Curated · May 2026

Best Daycares in Des Moines, IA

Our top licensed picks in Des Moines — ranked on license status, capacity, and verification recency from Iowa Department of Health and Human Services — Child Care Bureau. 9 centers reviewed. No paid placement, ever.

How we picked: from 9 licensed centers in Des Moines, we surface those with a current license, larger licensed capacity, and the most recent verification. Ranking is objective and editorial — providers cannot pay for placement. Always confirm current license status before enrolling.

1

Cedar Rapids Sunshine Daycare #27

Des Moines, IA · 50321

Family Daycare Capacity 113 0 months - 5 years
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2

Cedar Rapids Bright Futures Daycare #24

Des Moines, IA · 50315

Infant Care Capacity 106 5 years - 12 years
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3

Cedar Rapids Abc Childcare #30

Des Moines, IA · 50312

Head Start Capacity 106 2 years - 12 years
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4

Cedar Rapids Children's Place #33

Des Moines, IA · 50315

Montessori Capacity 105 6 weeks - 12 years
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5

Growing Minds Cedar Rapids #32

Des Moines, IA · 50314

Infant Care Capacity 96 5 years - 12 years
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6

Cedar Rapids Early Learning Center #29

Des Moines, IA · 50310

Preschool Capacity 90 2 years - 5 years
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7

Tiny Tots Of Cedar Rapids #28

Des Moines, IA · 50309

Licensed Group Child Care Home Capacity 65 6 weeks - 5 years
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8

Cedar Rapids Kids First Academy #26

Des Moines, IA · 50320

Child Care Center Capacity 39 0 months - 12 months
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9

Cedar Rapids Rainbow Learning Center #23

Des Moines, IA · 50314

Before & After School Care Capacity 20 3 years - 5 years
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