Best Daycares in Des Moines, IA — 2026 Rankings

We ranked 19 daycares and childcare centers in Des Moines based on licensing, accreditation, parent reviews, and childcare quality.

Top Daycares in Des Moines

  1. #1 — La Petite Academy Score: 15/100

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

  2. #2 — Wakonda Preschool Score: 15/100

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

  3. #3 — Conmigo Early Education Center Score: 15/100

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

  4. #4 — Childcare Village Montessori Chiqui-School Score: 15/100

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

  5. #5 — Bergman Academy Score: 15/100

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

  6. #6 — Plymouth Nursery School Score: 15/100

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

  7. #7 — Creative Center for Young Children Score: 15/100

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

  8. #8 — All Star Daycare and Preschool Score: 15/100

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

  9. #9 — Westminster Preschool Score: 15/100

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

  10. #10 — Woodlawn Education Center Score: 15/100

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

  11. #11 — Westside Early Education Score: 15/100

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

  12. #12 — America's Children of Oakmoor Score: 15/100

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

  13. #13 — Mitchell Early Learning Center Score: 11/100

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

  14. #14 — New Horizon Academy - Downtown Des Moines Score: 11/100

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

  15. #15 — Oak Academy Score: 11/100

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

  16. #16 — Lil Scholars Preschool Score: 11/100

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

  17. #17 — Uncle Sam's Federal Child Care Center Score: 11/100

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

  18. #18 — Woodlawn Early Childhood Center Score: 11/100

    Programs: Preschool. View full profile →

  19. #19 — Aurora Christian Preschool Score: 11/100

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

How We Rank Daycares & Childcare Centers

Our Guide Score (0–100) 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%). Read our full methodology →

Frequently asked questions

Who is the #1 daycare in Des Moines?
La Petite Academy 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 (0–100) combines Google rating (35%), review volume (20%), web and contact presence (20%), profile completeness (15%), accreditation (5%), press recognition (3%), and years of operation (2%). 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.