Quick Answer
West Des Moines has over a dozen licensed childcare centers, several with national accreditation serving infants through Pre-K.
Primrose School of West Des Moines (8080 Coachlight Drive) is Cognia accredited, offering the Balanced Learning curriculum, built-in enrichment, ASQ screening, and full-day care from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM for ages 6 weeks to Pre-K.
Highest Childcare Centers in West Des Moines
| Center | Address | Ages Served | Hours | Accreditation | Curriculum |
| Primrose School of West Des Moines | 8080 Coachlight Dr | 6 weeks to Pre-K | 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM | Cognia | Balanced Learning (proprietary) |
| New Horizon Academy (University Ave) | 9040 University Ave | Infants to Pre-K | 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM | NAEYC | Research-based, STEAM |
| New Horizon Academy (ITA Group) | Jordan Creek Pkwy at I-80 | 6 weeks to 5 years | 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM | Pursuing NAEYC | Research-based, STEAM |
| Cadence Academy (Grand Ave) | 1809 Grand Ave | 6 weeks to Pre-K | 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM | NAEYC | Ascend Curriculum |
| Westlakes KinderCare | 6670 University Ave | 6 weeks to 5 years | 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM | NAEYC (varies) | KinderCare curriculum |
| West Des Moines KinderCare | 865 S 51st St | 6 weeks to 5 years | 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM | NAEYC (varies) | KinderCare curriculum |
| A Child’s World at Jordan Creek | Jordan Creek area | 6 weeks to 12 years | Varies | State licensed | In-house |
| New Creations (EP True) | West Des Moines | Infants to Pre-K | Varies | State licensed | In-house, faith-based |
| Tiger Cubs Preschool (WDMCS) | Multiple district sites | 4-year-olds only | Half-day, 4 days/week | District-operated | WDMCS curriculum |
How to Compare Quality Across Centers
Not all licensed centers meet the same standard. Use these factors when comparing programs in West Des Moines.
| Quality Factor | What It Means | What to Ask |
| National accreditation | Center exceeds state licensing; reviewed by external evaluators | Which body accredited you? When was it last renewed? |
| Named curriculum | Structured, research-based daily learning plan | What is your curriculum called? Is it proprietary or off-the-shelf? |
| Developmental screening | Validated tools track each child’s progress | Do you use ASQ or another screening tool? How often? |
| Teacher credentials | Lead teachers hold ECE degrees and ongoing training | What degrees do your lead teachers hold? |
| Staff turnover | Low turnover signals stability and consistent relationships | How long has your current staff been here? |
| Enrichment | Music, language, STEM offered regularly | Is enrichment included in tuition or billed separately? |
| Meals | On-site meals reduce logistical burden for families | How many meals per day? Are they included? |
Center-by-Center Overview
Primrose School of West Des Moines
Cognia accredited, owner-operated by Deepa and Umesh Parekh. Programs from 6 weeks through Pre-K follow the Balanced Learning curriculum, integrating Montessori, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Reggio Emilia principles. Enrichment included in tuition: Harmony and Heart (music), Mucho Mundo (Spanish), coding, cooking, STEM, and drama. ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 developmental screening every fall and spring. Four meals daily included. Employer discounts available for Athene, Sammons, Wells Fargo, and local medical professionals.
New Horizon Academy (University Ave and ITA Group)
Two West Des Moines locations. The University Avenue campus holds NAEYC accreditation; the newer ITA Group campus (opened November 2024) is pursuing NAEYC. STEAM-focused curriculum, on-site meals, and corporate childcare partnership options. Full-day programs from infants through Pre-K.
Cadence Academy (Grand Ave)
NAEYC accredited. Uses the Ascend Curriculum with a skill-targeted approach across nine subject areas. In 2024, 100% of their Pre-K children assessed demonstrated kindergarten readiness. Full-day programs from 6 weeks through Pre-K. Before- and after-school care available on a limited basis.
KinderCare (Westlakes and S 51st St)
Two West Des Moines locations on University Avenue and S 51st Street. Corporate-managed with a proprietary KinderCare curriculum.
Meals and snacks developed by a registered dietitian. Part-time and full-time schedules available. Accreditation status varies by location.
A Child’s World at Jordan Creek
Family-owned and operated for over 19 years. Serves children 6 weeks through age 12. Focuses on providing a safe learning environment with qualified staff. State licensed; does not hold national accreditation.
Tiger Cubs Preschool (WDMCS)
Free, district-operated preschool for 4-year-olds through the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program. Half-day, four days per week. Registration opens each January for the following school year. Enrollment is not guaranteed; placement is limited.
Why Families in West Des Moines Choose Primrose
- Balanced Learning curriculum: Proprietary and research-informed, not purchased off the shelf. Covers academics, character development, physical fitness, and life skills.
- Cognia accredited: Required at every Primrose location. Evaluates the entire institution, not just program standards.
- ASQ developmental screening: The only national childcare system using AAP-recommended ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 across all schools. Results shared with families twice a year.
- Enrichment included in tuition: Six programs built into the daily schedule for ages 3 and up.
- 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM: The longest operating window among top West Des Moines centers.
- Four meals daily: Breakfast, lunch, and two snacks included.
- Owner-operated: Deepa and Umesh Parekh bring over a decade of early childhood education experience.
- Employer discount: 10% for employees of Athene, Sammons, Wells Fargo, and local medical professionals.
Schedule a tour at Primrose School of West Des Moines
FAQ
How many childcare centers are in West Des Moines?
Over 60 licensed providers operate in West Des Moines, including full-time centers, home daycares, and part-time preschool programs. About a half-dozen hold national accreditation.
Is there free preschool in West Des Moines?
Yes. Tiger Cubs Preschool, operated by West Des Moines Community Schools, is free for 4-year-olds through the Iowa Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program. Sessions are half-day, four days per week. Enrollment is limited and opens each January.
What is the average cost of childcare in West Des Moines?
Full-time childcare averages approximately $900 to $1,200 per month depending on the child’s age and the center’s program. Infant care is typically the most expensive. Ask each center for a detailed tuition breakdown including meals, enrichment, and registration fees.
Which West Des Moines centers accept infants?
Primrose School of West Des Moines, New Horizon Academy, Cadence Academy, both KinderCare locations, A Child’s World, and New Creations all accept infants starting at 6 weeks.
What accreditation should I look for?
Cognia and NAEYC are the most recognized. Cognia evaluates the entire institution including leadership and outcomes. NAEYC focuses on program standards like curriculum and teaching. Primrose School of West Des Moines holds Cognia accreditation.