Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Des Moines, IA
Every day, we’re nurturing young learners and preparing children for a bright future. At Childtime, our sensitive, respectful teachers are building trusting, secure relationships with children that...
Pre-K
Your child’s school readiness is the most important thing to us and that’s the focus of our Pre-K program. Building on Preschool learning, we focus on problem solving, responsive listening, language usage, and social skills. Our Focus on Literacy™ program features in-school and at-home activities designed to improve your child’s literacy and cognition in areas such as vocabulary development and alphabet knowledge. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Preschool
For any child, preschool education is an essential step on the path to kindergarten. We want the best for your child and that’s why this program focuses on their personal development with customized curriculum and lesson plans to meet their individual developmental needs. In this classroom, children are given an increasing sense of independence, while also learning how to relate to others through large-group activities which are an essential part of the day. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Also offers: Drop-In Care
Responds quickly
Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center and Daycare is a licensed childcare provider serving children from 6 weeks through Pre-K, with summer programs available for school-aged children....
Pre-K
Pre-K plays an essential role in preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. The academic learning, social-emotional growth, and self-regulation skills developed during this stage all support long-term success in school and life. Our Pre-K Program is designed to help children build confidence, independence, and readiness for the classroom. Kindergarten readiness is a key focus, with children practicing foundational skills like early writing, counting, and identifying basic shapes. Just as important, children strengthen self-regulation skills, learning how to manage emotions, behaviors, and focus in a supportive environment alongside their peers. Yellow Brick Road implements the Creative Curriculum in our Pre-K classrooms, offering research-based instruction through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Teachers create meaningful lessons that help children understand academic concepts while exploring the world around them. Our Pre-K Program provides a nurturing, structured environment where children are supported as they grow, learn, and thrive.
Preschool
Because the growth your child experiences during this stage is so crucial to their overall development, it’s important they have an academic foundation to support them. In our Preschooler Program, teachers provide a thoughtful balance of group and individual instruction. At this stage, children begin practicing independence, focus, and social interaction, skills that prepare them not only for the next grade levels, but for life. Social-emotional growth is a key focus of our program. Through lessons, playtime, and hands-on activities, children are encouraged to explore their natural curiosity throughout the day. At Yellow Brick Road, learning opportunities are everywhere. We implement the Creative Curriculum to support academic success through research-driven, engaging lessons that spark curiosity and a love of learning.
Responds quickly
Cooperative childcare program offering services for infants through school-aged children. Teachers use the Lilio Curriculum to provide age-appropriate learning activities to help prepare children for...
Speaks Spanish
We provide childcare services to toddlers, and preschool-aged children. Our program is geared to meet the needs and interests of the children enrolled. The curriculum emphasizes social relationships,...
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Preschool and childcare program serving children living in the Oakridge neighborhood as well as children from surrounding areas. Teachers use the Creative Curriculum to provide age-appropriate...
Speaks Spanish
Preschool program focused on helping children develop academic fundamentals along with Catholic values and education. Teachers provide a variety of educational, recreational and faith-based...
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Discover the joy of early learning at La Petite Academy. Whether caring for your baby, preparing your preschooler for kindergarten, or supporting your elementary student (up to age 12) in the morning...
Pre-K
Your child’s school readiness is the most important thing to us and that’s the focus of our Pre-K program. Building on Preschool learning, we focus on problem solving, responsive listening, language usage, and social skills. Our Focus on Literacy™ program features in-school and at-home activities designed to improve your child’s literacy and cognition in areas such as vocabulary development and alphabet knowledge. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Preschool
For any child, preschool education is an essential step on the path to kindergarten. We want the best for your child and that’s why this program focuses on their personal development with customized curriculum and lesson plans to meet their individual developmental needs. In this classroom, children are given an increasing sense of independence, while also learning how to relate to others through large-group activities which are an essential part of the day. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Also offers: Drop-In Care
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Preschool and childcare facility offering a variety of programs and services for children and families. Children participate in developmentally-appropriate learning experiences geared toward...
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Childcare facility offering services for children of all ages. Teachers use the Creative Curriculum to provide age-appropriate learning experiences that help prepare children for school. Children...
