9:05AM - 3:55PM
1600 73rd St, Windsor Heights
Schools
“I cannot praise this daycare enough for their unwavering commitment to safety, cleanliness, and child development! From the moment I stepped in, I was impressed by the immaculate environment and the nurturing atmosphere they've created. The staff is attentive and well-trained, ensuring the well-being of every child in their care.The facility itself is designed with the highest safety standards in mind, and the staff's dedication to cleanliness is evident. It gives me peace of mind knowing that my child is in a healthy and secure environment.But what truly sets this daycare apart is their focus on child development. Their age-appropriate activities and curriculum are thoughtfully designed to foster creativity, social skills, and cognitive growth. My child is always excited to attend and has shown remarkable progress since joining.I wholeheartedly give this daycare 5 stars and recommend it to any parent seeking a safe, clean, and nurturing environment for their child's development. This is truly the gold standard for childcare!”
6:30AM - 6PM
450 SW 9th St, Des Moines
Schools
“We had a great experience with this daycare. The staff was always kind, attentive, and made me feel comfortable leaving my daughter in their care. Valeria really enjoyed her time there and learned so much. Communication was clear and consistent, which I really appreciated. I would definitely recommend them to other parents!”
6:45AM - 5:45PM
2201 Sunset Dr, Norwalk
Schools
“Our son started in April of 2025. If we could, we would gladly take this daycare with us after our move. He has been cared for and loved every day since starting. We couldn’t have put our son in better hands, and being first time parents, we had no idea what to expect. We are so happy we sent our son to this daycare, because we have never had to worry about health or happiness since he started. One of my greatest joys as a parent was picking him up from daycare and everyone knowing his name, from other parents picking up their children, to staff who may not interact with him as much as his teachers. We know he was in the best hands and he has grown and developed so much since starting at YBR Norwalk.”
6:30AM - 5:30PM
2635 Berkshire Pkwy #200, Clive
Schools
“Was welcomed with open arms after our previous center permanently closed! We can’t say enough great things about Step Ahead. The directors, staff, cleanliness, communication, food for the kids etc is 10/10! Facility is new as of fall 2025. The parent app makes communication and updates timely. My kids adapted quickly to the change and love their teachers.”
“Olivia is always really kind and helpful at pickup! My kiddo does so well with the structure provided at Cadence, we like that there are less transitions with the after school program being at the school.”
6:30AM - 5:30PM
3054 86th St, Urbandale
Schools
“Fantastic staff, good communication. The longevity of their best teachers is outstanding, and the newest teachers are also amazing. There is a great culture here!”
“We absolutely loved having our two kids here for over 3 years! The staff is absolutely amazing and it feels like leaving your children at a home rather than a daycare. We have had our children in every classroom from infants to preschool and we were amazed at the level of care received at every stage. I highly recommend this facility if you’re looking for childcare!”
“We cannot speak highly enough about New Horizon. From the very first day, we felt an overwhelming sense of love, care, and safety from every single staff member. They look after our boys as if they were their own, and that kind of genuine attention and compassion is something you can feel the moment you walk through the door. Our kids are happy, thriving, and truly loved here. Choosing this center has been one of the best decisions our family has ever made, and we are endlessly grateful for the impact they’ve had on our lives!”
“Happy Hearts Montessori Daycare & Preschool was a wonderful daycare/preschool for our children. We were in a bind for care initially and they were able to accommodate quickly. We never had to second guess if our kids were happy attending. The care they received was phenomenal and every staff member felt like family. There was a change of ownership shortly after we started attending and it seemed to be a very smooth transition. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a place with quality care and great communication for their children!”
6:30AM - 6PM
15200 Hickman Rd, Clive
Schools
“The staff have been amazing. We appreciate the care and communication with the teachers and the administrators. Their hours are great for parents that work earlier in the morning. Our kids have really thrived with the curriculum. We also enjoy they offer extra activities like cooking classes, phonics, music classes, dance and others.”
6:30AM - 6PM
2620 SW Vintage Pkwy, Ankeny
Schools
“10/10 experience at Primrose Ankeny! We LOVED having our children here and it has shaped our expectations for quality childcare. The teachers & staff genuinely care about the wellbeing of the children in their care and they really help make the experience here very special. Would absolutely recommend Primrose & our children loved their time here. Thank you for making this such an enjoyable time for us!”
6:30AM - 5:30PM
4401 114th St, Urbandale
Schools
“I feel confident that my child is receiving excellent care from the GN staff. Paula, Kristy, and the entire team are always warm and welcoming when we arrive, which creates such a positive environment. My child consistently appears happy and confident during both drop-off and pick-up, which speaks volumes about the care and support they provide. I also truly appreciate the additional events organized throughout the year, knowing the extra time and effort that goes into planning them. The Mother’s Day breakfast was especially enjoyable, and the theme was thoughtful and adorable.”
6:30AM - 5:30PM
14300 Hickman Rd, Clive
Schools
“They take great care of my children!
The teachers are very passionate and work hard to provide a safe and nurturing environment. My children love being at school. They are well taken care of and learn a lot each day. My oldest comes home singing new songs and talking about all the new things she has learned at school.”
“We have been with the Cadence family since October 2025 and have loved it since! My son loves his teachers! They greet us everyday and make us feel special! Would recommend Cadence to everyone!”
