9. 9

   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
10. 10

    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

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