Children at daycare

444 Before or After School Daycare in Iowa

Browse 444 before or after school daycare across Iowa. Find licensed daycare centers, compare options by city, and choose the best childcare for your family.

Choosing Daycare Centers in Iowa

Finding the right daycare center for your child is crucial. Understanding the landscape of childcare services in Iowa can make the decision-making process smoother.

Iowa has about 1,635 daycares providing essential child services for families in the state.

Compare the average fees charged by daycare centers in Iowa. Consider your budget while ensuring that the chosen daycare offers the necessary services and quality care.

Daycare Breakdown in Iowa

There are 1,635 daycares in Iowa: 163 headstart facilities, 444 before/after school centers, 155 religious facility daycares, and 873 childcare and preschool centers.

Childcare & Pre-school

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Headstart Programs

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Religious / Church Based Daycare

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Before or After School

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All Before or After School Daycare in Iowa

Showing 444 results

Eldridge Preschool And Childcare
Before or After School Daycare
4.5
Address
2150 E Leclaire Rd, Suite B, Eldridge, IA
Phone
(563) 343-6348
Little Clippers Amana Basp
Before or After School Daycare
4.5

Little Clippers Amana BASP receives highly positive feedback from most parents regarding staff care, daily communication through their app, and child development. However, two negative reviews cite unprofessional leadership, poor communication, and arbitrary decisions by ownership.

Staff attentiveness and caredetailed daily updates with photosresponsive communication
Address
3023 220th Trail, Amana, IA
Phone
(319) 545-4033
Sunrise Child Care Before And After School Program
Before or After School Daycare
4.5
Address
800 6th Ave, Wellman, IA
Phone
(319) 646-2890
Little Dragon Preschool - Lawson
Before or After School Daycare
4.4

Little Dragon Preschool receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the clean facility, attentive staff, age-appropriate activities, and affordable pricing. However, one parent reported their child with a speech delay and IEP was terminated from the program and experienced bullying incidents.

Clean and well-maintained facilitycaring and attentive teachersage-appropriate activities
Address
5450 Nw 62nd Street, Johnston, IA
Phone
(515) 278-0478
Little Dragon Preschool - Wallace
Before or After School Daycare
4.4

Little Dragon Preschool receives mostly positive reviews praising the clean, well-maintained facility, caring and attentive staff, age-appropriate activities, and affordable pricing. However, one parent reported their child with a speech delay and IEP was terminated from the program and alleged the child experienced bullying.

Clean and well-maintained facilitycaring and attentive teachersaffordable pricing
Address
6510 Nw 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA
Phone
(515) 278-6977
Apple Kids
Before or After School Daycare
4.4

Apple Kids in Marion receives consistently excellent feedback from parents across all reviews. Parents praise the caring, patient staff who provide nurturing care from infancy through school age, with strong emphasis on child development, communication, and creating a secure environment. Families report high satisfaction with the facility's cleanliness, organized programs, and willingness to accommodate individual child needs.

Warm and caring staffpatient and attentive teachersstrong communication and photo/video updates
Address
600 10th Ave, Marion, IA
Phone
(319) 373-3808
Des Moines Early Childhood Programs-Mitchell
Before or After School Daycare
4.3

Des Moines Early Childhood Programs-Mitchell receives mostly positive reviews, with parents praising the teachers and learning environment. However, some parents have expressed concerns about supervision and inconsistent communication regarding classroom incidents.

Engaging teachers who motivate childrenstrong early learning instructiongood educational foundation
Address
111 Porter, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 281-8472
East Union Early Childhood Center
Before or After School Daycare
4.3
Address
1916 High School Dr, Afton, IA
Phone
(641) 347-5790
Afes Youth Center
Before or After School Daycare
4.3
Address
712 3rd St Nw, Fort Dodge, IA
Phone
(515) 955-2969
Panther Pals Preschool Am & Pm
Before or After School Daycare
4.2
Address
401 Panther Drive, Panora, IA
Phone
(641) 755-2221
College Community Ecc-Prairie View
Before or After School Daycare
4.2

College Community ECC-Prairie View is a school-based daycare in Cedar Rapids with mixed reviews. Parents praise the cost-effectiveness and leadership, though some express concerns about food quality and behavioral management issues.

Affordable pricingstrong administrative leadershipgood school environment
Address
401 76th Ave Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA
Phone
(319) 848-5296
College Community Ecc-Prairie Hills
Before or After School Daycare
4.2

Parents praise the administrative leadership and value for cost, with most reviews being positive. However, some concerns have been raised about food quality, racism issues, and student behavior problems.

Outstanding administrative directoraffordable pricinggood school quality
Address
401 76th Ave Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA
Phone
(319) 848-5288
Ymca-Van Buren
Before or After School Daycare
4.2

YMCA-Van Buren is a school-based facility in Cedar Rapids offering swimming, fitness, and recreational activities. Parents praise the friendly staff, nice facilities, and variety of programs, though several note maintenance and management issues.

Friendly and helpful staffnice gym and fitness areasswimming pool
Address
2525 29th St Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA
Phone
(319) 213-2547
Acpc-Main Center
Before or After School Daycare
4.2

ACPC-MAIN CENTER receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring staff, safe environment, structured curriculum, and positive impact on children's development and behavior. Parents highlight improvements in their children's confidence, happiness, and social skills. Cost is a concern for some families.

caring and kind staffsafe environmentsmall class sizes
Address
920 Carroll Ave, Ames, IA
Phone
(515) 233-2901
Villa Maria Child Care-Assumption High School
Before or After School Daycare
4.1

Villa Maria Child Care receives consistently high praise from parents who have used the center for multiple years. Parents highlight the caring and professional staff, engaging activities, strong communication, and developmental support as key strengths. Children reportedly transition smoothly between age groups and develop positive relationships with caregivers.