“My son went here for over two years before he transitioned to public school. He is on the high functioning spectrum, and they made every possible loving accommodation for him. I still stay in contact with some of the classroom teachers to this day. I can’t say enough good things about this daycare! 100% top notch. Nothing in the world is perfect, but these teachers are top of the line near perfection!!”
6:45AM - 5:30PM
6270 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston
Schools
“We have the highest level of confidence in the care and education our children are receiving at Loving Arms. Our kids are excited to go each day, and the teachers are incredibly kind and welcoming. I’m constantly impressed with the different open-ended learning activities I see set up in the classrooms, and communication with staff and leadership is great. We’ve been trusting Loving Arms to care for our kids for 8 years now, and they just keep getting better and better!”
9AM - 3PM
3700 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines
Schools
“FREE COMMUNITY SUPPER ON TUESDAY NIGHTS AT GRACE METHODIST CHURCH
Grace Methodist church, 3700 Cottage Grove avenue, hosts a free community supper on Tuesday evenings All are welcome. 5 pm to 7 pm.
+ There is also a free drop-in medical clinic at the church from 5 pm to 7 pm.
And, if you linger, you can often listen to a rehearsal of the Des Moines Community Orchestra. That starts a round 6:30 pm.
+ Oh, and if you have a few extra minutes, check out the Henry Wallace/George Washington Carver historic marker at 38th street and Cottage Grove.”
“Very nice community church. They are very supportive of the community and the schools. The church hosts several holiday events and is very active with supporting the school athletic activities. I it great to have a church really give back to the community they are in.”
“St.Paul preschool instantly felt like family. We were truly amazed at how much actual learning goes on. The teachers love what they do. We have made numerous friendships with other parents even years later we are still in touch. I have visited the classroom numerous times and it was well organized and smoothly run. The kids listened so well and my daughter loved coming back year after year. I highly recommend this preschool program. It was the best decision we have made for our little one and laid a great foundation for future learning and getting ahead start with school.”
“This was my first time ever signing up for daycare,( I was a stay at home mom & only let family watch my kiddos) I was skeptical about any daycare in general & visited other places to get an idea of what to expect, but Oralabor KinderCare changed that for me. From the first time I came to the tour they gave me such a great insight on what to expect. It is such a great place! Me and my family absolutely LOVE the staff!! I have a 6yr old & 7m old who attend this place, My 6yr old practically tells me he rather go to daycare than school! As for my 7m old she smiles at her teachers at drop off every morning. They never fail to give you a warm welcome every time you step in the building, and I never worry when my kids are with them! I highly recommend this place to all families especially those who are wary of daycares, I promise they go above and beyond for your children’s needs. Because of them I’m able to work comfortably knowing my children are being well taken care of. Thanks for everything Oralabor team !”
6:30AM - 5:45PM
2506 SW 3rd St, Ankeny
Schools
“We have been with ACC for 2.5 years and it remains an incredible experience. They love our children and we feel part of a family. We are grateful for their care, safety and development. Watching our children grow there is a blessing.”
“The people at this Location are very friendly I could’ve given a five star but my son keep getting hurt by his friends or classmates so that’s why I took 1 start off but everything else is overall. Will recommend”
6:30AM - 6PM
610 Center St, Des Moines
Schools
“My family absolutely loves childtime! The staff and supervisor are amazing and really caring. My child always comes home excited about their day. The place is really clean, safe and fun. I feel completely confident and comfortable leaving my little one. Highly recommend!”
“We love La Petite! My 3 year attends here and has since they were 18mo. As a first time mom, the sincere care the teachers and Jenny, the director, has for my child’s well being and education is beyond comforting. I love the app that keeps me up to date with daily activities and pictures that makes me feel involved even when I’m not there. I absolutely adore the other kiddos who know not only who I am, but knows my child and always say, “your mom is here!” I have seen a huge vocabulary increase and social awareness in my child. Can’t wait for my second to attend!”
“Love this school all 3 of my boys went here for pre-k. Definitely awesome staff and taught my children well. Pick up and drop off process is a pain and could be sorted out in a better fashion. But everything else absolutely love this school.”
“Waukee kindercare I love the staff and the kids and the parents are awesome and the staff are awesome too. The director and assistant director are the most awesomest people.”
6:30AM - 5:30PM
6109 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston
Schools
“We’ve sent our daughter here for the last 6 months and love it! The staff and management are so friendly, very responsive, and very helpful with any questions I’ve had! Would recommend this center to everyone!”
“Our family loves traditions !The teachers and staff are so friendly and care about my kids I am happy and feel comfortable every morning dropping them off , and that is huge for a parent. The infant room ladies are gold and really do care for my baby :) and all the littles in there. she is always so happy to be there. My toddler loves her experience in the 4s preschool room she gets excited to go and tells me what she learns everyday ! I would recommend traditions 3 if you’re in the urbandale area and want your kiddos to get outstanding care. I wouldn’t still be there after 4 years if it weren’t outstanding. !”
“Great school, great teachers, strong learners. Very safe environment with a lot of actively involved parents and community. As for the nurse who was unable to satisfy the previous reviewers needs, she is a very kind lady who has to be the only nurse at a school of hundreds of students and staff due to budget. She is fully committed to helping the kids as I have experienced first hand! Way to go, Clive tigers.”