Best Preschools 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...
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.
Early Preschool
It’s never too early to start preparing your child to be ready for school, and that’s why our parents—and their children—love our Early Preschool classroom. As a stepping stone to Preschool, our Early Preschool program has a unique, indicator-based curriculum, Learn as We Grow™, designed to address the individual learning needs of 30- to 42-month-old children. We focus on understanding routines and developing independence. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Also offers: Pre-K, 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....
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.
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.
Responds quickly
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
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...
Early Preschool
It’s never too early to start preparing your child to be ready for school, and that’s why our parents—and their children—love our Early Preschool classroom. As a stepping stone to Preschool, our Early Preschool program has a unique, indicator-based curriculum, Learn as We Grow™, designed to address the individual learning needs of 30- to 42-month-old children. We focus on understanding routines and developing independence. 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: Pre-K
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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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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 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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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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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...
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.
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.
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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...
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.
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.
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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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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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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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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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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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Karolann May is a license exempt child care home offering preschool programs located in Capitol East in Des Moines, IA. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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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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Nun Zing is a registered child care home offering preschool programs located in Merle Hay in Des Moines, IA. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Mya Kyi is a registered child care home offering preschool programs located in Lower Beaver in Des Moines, IA. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Tamyrn Nix is a licensed child care home offering preschool programs located in Meredith in Des Moines, IA. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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St. Augustin Catholic School, located at 4320 Grand Ave in Des Moines, IA, offers a warm educational environment for students in Pre-K through 8th grade. Committed to academic excellence and community...
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Des Moines Adventist School, located at 2317 Watrous Ave, Des Moines, IA, offers a faith-based education to students in grades PK-8. The school focuses on nurturing spiritual, academic, physical, and...
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Located in Des Moines, Iowa, Grand View Christian School is a private Christian institution offering preschool through 12th grade education. Situated at 2905 NE 46th Ave, the school emphasizes...
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Holy Trinity Catholic School in Des Moines, IA, offers a values-based education focusing on the holistic growth of students. Located at 2926 Beaver Ave, the school provides PK-8 education with a...
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Christ the King School, located at 701 Wall Ave in Des Moines, IA, is a private Catholic school serving grades PK-8. With a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, the school provides a faith-based education...
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St. Joseph Elementary School is a Catholic private school in Des Moines, IA, offering Pre-K through 8th grade education. Located at 2107 E 33rd St, it focuses on academic excellence, faith, and...
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Bergman Academy, located at 100 45th St in Des Moines, IA, is an accredited independent school offering a nurturing environment for preschool through grade 8. With a student-teacher ratio of 9:1 in...
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St. Theresa Catholic School in Des Moines, IA, offers a holistic education focusing on Catholic faith, STEM curriculum, and community service. Located at 5810 Carpenter Ave, it serves grades PK-8 with...
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Mt Olive Lutheran School, located at 5625 Franklin Avenue in Des Moines, IA, offers a Christ-centered education from preschool to eighth grade. As a state-accredited institution, it emphasizes...
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St Anthony Elementary School in Des Moines, IA, offers a quality Catholic education from preschool to 8th grade. Located at 16 Columbus Ave, it provides traditional and Two-Way Language Immersion...
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Esther Wright is a licensed child care home offering preschool programs located in Des Moines, IA. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Cornell Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 5817 NE 3rd St in Des Moines, IA.
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Delaware Elementary is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 4401 E 46th St in Des Moines, IA.
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Greenwood Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 316 37th St in Greenwood in Des Moines, IA.
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Jessie Franklin Taylor is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 1801 16th St in Des Moines, IA.
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Moulton Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 1541 8th St in River Bend in Des Moines, IA.
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Mckee Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 2115 E 39th St in Gray's Woods in Des Moines, IA.
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Mckinley Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 1610 SE 6th St in Little Italy in Des Moines, IA.
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Capitol View Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 320 E 16th St in Capitol East in Des Moines, IA.
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Jackson Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 3825 Indianola Ave in Des Moines, IA.
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Carver Elementary is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 705 E University Ave in Capitol Park in Des Moines, IA.
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Mitchell Early Childhood Center is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 111 Porter Ave in Des Moines, IA.
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Woodlawn Early Childhood Center is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 4000 Lower Beaver Rd in Lower Beaver in Des Moines, IA.
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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.
FAQs About Des Moines Preschools
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How many preschool programs are in Des Moines?
- Based on Winnie provider data, there are currently 45 preschool programs in Des Moines.
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How much does preschool cost in Des Moines?
- The average monthly price for Des Moines preschools is $894. This is based on provider data for preschools listed on Winnie.
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How many programs in Des Moines accept preschoolers aged 3-4 years?
- Based on Winnie provider data, there are 44 preschool programs in Des Moines that accept kids ages 3-4 years old.
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What types of preschool curriculums are offered in Des Moines?
- The 10 most popular preschool curriculum types in Des Moines include: Religious, Play-Based, Academic-Based, Creative Curriculum, Emergent, Montessori, Nature-Based, Project-Based, Reggio Emilia, STEM.