Kind and professional staffengaging activities and art projectsexcellent communication with parents
Address
1020 W Central Park Ave, Davenport, IA
Phone
(563) 449-5545
We Teach 2
Before or After School Daycare
4.1

WE TEACH 2 receives consistently high praise from parents who appreciate the caring, attentive staff and director. Parents highlight the center's responsive communication, clean facilities, flexible scheduling, and engaging activities that keep children happy and secure. Multiple families report long-term enrollment with strong emotional attachments between children and staff.

Caring and attentive staffresponsive director with good communicationflexible scheduling
Address
4370 16th Ave Sw, Cedar Rapids, IA
Phone
(319) 390-3456
Sheldon Community Daycare & Preschool
Before or After School Daycare
4.1
Address
1221 E 6th Street, Sheldon, IA
Phone
(712) 324-4837
Dcy School-Age Program - Irving
Before or After School Daycare
4
Address
2520 Pennsylvania Ave, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(563) 556-3371
Des Moines Early Childhood Programs-Mckee
Before or After School Daycare
4
Address
2116 E. 39th Court, Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 281-8472
Riceville Community Daycare INC
Before or After School Daycare
3.9
Address
912 Woodland Ave, Suite A, Riceville, IA
Phone
(641) 985-2161
Waukee Family Ymca Before & After School-Eason
Before or After School Daycare
3.9

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 equipment
Address
605 Se Boone Dr, Waukee, IA
Phone
(515) 249-8146
Waukee Family Ymca Before & After School-Waukee
Before or After School Daycare
3.9

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
Address
850 6th Street, Waukee, IA
Phone
(515) 249-8253
Waukee Family Ymca Before & After School-Brookview
Before or After School Daycare
3.9

This YMCA before & after school program receives strong ratings for its family-friendly atmosphere, clean facilities, and helpful staff. Parents appreciate the comprehensive programming including childcare, classes, pool access, and organized activities for children. However, some members note issues with equipment maintenance, internet connectivity, and overcrowding during peak times.

friendly and helpful staffclean facilitymodern equipment
Address
8000 Ep True Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA
Phone
(515) 249-8165
Burlington Area Ymca-Sunnyside Site
Before or After School Daycare
3.8

Parents praise the YMCA facility for its excellent staff, well-maintained amenities, and diverse activity options. Most reviews are highly positive, though one parent expressed concern about party rental pricing and facility cleanliness issues during off-season months.

Friendly and attentive staffclean well-maintained facilitymultiple gyms and fitness areas
Address
2040 Sunnyside Ave, Burlington, IA
Phone
(319) 753-6734
Burlington Area Ymca-Black Hawk Site
Before or After School Daycare
3.8

The Burlington Area YMCA Black Hawk Site receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the friendly staff, well-maintained facilities, and variety of activities available. Most reviewers highlight the quality of the fitness center and recreational programs. One negative review mentions facility cleanliness and pricing concerns for party rentals during off-season months.

Friendly and helpful staffwell-maintained facilitymultiple gyms and exercise areas
Address
2804 S 14th St, Burlington, IA
Phone
(319) 572-4329
Burlington Area Ymca-West Burlington Site
Before or After School Daycare
3.8

The Burlington Area YMCA-West Burlington Site receives consistently positive feedback, with parents praising the facility's amenities, staff quality, and fitness offerings. Most reviewers highlight excellent facilities maintenance, variety of activities, and helpful staff. One concern was raised about facility cleanliness and pricing for off-season party rentals.

Wonderful and attentive staffexcellent facility amenities (multiple gymspool
Address
545 Ramsey St, West Burlington, IA
Phone
(319) 572-4328
Dcy School-Age Program - Bryant
Before or After School Daycare
3.8
Address
1280 Rush St, Dubuque, IA
Phone
(563) 556-3371
Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn Csd-Begindergarten
Before or After School Daycare
3.8
Address
400 East Fenton Street, Marcus, IA
Phone
(712) 376-2615
Altoona Campus Kids Klub-Willowbrook
Before or After School Daycare
3.7
Address
300 17th Ave Sw, Altoona, IA
Phone
(515) 967-5078
Altoona Campus Kids Klub-Altoona Elem
Before or After School Daycare
3.7
Address
301 6th St Sw, Altoona, IA
Phone
(515) 967-5078

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Frequently asked questions

There are 444 before or after school daycares across Iowa. Browse by city to find options near you.
All licensed daycare facilities in Iowa are listed in our directory. You can also verify a facility's license status through Iowa's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities must meet state standards for safety, health, staff-to-child ratios, and staff qualifications.
When comparing daycare options in Iowa, consider:
  • Licensing status and inspection history
  • Staff-to-child ratios (Iowa sets minimum requirements by age group)
  • Staff qualifications and training
  • Safety measures and facility cleanliness
  • Parent reviews and Google ratings
  • Curriculum and daily schedule
  • Location, hours, and cost
Daycare costs in Iowa vary by location, child's age, and facility type. Full-time center-based care typically ranges from $150 to $400+ per week. Infant care is generally more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Urban areas tend to have higher costs than rural areas.