Best Daycares in Des Moines, IA — 2026 Rankings

We ranked 20 daycares and childcare centers in Des Moines based on licensing, accreditation, parent reviews, and childcare quality.

Top Daycares in Des Moines

  1. #1 — Mitchell Early Learning Center Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, School, Home service. View full profile →

  2. #2 — Wakonda Preschool Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Elementary school, School. View full profile →

  3. #3 — Conmigo Early Education Center Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  4. #4 — New Horizon Academy - Downtown Des Moines Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Child care and day care, School, Education. View full profile →

  5. #5 — All Star Daycare and Preschool Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  6. #6 — Oak Academy Score: 76%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  7. #7 — Plymouth Nursery School Score: 71%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  8. #8 — Westside Early Education Score: 71%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  9. #9 — Childcare Village Montessori Chiqui-School Score: 69%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  10. #10 — Woodlawn Education Center Score: 63%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, School. View full profile →

  11. #11 — La Petite Academy Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  12. #12 — Bergman Academy Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Private school, Elementary school. View full profile →

  13. #13 — Lil Scholars Preschool Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Child care and day care, School, Education. View full profile →

  14. #14 — America's Children of Oakmoor Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  15. #15 — Creative Center for Young Children Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  16. #16 — Westminster Preschool Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  17. #17 — Aurora Christian Preschool Score: 57%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  18. #18 — Woodlawn Early Childhood Center Score: 51%

    Programs: Preschool. View full profile →

  19. #19 — Uncle Sam's Federal Child Care Center Score: 49%

    Programs: Preschool, Child care and day care, School, Education. View full profile →

  20. #20 — Xochipilli Children's Center Score: 29%

    Programs: Preschool, Education. View full profile →

How We Rank Daycares & Childcare Centers

Our Guide Score percentage combines Google rating (35%), review volume (20%), web and contact presence (20%), profile completeness (15%), accreditation such as NAEYC (5%), press recognition (3%), and years of operation (2%), then normalizes across captured positive categories. Read our full methodology →

Frequently asked questions

Who is the #1 daycare in Des Moines?
Mitchell Early Learning Center is currently the #1 ranked daycare in Des Moines based on our Guide Score, which evaluates parent reviews, licensing status, accreditation, and quality signals. See the full ranked list above.
How are daycares ranked in Des Moines?
Our Guide Score percentage combines weighted evidence from Google rating, review volume, web and contact presence, profile completeness, accreditation, press recognition, and years of operation, then normalizes across categories with captured positive evidence. There is no paid placement.
How much does daycare cost in Des Moines?
Childcare costs in Des Moines vary by program type and age group. Full-time infant care commonly ranges from $800–$2,500/month; preschool programs run $600–$1,800/month. Each center's profile page lists contact information for current rates.