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Center provides care to children from infancy to school-age. Teachers utilize an age-appropriate curriculum. Daily activities include art, dramatic play, games, puzzles, reading, and writing. ...
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Before and after school program providing childcare services to students on the campus of Cornell Elementary. Activities include outdoor play, gym time, arts & crafts, movies, blocks, and games....
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Grace United Methodist Church's preschool program. Provider utilizes the Creative Curriculum and focuses on learning through hands-on, play-based experiences. Activities include art projects,...
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Center provides year-round childcare services to preschool-aged children. Program utilizes the Creative Curriculum to encourage academic and social development. Daily activities include reading,...
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Childcare program ran by Easterseals serving children with or without developmental delays or disabilities. Teachers use the Creative Curriculum to provide various age-appropriate learning...
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Preschool and childcare program ran by The Church at Union Park. Teachers provide a variety of hands-on educational, recreational and faith-based activities that work on all areas of development. ...
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Preschool and childcare program ran by Christ the King Parish. Children participate in a variety of educational, recreational and faith-based activities. Facility also has an outdoor play area.
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Educational preschool and after school program providing care and learning to children in the Des Moines community. Enrichment activities include dance, Spanish, and yoga. Daily activities include...
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Childcare facility offering services for children of all ages. Teachers provide developmentally-appropriate learning experiences to help prepare children for school. Children work on academics,...
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Bilingual child care center offering age-appropriate care, learning, and socialization to young children as they prepare for elementary school. Before and after school care is available to school-aged...
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Childcare program serving children and families of UnityPoint Health employees. Teachers use the Creative Curriculum to provide age-appropriate activities that work on all areas of child development....
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Before and after school program providing childcare services to students on the campus of St. Anthony Catholic School. Faith-based program offers daily homework time. Students also have the...
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Childcare program offering educational services for toddlers and preschool-aged children. Teachers provide hands-on learning opportunities that work on school-readiness and meeting developmental...
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Catholic school provides education and childcare services to preschoolers and school-aged children. Curriculum meets the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of the children. Students have...
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Child care center providing age-appropriate learning and care to infants through school-aged children. Children participate in group activities, outside play, and academic learning. Before and after...
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New Horizon Academy Des Moines is conveniently located in Des Moines, Iowa off Martin Luther King Jr Parkway and SW 9th Street in downtown Des Moines. Our school offers early learning programs for...
Pre-Kindergarten
Our pre-kindergarten program is designed to ensure children enter elementary school with strong academic and social foundations. With a continued focus on language, early literacy, math, and executive functioning, our pre-k students consistently exceed kindergarten readiness benchmarks. In well-equipped, developmentally appropriate classrooms, teachers foster mastery through a balance of structured activities and self-guided exploration. With nine engaging learning centers and a curriculum grounded in early brain research, children build confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.
Preschool
Preschoolers at New Horizon Academy learn in joyful, curiosity-driven classrooms that build essential academic and social skills. Our award-winning, research-based curriculum lays the foundation for kindergarten readiness, while nurturing each child’s creativity, problem-solving, and self-confidence. Nine learning centers—including Art, Language and Literacy, STEAM, and Dramatic Play—encourage exploration in all developmental areas. Our teachers guide children in making decisions, building relationships, and developing independence as they discover their strengths and grow into capable learners.
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At Bright Horizons®, we make sure the early years are full of learning and fun. Our early education and preschool program paves the way for school success, with support for each child’s individual...
Kindergarten Prep
The last year before kindergarten is a time of growth. We offer a program that gives you both teachers who cherish this important time, and curriculum recognized by parents and teachers for helping children build the social and academic skills needed to be ready for school.
Preschool
Preschool is a big year. We’ve designed our program to give you complete confidence in every aspect of your child’s experience; from health and safety; to ready-for-school curriculum; to the full support of experienced teachers.
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Preschool and childcare program offering services for infants through school-aged children. Teachers provide age-appropriate learning activities that work on all areas of child development. ...
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Smarty Pants Childcare provides a nurturing and supportive environment for early childhood education, serving children from six weeks old to those in kindergarten and aftercare. The facility offers...
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Early learning provider offering a variety of classes for infants through school aged children. Center utilizes a variety of curricula, including the Creative Curriculum and Second Step, and field...
