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Preschools in Des Moines, IA

Explore selected Des Moines-metro centers with published locations on S 51st Street and University Avenue in West Des Moines, and Copper Creek Drive in Des Moines. This shortlist spans different parts of the metro; it is not a ranking or a complete directory. Use the street addresses to compare locations before contacting a center.

Details last reviewed . This page shows 3 selected preschool listings in Des Moines, not the total number of providers in the city.

Search preschool options in Des Moines

Selected preschool listings

Openings, tuition, and age groups are unknown to Cubby for these listings. Contact each center directly to confirm.

  • Center

    Montessori Children's House

    1505 42nd Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266Contact for tuition
    Source checked · 2026-10-14

    Openings not confirmed. Contact the center for current tuition and enrollment.

    1505 42nd Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266Official provider page Reviewed
    Openings:
    Unknown, ask the center
    Tuition:
    Unknown, ask the center

    Montessori program for ages 18 months to 6 years.

  • Center

    The Goddard School of Waukee

    80 NE Carefree Lane, Waukee, IA 50263Contact for tuition
    Source checked · 2026-10-14

    Openings not confirmed. Contact the center for current tuition and enrollment.

    80 NE Carefree Lane, Waukee, IA 50263Official provider page Reviewed
    Openings:
    Unknown, ask the center
    Tuition:
    Unknown, ask the center

    Preschool program serving infants through pre-K.

  • Center

    Plymouth Nursery School

    4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312Contact for tuition
    Source checked · 2026-10-14

    Openings not confirmed. Contact the center for current tuition and enrollment.

    4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312Official provider page Reviewed
    Openings:
    Unknown, ask the center
    Tuition:
    Unknown, ask the center

    Church-affiliated half-day program for ages 2 to 5.

What daycare costs in Iowa

Child Care Aware of America's 2023 Iowa figures are statewide annual averages—not current quotes from these centers. Tuition in each metro varies by age, schedule, and provider. Confirm tuition, fees, and included services directly with each center.

Infant, center-based care
$12,168/year
Toddler, center-based care
$11,143/year
Infant, family child care
$8,176/year
Toddler, family child care
$8,015/year
Two children (infant + 4-year-old), center-based care
$21,913/year

Source: Child Care Aware of America: Iowa 2023 price of care (PDF).

Preschool vs. daycare: what's the difference?

Daycare generally provides full-day, year-round care. Preschool focuses on early learning for children around ages 2 to 5 and may run half-day or on a school-year schedule. Many families use both, pairing preschool with wrap-around care before or after class.

Choosing in Des Moines

The Des Moines metro stretches from Waukee and West Des Moines through Clive and Urbandale to Ankeny. Compare Montessori, traditional preschool, and half-day options against your family's schedule. Ask about teacher credentials, classroom ratios, and whether wrap-around care is available.

Iowa Women's Foundation has reported that Iowa lost about 40% of its child care providers over five years, leaving roughly 350,000 slots short, with about 25% of Iowans in a child care desert. These are historical statewide estimates, not a live count of open places in these metros. Start early and join multiple waitlists; ask about deposits, waitlist fees, and expected timing. Iowa Women's Foundation childcare research.

Help paying for care

Check eligibility for Iowa Child Care Assistance (CCA) through Iowa HHS, and ask whether your chosen provider accepts CCA. Eligibility and family payments depend on your circumstances.

About preschool care

Preschool focuses on early learning and preparation for school. A center offering preschool may also offer daycare; confirm the specific classroom, attendance schedule, and enrollment requirements rather than assuming all programs are the same.

Questions to ask

  • What does a typical preschool classroom day look like?
  • How does the program balance play, language, and early learning?
  • Are extended care and school-year or year-round schedules offered?
  • What is current tuition, and are there openings for my child's age?

Check licensing

Look up any center's license and inspection record with the state regulator before you enroll.

Iowa HHS provider search

Iowa HHS compliance reports

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