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Bi-lingual center provides services to children from infancy to school-age. Curriculum is presented in both Spanish and English. Daily activities include dramatic play, dance, art, music,...
Speaks Spanish
Child care center offering age-appropriate learning and care to infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. Daily activities include games, science experiments, books, songs, creative...
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The preschool program is run by Westminster Presbyterian Church. Teachers provide age-appropriate activities focused on each child's physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual growth. ...
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Child care center offering age-appropriate learning and care to infants through school-aged children. Before and after school care is available. Program includes learning centers in wellness, math,...
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Preschool program offering Head Start services to qualifying families and children. Teachers provide developmentally-appropriate activities and materials that work on school-readiness. Children and...
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Preschool program offering Head Start services to qualifying families and children. Teachers provide developmentally-appropriate activities and materials that work on school-readiness. Children and...
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Child care center offering age-appropriate learning and care to infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. Age-appropriate learning and care are provided. Children participate outside...
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Christian preschool and care offering age-appropriate learning and care to children as they prepare for elementary school. Learning curriculum is used to teach lessons in math, science, art, and...
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Before and after school program serving children attending Mitchell Early Childhood Center. Children participate in a variety of educational and recreational enrichment activities, including arts and...
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Educational preschool program providing learning and care to infants through preschoolers. Program promotes group activities, academic learning, life skills, basic phonics, and outside play. Academic...
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Preschool program ran by Plymouth Church. Daily schedule includes a balance of educational, recreational and faith-based activities that work on school-readiness. Activities include arts and crafts,...
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Childcare program serving Principal Financial Group employees and their families. Children participate in STEM-based activities, gardening, sign language, writing, reading and other hands-on learning...
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Child care center provided to children of women enrolled in the substance abuse program providing care and learning. Learning curriculum is used to teach new concepts in math, science, art, and...
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Before and after school program serving preschool-aged children attending McKee School. Children participate in educational and recreational enrichment activities either before or after their...
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Preschool program offering educational services for children and families in the Greenwood Park area. Teachers provide age-appropriate learning experiences that work on school-readiness. Daily...
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Christian preschool program providing learning, socialization, and care to children as they prepare for elementary school. Daily activities include outside play, free play, arts and crafts, music, and...
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Preschool program offering Head Start services to qualifying families and children. Teachers provide developmentally-appropriate activities and materials that work on school-readiness. Children and...
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Program, located at Drake University, provides childcare services to infants, toddlers, and preschooler-aged children. Academic curriculum prepares children for success in grade school. Program...
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Childcare center provides childcare services to preschool-aged children at Capitol View Elementary School. Students have access to an outdoor play area for gross motor development.
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Walnut Street School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 901 Walnut St in Downtown Des Moines in Des Moines, IA.
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Sugar Babies South is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 2102 King Ave in Des Moines, IA. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Guides
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Cost of Child Care in Iowa by Age, City & Type
Curious how much daycare or preschool really costs in Iowa? We break down average childcare rates by city, age, and program type—based on real data from local providers.
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Childcare Assistance in Iowa
Explore financial assistance programs available in Iowa, including childcare subsidies, tax credits, and free preschool options for eligible families.
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What is the difference between preschool, Pre-K, and TK?
Preschool, Pre-K, and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) are all great options for children, depending on their ages and academic needs. Learn the difference.
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What is Universal Pre-K?
Universal Pre-K is a free, state-funded program for four-year-olds designed to introduce children to the pre-academic skills needed for Kindergarten.
FAQs About Des Moines Pre-K Programs
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At what age should I enroll my child in Pre-K?
- The starting age for Pre-Kindergarten varies across states, but it's usually at four years of age. Remember, the application process often begins a few months prior to the child reaching the eligible age, so it's important to plan ahead.
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What is Pre-K?
- Pre-Kindergarten, commonly known as Pre-K, serves children around four years old. Children learn the necessary skills for future academic success.
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Do public schools have Pre-K?
- Many public schools offer free Pre-K programs for eligible families. These public preschool programs vary by state in terms of age requirements and classroom hours. Check with your local school district to see if public Pre-K is available near you.